What Are Alpha Brainwaves?
Brainwaves are the electrical impulses that occur when a mass of nerves or neurones talk with each other. Brainwaves communicate our thoughts, emotions and behaviour.
Alpha brainwaves are produced at frequency of between 8 and 10 hertz and mainly when we go into a meditative type state. Alpha brainwaves are the brainwaves that connect our conscious and subconscious minds.
The Role of Alpha Brainwaves
- To allow knowledge, thoughts and idea's to filter unimpeded from the subconscious mind into our conscious mind.
- To calm and relax the brain and body, while promoting a feeling of deep relaxation
- Involved in improving our memory process. Age Associated Memory Impairment (AAMI) is associated with reduced alpha brainwaves.
Alpha Brainwave Deficiency
Lower than normal levels of Alpha brainwaves can lead to;
| Anxiety | Panic attacks |
| Insomnia | Pain |
| Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | Stress |
How To Increase Alpha Brainwaves
There are a few simple techniques that can help a person increase their Alpha brainwaves and they include meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi, deep breathing, aerobic exercise and mindfulness. Alpha brainwaves are also elevated when we focus our attention on one task at a time and as we begin to fall asleep.
Nature has provided some key nutrients and neurotransmitters that allow body to naturally produce or increase Alpha brainwaves when they are needed.
GABA is our body's major relaxing and tranquelising neurotransmitter and has the ability of increasing the generation of Alpha brainwaves when they are needed by the body. Theanine a plant based amino acid only found in tea has the unique capability of stimulating the generation of Alpha brainwaves. While Magnesium and Boron increases Alpha brainwave activity, while Phosphatidylserine, a component of lecithin has been shown to increase the generation of Alpha waves by 15 to 20%.
Two well know brain herbs Bacopa and Ginkgo biloba help to increase Alpha brainwave activity in as little as 30 minutes, hence why they are of extremely beneficial in times of stress and cognitive decline. Bacopa and Gingko biloba are two important herbs in Cortisol Calm a herbal tonic to help relive the toxic affects of stress, depression, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and insomnia.
Alcohol and marijuana both increase alpha brainwaves in the short term, but excessive use will lead to GABA deficiency, thus leading to lower levels of Alpha brainwaves and an increase in anxiety, panic disorders, stress, insomnia and excessive thoughts.
The information provided here is of a general nature intended for educational purposes only. We make no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, alleviate or cure illnesses or diseases with any information or product stated. With any health issue we suggest you consult your healthcare professional before undertaking any health treatment.
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