Gamma waves and meditation
Depending on what we are thinking, how hard we are concentrating, our brain chemistry, environment, and a number of other factors, our brains have a certain electromagnetic signature, a wave frequency, which we can measure with available technology, namely electroencephalographs (EEG). Traditionally, these continuous rhythmic sinusoidal EEG waves were classified into four types: delta, theta, alpha and beta waves. Delta had a frequency range up to 4 Hz, associated with infants and children. Theta ranged from 4-8 Hz, and was linked with adolescence, trance and the preconscious state just before waking. Alpha (Berger’s) waves, 8-12 HZ, were tied to relaxed, alert consciousness. While, Beta waves, 12 Hz and above, were related to anxious thinking and active concentration. However, as increasing evidence for higher frequency brain activity came to light, Gamma waves lay claim the 26-80 Hz range, known euphemistically as “coherent 40 Hz oscillations.” These waves seem to go together with higher mental processes, perception and consciousness, making them the brain waves you probably want to have.
Gamma waves do not result from axonal-dendritic synapses, but rather from dentro-dendritic gap junctions that form after a synapse activation that links neurons together. Neurons connected by gap junctions have one common membrane, fire simultaneously and generally behave like a single giant neuron. These mega-neurons have membranes that depolarize coherently and can spread across different parts of the cortex (potentially allowing for brain-wide states). Normally, these networks are transient, as gap junctions form and dissolve constantly. But, recent research showing that practiced meditators like Tibetan monks can muscle 25-42 Hz easy, with some pushing 80-120 Hz, suggests that it is possible to keep the gap junctions open longer.
The relation between meditation and high wave frequency is not surprising, since the middle frequency (12-16 Hz), the sensorimotor rhythm, goes together with physical stillness. Just sitting still for a while is already half-way to Gamma. From there on, it almost seems it is just a matter of how much of your brain you have under control. Heightened consciousness, known as Samadhi in the meditation traditions, is an experience unclouded by cognitive contents. One usually arrives at it gradually, after years of practice, disciplining the mind that delights in distraction, learning how to focus all attention on a single thing. To focus completely on a single thing means to be able to let go of everything else. So, once you can do that, you can rid yourself from all undesired cognitive contents and enjoy a pure unmediated experience of reality. Now, if the Gamma wave frequency goes up as more of the brain is connected through gap junctions, it seems that advanced practitioners are simply able to network more of their brains, having trained to concentrate their minds. The benefits of meditation do not all wear off, advanced practitioners have a higher baseline gamma synchrony, suggesting a higher general awareness, concentration and consciousness. Other research has shown that meditation also thickens grey matter in parts of the cortex where it normally gets thinner with age.
Breakthrough study on EEG of meditation, Stuart Hameroff MD, Director, Center for Consciousness Studies, U. of Arizona-Tucson
I had a spontaneous kundalini awakening caused by the near-death of my wife. I feel like Gamma brain wave CDs helped me experience a complete awakening, although there is no way to say for sure since I cannot replicate the experience without the gamma cds. I believe gamma brainwave cds combined with perpetual cleansing / detoxing will raise anyones kundalini. In fact, using both of these I have initiated an awakening in my closest friend. I would not suggest trying it unless 1. you are willing to find someone to guide you or 2. you are interested in experiencing serious mental illness.
Comment by Jared — April 7, 2007 @ 4:06 pm
i thought gamma waves was supoosed to HELP mental illness… not awaken it. i ma concerned now because i was told by a friend about these “waves” and that they would be able to heal my condition…
please can you give me your experience??
Comment by crystal — April 10, 2007 @ 2:31 am
Intresting and different content about meditation. A bit Scientific.
Comment by Meditation Guide — April 7, 2008 @ 2:47 am
Hey, Crystal, do not worry.
What Jared means is that a spontaneous kundalini awakening, unless you know what is is happening and how to control it, can indeed cause mentall illness. Gamma waves are just fine and can help. Research has found that people with bi-polar illnesses do not produce brainwaves in the gamma region, and therefore, perhaps introducing such waves can help them.
Comment by chris — August 30, 2008 @ 2:29 pm
what does meditation do with these waves?
Comment by tarun — December 26, 2008 @ 10:06 am
Jared,
Would like to know what Gamma CDs you use. I use Jeffrey Thomson’s Gamma Meditation System when practicing mindfulness meditation. Am looking for other good CDs. I got into meditation for attention training (I have Inattentive ADD). The first time I tried the CD I had an experience. I felt a tingling in the part of my brain just under the forehead. This sensation got stronger and stronger until it just “burst”. Felt like a barrier in my mind had been broken. After that I felt mental clarity like I had never experienced before, no more inattention, no more moodiness, no more anxiety. Unfortunately it only lasted a couple hours. Its been 2 yrs since that happened but I haven’t been able to duplicate the experience. Dont know how I did it the first time.
Comment by Reza — February 3, 2009 @ 4:45 am
LOOK BY SHAMAN TEC HIGHER BALANCE IS 40 HRZ
Comment by christiaan — May 29, 2009 @ 7:55 am
YOU didn’t do it in the first place!
Comment by Jaeger — August 18, 2009 @ 3:49 pm
Delta is non-negotiable. Without Delta you die.
This is why we go to the doctor and say, Dr, I can’t sleep. You are hesitant to admit this, such a small problem. But the Dr has heard it all before, and there is little he/she can do.
Please do check this info out on the net, be thorough. Without Delta 5 hours a night, a total blank, no dreaming, etc., everything suffers, the immune system, your ability to think, cope, react, everything.
Which is why we became a Valium nation.
Comment by katesisco — October 28, 2009 @ 2:58 pm