Theta Theta is defined by some as 3-7 or 3-8 Hz and others as 4-8 Hz. Many more experienced trainers tend to prefer staying away from the Greek letter denominations and just talk about frequencies themselves. 3Hz activity is kind of a crossover point between delta and theta. It is a frequency which you generally will want to reduce. It is a very internal state, sometimes even a dissociative place, where contact with the environment is pretty minimal. It is […]

Alpha Alpha is primarily found in the rear of the brain, over sensory areas. Alpha is the bridge between conscious (beta) and subconscious (theta) states.  Alpha peaks should be around 10Hz.  Alpha would be expected to be higher in back and on the right (except that O1 is probably higher than O2).  The alpha frequency comes from the thalamic pacemaker (that’s what is meant by diffuse alpha projection system), and if you speed it up anywhere, you tend to speed […]

Low Beta/SMR SMR is the frequency above alpha in the sensorimotor cortex, between C3 and C4.  In adults, alpha is expected to have its peak at 10 Hz, in a band from 8-12 Hz, so SMR is likely to be around 12-15 Hz. In children of 8 years, the peak alpha frequency is often around 8 (perhaps lower in children who are behind the developmental curve, as most ADHD people are), so the alpha band might be closer to 6.5-9.5 […]

Beta The useful range of beta for most folks is from around 15 to around 22 Hz.  Studies as far back as the 1970s have shown that some people experience the faster range (18-22 Hz) as intense focus, curiosity and engagement; others experience it as anxious and obsessive.  Above 22 Hz, it’s pretty safe to say that the experience will not be good, no matter the age. 15-18 and 19-22 Hz are in the beta range.  Most kids do better with […]

High Beta When a person is anxious and can’t stop thinking, you’ll usually see high beta.  High beta or beta 3 is 23-38 Hz and should not be trained up.  It’s not a frequency brains ordinarily make much, because it’s tremendously wasteful of energy and not particularly useful unless you are in a seriously threatening situation. Many people can cover their fear when they have something to pay attention to, but when their eyes are closed, internal issues, or frustrated […]

Gamma Gamma represents a pretty small share in most brains, and the overall band has increased from 40 to 42 Hz. Jay Gunkelman did a fascinating presentation at FutureHealth in which he reviewed studies on gamma and its role as the binding frequency going back several decades. He showed quite impressively that gamma appears to be an adjunct to this state–not the driver as is often stated or implied in recent NF writings. His candidate for the true key player […]