Nearly a century ago, Hans Berger, a German professor of psychology, discovered weak oscillations in the human brain with a frequency of 7–12 Hz, which he called alpha waves. While studying the circulation of blood in the brain, psychophysiology, and brain temperature, Berger recorded the first human electroencephalogram (EEG). Using EEG, he identified the brain’s alpha rhythm, also known as Berger waves, and observed its suppression (or replacement) by faster beta waves when subjects opened their eyes -a phenomenon called alpha blockade.
The Brain’s Electrical Activity
Did you know that our brain operates on a small amount of electricity? Yes, the human brain – a central control system for the entire body and psyche – requires electricity to perform its complex tasks. This electrical current vibrates and pulses at various frequencies. Among these, the alpha rhythm fascinates scientists and researchers the most, as it emerges during states of meditation or relaxation with closed eyes.
The alpha rhythm is linked to the activity of the brain’s right hemisphere and the unconscious part of the psyche. During this state, attention shifts from the external world to the internal one. When you are drifting off to sleep but have not yet entered deep slumber, or upon waking when you are not fully alert and your eyes remain closed, your brain operates in the alpha rhythm, cycling at 7 to 12 cycles per second. This is the most natural and productive state of the human brain. Enhancing alpha rhythms leads to relaxation and states of expanded consciousness or hypnotic trance. Creative individuals refer to this state as inspiration; many scientific discoveries were made while the brain operated in the alpha rhythm. For example, Dmitri Mendeleev envisioned his periodic table of elements during the transition between sleep and wakefulness, and Isaac Newton formulated the law of gravity after waking up to an apple falling on his head.
When the brain is in the alpha rhythm, it connects to the very core of our consciousness (the unconscious psyche) and establishes a profound connection with the world. Scientists have found that the alpha rhythm resonates with the Earth’s atmospheric oscillations, known as Schumann waves. This means that when the brain operates in the alpha rhythm, it gains unlimited access to a continuous stream of information contained within the Earth’s atmosphere. The ability to harmonize the brain’s frequency with that of the Earth’s atmosphere unlocks extrasensory and paranormal abilities.
The Alpha State and Hypnotic Trance
When your brain operates in the alpha rhythm, you enter a state of hypnotic trance, which can also be achieved through meditation or induced via hypnosis. Researchers have discovered that during a hypnotic trance, the brain’s functioning rhythm slows down to the alpha level. This state is used to activate the brain’s potential.
Beyond the alpha rhythm, scientists identify the beta rhythm, which occurs during wakefulness when your eyes focus on an object. During this state, the brain pulses at 12–30 Hz, with attention directed outward to process external stimuli. The beta rhythm is associated with the left hemisphere and the conscious part of the psyche. As you read this, your brain is likely operating in the beta rhythm.
As you fall asleep, the brain’s frequency slows down, transitioning first to the alpha rhythm, then to theta rhythm – a state of deep relaxation or sleep with frequencies of 4–7 Hz. During the deepest sleep, the brain’s activity reduces to 1 cycle per second, known as the delta rhythm (1–4 Hz).
The Positive Effects of the Alpha Rhythm
The alpha rhythm has numerous beneficial effects on the human body and mind:
- Improved Brain Blood Flow
Blood circulation in the brain increases by at least 70% within just one minute of alpha rhythm activation. - Accelerated Recovery Processes
The body’s recovery mechanisms speed up by 8–10 times. For instance, a person recovering from hepatitis may need six months under typical conditions. However, with regular alpha rhythm exercises or trance practices for 30 minutes daily, recovery time could reduce by 8–10 times. - Energy Redistribution
The body’s energy harmoniously redistributes from areas with muscle or energetic blocks, enabling free energy circulation throughout the body. In Eastern practices, this is referred to as “opening the chakras.” - Enhanced Information Processing
People who learn to analyze information while in the alpha rhythm gain access to far greater volumes of information than usual. The brain’s alpha rhythm matches the frequency of Schumann waves – the natural pulse of the Earth’s atmosphere. When aligned with this frequency, creative ideas and inspired thoughts flow effortlessly, and intuition sharpens, leading to unexpected problem-solving insights. - Life Management and Goal Achievement
Operating in the alpha rhythm empowers you to take control of your life. This state can help address various challenges such as weight issues, insomnia, anxiety, tension, migraines, and harmful habits. It also allows you to set your psyche to achieve goals and turn dreams into reality.
The alpha rhythm is more than just a brainwave frequency – it is a gateway to enhanced consciousness, creativity, and connection with the world around us. Embracing practices that foster this state, such as meditation or hypnosis, can unlock untapped potential and transform our lives.