BRAIN WAVES
The brain performs different activities in different states. Our healing capacity depends on the brain waves we are in.
The beta waves range from 13 to 60 pulses per second. At that frequency, we are alert, even agitated, tense or afraid. The alpha state – 7 to 13 pulses per second – represents the gateway to the subconscious. We are relaxed physically and mentally and may be daydreaming or meditating. The theta state with its 4 to 7 pulses per second puts us in a state of somnolence with reduced consciousness, in deep meditation or in REM sleep. This is the realm of the subconscious mind which we also experience momentarily when we drift into sleep or wake up. This brain frequency provides access to great inspiration, profound creativity and exceptional insight. When we are in deep, dreamless sleep, the brain works at 0.1 to 4 cycles per second. This state called delta is the realm of the unconscious mind where awareness is fully detached. Not spending enough time in this wave, in deep sleep, is detrimental to your health. Unfortunately, many don’t sleep long or deeply enough to access the delta state. As a consequence, their bodies and minds break down faster as the brain fails to heal itself.
We are accustomed to spending most our time in the beta state, which explains why so many people are stressed and have difficulties falling asleep. To learn more and faster, as well as to heal, the alpha state is the place to be! Meditation and relaxation exercises that bring our mind into a state of calmness and balance achieve this purpose.
Therefore, to help a client heal, I endeavor to put the client’s brain in a alpha or theta state. This can be achieved through various modalities, including hypnosis. My favorite is craniosacral therapy, a gentle yet very powerful healing modality that was practiced in the temples of ancient Egypt and rediscovered in the last century. By tuning into the very subtle rhythms of the body in an alpha or even theta state, the practitioner, through entrainment, helps the client slow down their brain waves as well. Most clients go into a light sleep while the body’s own healing mechanism kicks in and does the necessary. When returning to waking consciousness, they usually report a feeling of relaxation and lightness, as if they had had a good night’s sleep and let go of unnecessary baggage. In this state, an injury can be healed in as little as one session!