BRAIN WAVE FREQUENCIES AND STATES

Frequencies are measures of the firing speed (pulse speed) of neurons/networks. They are measured in pulses per second. One pulse per second is one Hertz (Hz).

SLOW FREQUENCIES

Delta (0.5-3.0 or 0-4Hz). Primarily found during deep sleep; high waking levels can indicate a lesion.

Theta (3-7 or 4-8Hz). Normally seen during hypnagogic states (waking up/falling asleep); also important to memory consolidation. Thinking is image-based and creative-intuitive.

MIDDLE FREQUENCIES

Alpha (8-11 or 8-12Hz). Mental stillness, pure awareness without processing; should center on 10Hz for adults.

SMR/LoBeta (12-15 or 12-16Hz). Physical stillness. body presence. Body often feels heavy and warm, low muscle tone.

FAST FREQUENCIES

Beta (15-18 or 16-20Hz). Detail-oriented processing. Language, logical-rational thought.

Beta2 (19-22 or 20-24Hz). Extreme engagement, highly focused, curious; may be experienced as anxious.

Hibeta (23-38 Hz). Hyper-vigilance; extreme anxiety; generally relates to PTSD or abuse history

Gamma (38-40Hz). Integrative/binding frequency found in all areas of brain.