If you’re already learning about NLP (Neuro-linguistic Programming), Time Line Therapy® or hypnosis you’ll appreciate that much of the language work facilitates an expansion or a contraction of a client’s belief frame. The specific purpose being to ‘blow the boundaries’ on a pattern of thought, allowing the client to forge new neural connections and expand their perspective. What facilitates those changes in the brain is an alteration in brain wave patterns. So, this article “Brainwave Patterns 101 for NLP Students” gives you an overview of everything you need to know to appreciate the impact of the suite of NLP tools and techniques on the brain.
What Is A Brainwave Pattern?
Brain waves are patterns of electrical activity occurring in the brain. Each of the patterns operates at a different frequency. They are fundamental to all aspects of brain functioning: thoughts, emotional response, and behaviour. Our brain is comprised of brain cells called neurons, which communicate with each other through electrical brain waves. The pattern of brain waves changes depending on one’s level of consciousness and cognitive processing. Specifically, we operate different brain waves when we are sleepy to those we operate when we are alert.
Our brain waves operate in combination, the balance of which is critical to healthy function. Depending on the specific activity we’re engaged in, a particular brain wave will be dominant over the others. Think of it as one type of brainwave in the foreground, whilst the others continue to operate in the background. When one’s brainwaves are not balanced properly, that individual may experience both emotional (e.g. anxiety or obsessive-compulsive behaviours) and neurological challenges (e.g. insomnia).
Who Discovered Brainwave Patterns?
A German neurologist Hans Berger discovered brain waves in the mid-1920s. Interestingly, he intended to record what he imagined as psychic energy in the brain. Over time, he began to focus on specific brain waves and achieved the first recording of electrical waves in the brain: known today as an electroencephalogram, or EEG.
The electroencephalogram was a breakthrough discovery and EEGs have since been used to provide useful information about a person’s mental state and functioning and contribute to diagnoses of sleep problems, epilepsy, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
So, what’s the key information you need to understand from brainwave patterns 101 for NLP students?
What Are The Five Brainwave Patterns - 101 For NLP Students?
There are five different types of brain waves, ranging from low to high frequency.
- Alpha waves occur when the brain is resting. Specifically, during quiet, thoughtful times. In NLP terminology we refer to this state as the ‘In Time or Down Time State”.
- Beta waves are the most common pattern in the normal waking state. They occur when one is alert and focused on problem-solving. In NLP terminology we refer to this state as the ‘Up Time State”.
- Gamma waves are the fastest and are associated with higher levels of consciousness. Gamma waves occur when we are processing various sensory stimuli (visual, auditory, touch) and the grouping of the various features of a given stimulus, particularly visual, into a coherent whole.
- Delta waves are the slowest brain waves. They are generated in deep meditation and dreamless sleep. Healing and regeneration occur when the brain is in this state.
- Theta waves also occur in sleep and during relaxation. They are indicative of an inner focus, and dreams and vivid imagery occur in this state.
Appreciating The Impact Of Hypnotic Techniques On Brain Wave Patterns
During the induction stages of hypnosis, the body becomes more and more relaxed and the brain begins to change brain wave patterns. In hypnosis, the four most relevant brainwave patterns are Alpha, Beta, Delta and Theta.
Whilst operating in the fully engaged and focused state, the brain will show a Beta wave pattern which is from 15 to 40 cycles per second or 15 Hz – 40 Hz.
During a restful state, the brain will show an Alpha wave pattern which is from 9 – 14 Hz.
In a deeper state of hypnosis, similar to dreaming and some meditative states, the brain shows a Theta wave pattern which is from 4 – 8 Hz.
Finally, in the deepest state of hypnosis, the brain shows a Delta wave pattern (associated with deep and dreamless sleep) from 1 – 4 Hz.
Gamma waves tend to operate in the background when we are awake at a frequency of 40 – 70 Hz. Interestingly, some of the confusion techniques, such as submodality work, rely on the rapid processing power of the gamma waves, operating in conjunction with Alpha brain waves, to facilitate a shift in perception.
How Does The Change Happen?
Quite simply, it happens slowly. Our brain waves do not jump about from, for example, Delta state to Beta state rapidly. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule and a strong electrical external stimulus would do the job, however, I wouldn’t recommend the test!
The frequency of brainwaves gradually decreases and increases as required. The speed of gradual change in brainwave frequency however can be fast or slow depending on the individual and the ability of the external stimulus. Effectively, how well the practitioner can get into rapport and lead a client to change their wave frequency. Just as the transition from Beta to Alpha to Theta and then Delta is gradual, the reorientation or re-awakening is similarly paced.
All brain wave frequencies are normally present together in the brain. However, the dominant frequency in the EEG pattern determines what shall be called the current state of the brain. If the amplitude of the alpha range frequencies is highest, then the brain is said to be in the alpha stage. Due to the ever-presence of all frequencies, it’s impossible to measure the precise frequency our brains are operating on at any given moment.
The Beta Wave Pattern Is Our Default When Awake
We are most frequently operating in the Beta brain wave pattern when awaken. So, when we can quieten or lessen this brain pattern and enter the alpha state, we operate in the optimum conditions for learning. Specifically, the alpha state offers a prime opportunity to optimise the learning of new information, retain facts, perform elaborate tasks, learn languages and analyse complex situations. Within the field of NLP we specifically put people in the learning state by getting them to enter their peripheral vision and control their breathing. In essence, we are leading them into the alpha brain wave pattern.
Moreover, meditation, relaxation exercises, and activities that enable the sense of calm, also enable this alpha state. This particular state is thought to be an integral part of the relaxation process required to induce the sleep state. The alpha frequency has been studied extensively in various types of meditation. This study, published in 2008 (1) showed the identification of changes in the alpha wave patterns within 2-8 minutes of Zen Meditation.
The Theta state is associated with dreams, deep meditation, sleep, and hypnosis, seemingly involved with short-term memory. It is a state of somnolence (feeling sleepy or drowsy) with reduced consciousness. However, a person can be easily awoken from this state.
How Does Rapport Relate To Brain Wave Patterns?
As much as we may question the concept of telepathy, it’s important to remember that both thoughts and feelings hold a certain frequency.
I’m sure you’ve experienced finishing someone else’s sentence or someone else finishing yours. Perhaps you may have wondered if you knew what someone else was thinking. It may even be more likely that you can sense what emotion someone else is feeling.
When we are fully aligned with someone else, both physically and mentally, we are matching and mirroring each other’s physiology and state. To match a state we use our experience of that particular named state to align our brain wave patterns through the imagining or remembering of a specific time when we felt that emotion. When we get into rapport, we open the energetic connection with one another.
If we are sitting in the same room as that person, it is not difficult to appreciate that we are sitting in each other’s energy fields. There it’s a small leap to open our minds to the idea that we can read their brain wave patterns by aligning our patterns as closely as possible with theirs.
NLP Techniques, Hypnotic Language & Deep Relaxation
Many NLP techniques are designed to trigger a similar kind of trance-like state experienced when you’re in the shower or when you’re driving a familiar route and you’re operating on auto-pilot.
When we’re working with a client using these unconscious techniques we’d expect to see a greater prevalence of alpha and, potential theta brain wave patterns. For example, a well-delivered multiple embedded metaphor can take you deep into your internal world, rich in imagery and symbolism.
Naturally, if we’re practising guided meditation, we intend for the client to access delta brain wave patterns at some point during the therapeutical process.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, not all techniques are designed for long-term change at the unconscious level. Some, such as submodality techniques, cartesian quadrant questioning and rapid conversational parts integration maximise on Gamma, Beta and Alpha brain wave patterns to expand perspective.
From that new perspective, the client is empowered to facilitate changes in behaviour resulting from relaxation on limited thought frameworks.
Impact Of Radio Frequencies & EMF On The Brain & Body
With the progress of science and technology in the modern world, we are frequently exposed to artificial electromagnetic waves. The real question is, “how does it impact our bodies and our brains?”
There have been numerous clinical studies in this area and those published have delivered controversial results. This study (2) states “RF-EMF is emitted from devices such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi systems, satellite communication systems, radio, TV stations, and interactive radios. Many of these wireless communication devices are increasingly used in human life (Fig. 2). When using electronic devices (mobile phones, computers, microwave ovens etc.), essentially electromagnetic waves are generated. These waves can be absorbed by human or animal bodies; the specific absorption rate (SAR) is a numerical expression of these absorbed waves.”
I intend to draw your attention to the idea that we are constantly impacted by external frequencies and logically, there must be a significant impact internally, either electrically within the brain or biologically. If you’re interested in this, I recommend you read the study cited above.
References: Brainwave Patterns 101 For NLP Students
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