Can breathwork change our brain waves?
The phrase 'brain waves' gets thrown around pretty often in the wellness space. But what are brain waves, what do they represent and how can we influence them? Or are they influencing us? To understand brain waves we need to know a little about the brain itself.
The brain is an energy hungry universe that is constantly sending internal signals or messages between neurons (nerve cells). There are billions of neurons and trillions of connections within the mind. The mind uses two messaging systems: electrical impulses and chemical signals.
200,000 whispers
When a neuron is sufficiently stimulated it fires an intense electrical signal called an action potential. Which generates measurable electrical activity and changes in ions. This is happening on a scale that it almost impossible to imagine or visualise. But this transmission of energy is what generates our lived perception of the world.
Neurons can receive inputs from between 10,000 to 200,000 other neurons. Imagine 200,000 people whispering signals to you at one time. The organisation of these electrical signals is of vital importance to our mental wellbeing and the adequate functioning of our mind.
Electroencephalography
Brain waves can be measured at the surface of the skull and represent a summary of the electrical waveforms that are happening beneath the surface. Electroencephalography (EEG) can measure electrical activity as waves or oscillations. Brain waves can be divided into the following categories: Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta.
Gamma are the fastest oscillations and are connected to higher states of thinking. Then in the order listed above they get progressively slower. Delta waves are the slowest and generally occur during deep and dreamless sleep.
The findings
So how can breathwork or yoga relate to brain waves states and what are the benefits? A study out of Chicago in 2015 did all the hard work for us. TBH it is hard to write it better than they did so I am just going to directly quote them:
Among the studies that examined brain waves, alpha waves amplitude and frequency, which is associated with an increased perception of calmness, was increased after breathing, meditation, and asana-based yoga practice. Beta waves, which are associated with task performance, were also seen to improve in frequency and amplitude during and after mainly breathing based yoga. Theta wave activity, which is naturally occurring during repetitive tasks and autonomy, improved primarily after asana and breathing based yoga practice. The overall increase in brain wave activity may explain the decreases in anxiety and increases in focus that are evident after yoga training programs.
Hey Dreamer. Discover a world of focus and deep calm.
Download Wombat on App Store →
-
Desai, R., Tailor, A., & Bhatt, T. (2015). Effects of yoga on brain waves and structural activation: A review. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 21(2), 112–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.02.002
-
This articles does not constitute medical or mental health advice. These practices are not for everyone and are not a substitute for ongoing healthcare from a medical or mental health professional.