Understanding Brain Wave States
Through the use of electroencephalographs, more commonly known as EEGs, electrical brain wave activity can be traced and monitored. The slower the brain wave state, the more open to suggestion or hypnosis you are. There are four major brain wave states: beta, alpha, theta, and delta.
Brain wave states are measured in hertz (Hz), which reflects the cycles per second of the electrical impulses that the brain produces. Your brain produces brain waves every moment of every day; however, at different times these waves will have different frequencies.
The Beta State
In your normal, everyday, busy activities you are in what is known as the beta state. This is your busy, working, thinking, decision-making state. As you are reading this book you are most likely in the beta state.
The Alpha State
As soon as you relax and close your eyes you are in what is known as the alpha state, which is a state of light relaxation. The alpha state is also the beginning of the hypnotic state. Alpha is a very simple state to attain and is a level of stress-free activity. This light state of hypnosis is adequate for most purposes, such as smoking cessation, weight loss, study habits, test taking, and the majority of the topics included in this book that do not require regression or pain management.
Fact
Alpha is also known as the earth or the animal state. This explains why when you are comfortably relaxed at home your pets tend to gravitate toward you more than at times when you are very busy in the beta state. Animals do not understand beta and are many times even annoyed by it.
You may have noted that at the beginning of the self-hypnosis sessions presented in this book you are instructed to close your eyes and then take three deep breaths. The reason for this is to bring you to the alpha state quickly so suggestions can be given. The process of simply closing your eyes automatically blocks out approximately 80 percent of beta activity, and taking three deep breaths helps you reach the alpha state quite easily and quickly.
The Theta State
The next level, the theta state, is the daydreaming state. This is also the brain wave level where suppressed memories are hidden. It is the level where your mind expands and is able to remember things more easily than other times. When you find yourself just falling off to sleep at night, you are in the theta state.
Fact
The delta state is where the subconscious mind is able to expand beyond its physical parameters. It is a place of profound intuition and psychic ability. This is where most of the metaphysical aspects of hypnosis are conducted, such as remote viewing, astral projection, or out-of-body experiences. It is also known as the universal consciousness.
The Delta State
The delta state is a very deep state of relaxation where your brain wave activity has become extremely slow. It is also a place of accelerated healing and recuperation. While in the delta brain wave state, some people can undergo major surgery without the use of outside anesthesia.
You will still be able to hear suggestions and are able to react or resist if required while in the delta state. In most cases you will not be able to remember the suggestions given when you exit hypnosis. This is in no way a danger since if you did not like the suggestion being given, you would be able to simply open your eyes and state so.
