Brain waves are measured in cycles per second and are categorized in terms of frequency bands or ranges. Another often-used word for the cycling is ‘oscillation’. There are several brainwave frequency ranges, each associated with different states of consciousness, as depicted in the below illustration.

The Frequency Ranges

The delta range, between 1 and 4 Hz (meaning 1 to 4 cycles per second), is typically associated with deep sleep and unconsciousness, although advanced meditators sometimes show “waking delta” reading. These waves are associated with reenergizing, intuition, emotional processing and enlightened or samadhi states.

Theta oscillations, occurring between 4 and 8 Hz, are associated with a drowsy, relaxed state and can also be accessed during meditation and creative states of mind. They are associated with memory recall, past-life recall, trauma resolution, visualization and the absorption of prana or chi or life force.

Then, the alpha range, between 8 and 13 Hz, is associated with a semi-relaxed, semi-alert state of mind, correlating with the beginning phase of sleep. These waves are associated with relaxation, cognitive efficiency and flow.

The subsequent beta range, between 13 and 30 Hz, is associated with an alert and focused state of mind, often seen during active problem-solving or when engaging in cognitive tasks. These waves are most common in the modern human and are associated with linear thinking, focused attention, analysis, readiness and alertness.

Finally, the gamma range, occurring as peaks between 30 and 100 Hz, is associated with high-level cognitive processing, such as perception and consciousness. This range is associated with creative vision, improved physiology, pain reduction, psychic and healing abilities, increased intelligence and the thickening of the corpus callosum. These peaks seem to affect the formation of neural pathways and create new ideas and beliefs.

Not often mentioned and very uncommon in readings are hyper-gamma waves exceeding 100 Hz, called lambda waves. These peaks seem to be accompanied often with ultra-slow waves, with less than one cycle per second, called epsilon waves.

Mapping of the Diverse Frequencies in the Brain

Performing many functions and responsibilities, the brain operates as an intricate neural network exhibiting varied frequencies across its different regions. This variability resembles a symphony, with each section playing its unique role, contributing to the overall harmony of cognitive processes.

For example, deep within the brain is the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory formation and spatial navigation, and it mainly demonstrates theta frequency patterns, oscillating at approximately 4–10 Hz. These theta patterns are particularly prominent during exploration and learning; they are thought to play a key role in the consolidation of memories and the coordination of spatial navigation.

In contrast, in the regions responsible for sensory and motor functions, especially during states of relaxation or idleness, alpha waves (8–13 Hz) are usually dominant. The occipital lobe, responsible for visual processing, is known to exhibit alpha waves during periods of rest with the eyes closed. This suggests a shift in neural activity as the brain transitions from an engaged, task-oriented state to a more relaxed, receptive mode.

Beta waves (13–30 Hz), commonly associated with alertness and active concentration, are prevalent in the motor cortex and areas involved in motor planning. Gamma waves (30–100 Hz), known for their role in information processing and binding together different aspects of perception, are often observed in the visual cortex during tasks requiring attention to detail.

Changing frequencies at will

Through continuous stimulation of our analytical capacities, many people in this modern day and age operate predominantly in the beta range. While having advantages, the downside can be a feeling of restlessness or even anxiety, since the analytical capacity of the mind is basically a scanning mode that is also used when there is a perception of risk or danger. In a way, the body might perceive the state of mind as an indicator that there’s something to worry about and will function accordingly by organizing its resources in a way that is functional for dealing with a threatening situation. For example, the body won’t spill its resources on proper digestion of food while you’re on the run from a sabre-toothed tiger. Similarly, when it is in a state of a continuously perceiving a slight threat, fewer resources might be available for digestion of food than what can be considered optimal.

Where it concerns supernatural abilities, these are usually associated with the non-beta brain wave bands. Some phenomena are associated with the alpha level, while others might require deeper trances where slower waves in the theta or even delta ranges are measured. All the while, many phenomena are also associated with burst of high gamma waves, the highest frequency.

From Dr. Joe Dispenza's book “Becoming Supernatural":

"For a person who’s continuously operating in the Beta-range and open to exploring the modes of perception in the slower ranges, Les Fehmi, Ph.D., pioneer in attention and biofeedback and director of the Princeton Biofeedback Centre in Princeton, New Jersey, might offer the solution. While trying to find a method for teaching people how to move their brain waves from beta (conscious thought) to alpha (relaxed and creative), Fehmi discovered how a shift in attention from narrow to open focus changes brain waves. The most effective way to make the shift, he discovered, was by directing people to become aware of space or nothingness—adopting what he called open focus.”

Once this focus on nothingness is achieved, a sudden gamma spike may manifest as a flash of insight. The intensity of this flash may range from a creative eureka moment (Archimedes in the bathtub) to a supernormal ability in real-time, say, as when a mentalist moves an object. Per this theory, consciousness may not move sequentially through the different bands categorized based on frequency. Indeed, a rubber-band effect has been found, according to which when the string of consciousness is willed down from the beta to the alpha range, one may experience a catapult effect where the brain pulse goes directly from the alpha range (8–12 Hz) to the gamma range (>40 Hz)—albeit for a very brief moment. If the state of mind is relaxed further, say from beta to theta, then the resulting gamma spike might be even higher in magnitude (>>40 Hz) if it were to mimic the effects of release of a rubber band from ever increasing bipolar lengths. John Chavez of DMT Quest explains this phenomenon in greater detail:

Subconscious to Superconscious?

There appears to be a “rubber band-effect” when it comes to predominant brain wave states. What we mean by this is that the slower the dominant wave becomes, the greater the potential of the faster spike/state during “coupling”. In essence, the farther you pull the rubber band into the relaxation brain wave (theta/delta), the faster and higher it will snap into the gamma wave spikes. This observation is based on the following points:

A. “Aha!” moments of insight in which (40 Hz) gamma waves were immediately preceded by a short burst of alpha waves (8–12 Hz).

B. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience citing “phase coupling” between theta (4–8 Hz) and gamma (50–150 Hz).[2]

This would lead us to believe that one might experience deeper, more profound insights in a specific arena of thought if the mind is cleared, relaxed, and passively focused. We postulate that if one were to reach a 6 Hz level (theta) of relaxation, they would likely spike into a higher gamma hertz than if one were to only reach a 10 Hz level (alpha) of relaxation. The higher spike would correlate with more robust, new neural network pathways forming as it pertains specifically to that idea/concept. In reading much of the material relating to hypnosis, it is cited that it is the “subconscious mind” that is largely accessed during slower EEG states. However, it appears as though moments of profound insights correlate with moments of “super consciousness” that appear to coincide with gamma waves. This is just a theory… somewhat.

Phase Coupling

The rubber band effect has strong parallels with a special tendency of brain wave frequencies. Researchers have discovered there is harmonious interaction between different brain regions leading to a synchronized dance of neurons; this phenomenon, called phase coupling, plays a pivotal role in shaping the dynamic patterns of brain waves observed through electroencephalography (EEG) and other techniques.[2] At its core, it involves the alignment of the peaks and troughs of oscillatory brain waves between different regions. This alignment creates a temporal relationship, ensuring that the rhythmic patterns of neural activity are in sync. Like in a band, when one of the members alters its rhythm, the others musicians might follow. But when they don’t, the other member will soon shift back to the rhythm of the others.

The synchronization of neurons is quite evident in the theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), beta (13–30 Hz), and gamma (30–100 Hz) bands, but not so much in the delta range. During cognitive tasks demanding heightened attention and information processing, gamma waves often exhibit increased phase coupling. Gamma phase coupling is particularly prevalent in the prefrontal cortex and sensory areas for effective cognitive performance. Theta phase coupling, whereas, is frequently observed during memory-related activities. The hippocampus, a key player in memory formation, often engages in theta oscillations that synchronize with other memory-related regions.

Phase coupling extends beyond individual frequencies, encompassing cross-frequency coupling where different frequency bands interact. For instance, the coupling between theta and gamma waves is vital for coordinating the timing of neural firing, facilitating the precise communication required for complex cognitive processes such as decision-making and problem-solving. Moreover, phase coupling is not static but dynamically adjusts based on the cognitive demands placed on the brain. This adaptability is evident in the phenomenon of event-related phase coupling, where synchronization increases in response to specific stimuli or tasks.

In the various topics, we will see that phase coupling is apparent with many of the recorded brain wave patterns at events we might consider supernatural.

Corpus Callosum: Bridging the Brain Hemispheres

The corpus callosum, a thick bundle of nerve fibres comprising around 200 million axons, facilitates seamless communication between the left and right brain hemispheres. Acting as a neural superhighway, it transmits electrical signals and coordinates activities between corresponding regions of the two hemispheres. For instance, beta waves (13–30 Hz), associated with active concentration and alertness, often exhibit enhanced coherence between hemispheres when cognitive tasks require integrated processing. Activities involving spatial perception, artistic creativity, and complex problem-solving showcase heightened corpus callosum engagement.

The corpus callosum is not a uniform structure but rather exhibits regional specialization. Different parts of it connect to specific regions of the cerebral cortex, allowing for nuanced and specialized communication between corresponding brain areas. This regional specificity is reflected in the varied patterns of phase coupling observed in different frequency bands.

There seems to be a correlation between high gamma wave activity and the thickness of the corpus callosum. Also, one of the ways the corpus callosum grows is by meditation. It can also shrink. This relates meditation to supernatural abilities, since the latter are often displayed at moments where EEG reads high gamma bursts.

Heart–Brain Synchronicity

A funny fact: the Japanese word kokoro and the Chinese word xin mean both heart and mind. In the Western parts of the world, there is not a word that points at both, although the Western scientific way of thinking did uncover an intricate interplay between brain wave frequencies and the heart's rhythmic patterns, whereby cognitive processes and physiological rhythms harmonize. This relationship between the heart and the brain is often referred to as heart-brain synchrony, bridging the domains of cognition and physiology. At the core of this relationship is the concept of heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the variation in time intervals between consecutive heartbeats. HRV is not a monotonous, steady beat, but a dynamic rhythm that mirrors the adaptability of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

Brain wave frequencies, particularly those in the theta and gamma ranges, exhibit correlations with HRV. In moments of heightened cognitive demand or emotional engagement, the brain's gamma waves (30–100 Hz) may synchronize with fluctuations in HRV. This suggests a tightly orchestrated communication between the brain and the heart during periods of increased cognitive load, emotional processing, or stress. Such synchronization reflects the brain's influence on the autonomic nervous system, shaping the heart's response to cognitive and emotional states. Theta waves (4–8 Hz), associated with deep relaxation and meditative states, may also align with increased HRV, indicative of a state of calm and physiological coherence.

Overall, there seems to be a bidirectional relationship between brain wave frequencies and the heart's pulsating rhythms, emphasizing the interconnectedness of cognitive and emotional experiences. Emotions, thoughts, and stressors are not solely cerebral phenomena; they resonate throughout the body, influencing the heart's rhythms. The heart, equipped with an extensive network of neurons and neurotransmitters, communicates with the brain in a continuous feedback loop, shaping emotional experiences and influencing cognitive processes.

Where it concerns supernatural phenomena, the heart is often depicted as an amplifier of the frequencies that the mind creates through imagination. The emanation of such frequencies can be measured objectively (which doesn’t necessarily imply that it has any significant effect on whatever perceives that energy).