Waves of the Human Brain

Every substance in the universe vibrates differently. Similarly to this, every portion of the body vibrates. Every component of the body vibrates in a unique beat. Brain waves are the specific set of waves that the brain produces. At the foundational level of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, neurons in the brain communicate with one another. Brain waves are produced when electrical pulses from the bulk of neurons are synchronized through this communication. Our daily actions and experiences in the world are inextricably linked to our brainwave profile. When brainwaves are out of whack, accompanying psychological issues start to show up. Over-arousal of the brainwave occurs when we face sleep issues, any type of psychological disorder, nightmares, anxiety disorders, hypertension, impulsive behavior, hypervigilance, chronic nerve pain, annoyed depression, etc.

There happens under arousal of brain waves when there is typical depression, insomnia, severe pain, attention deficit disorder, etc. Bipolar disorder, narcolepsy, fulminating behavior, hysteria, offensive behavior, loss of appetite, migraine, falling sickness, breathing problems when sleeping, giddiness, tinnitus, diabetes, premenstrual tension, low blood sugar levels, etc. can all cause instability of brain waves at times.

 The five different types of brainwave frequencies—Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta, and Gamma—have been described by neuroscience. With the use of sensors mounted on the skull, these brain waves can be identified. The functions of the various bandwidths that make up brain waves are described. The brain waves fluctuate in response to our actions and emotions. Slower brain waves are more prevalent, sluggish, or drowsy when we are exhausted.

Division of Human Brain Waves :

When we are engaged or hyperalert, higher-frequency brainwaves become more prominent. The speed of brain waves is expressed in Hertz (which means cycles per second). It is divided into numerous bands depending on how fast, moderately, and slowly the waves bend.

The Infra-low (0.5 Hertz): is the slowest wave in the brain, also known as Slow Cortical Potentials. Only a few facts about these waves are known because of their slow movement. Additionally, it has been challenging to locate an accurate measurement. The primary cortical rhythms are thought to be infra-low brainwaves. This wave plays a crucial role in the timing and network functionality of the brain.

The delta wave (0.5 to 3 HZ): After infra-low waves, the delta wave is the second-slowest wave. The delta brainwave is present during the deepest stages of deep and dreamless sleep as well as deep meditation. Parapsychology originates at the delta level, where external consciousness is suppressed. Delta is the domain of the unconscious mind, the entrance to the universal mind, and the repository of knowledge that the conscious mind is unable to comprehend. At the delta level, regeneration and healing are available through the level of the mind. Therefore, getting plenty of sleep and practicing meditation are thought to be crucial.

Theta (3 to 8 HZ): Deep meditation and regular sleep frequently produce theta brain waves. Theta, the subconscious mind’s domain, is referred to as the twilight stage since it only briefly manifests as you transition from alpha to sleep and awaken from a deep slumber ( from the delta). The voice of Theta is silent.

Alpha Wave (8-12 HZ): When you are deeply relaxed with your eyes closed, daydreaming, having quiet, flowing thoughts, or in some meditative state, your brain is working on the alpha wave. Everything that is programmed in this stage succeeds. Memory, learning, vision, imagination, and focus are all improved by alpha waves. Alpha, which sits at the intersection of the conscious and subconscious minds, communicates through intuition.

Beta (12–38 Hz): The usual walking level of consciousness is associated with the beta brainwave. When we pay close attention to cognitive tasks like logic, critical reasoning, problem-solving, judgment, and awareness, this wave becomes prominent. Beta is a quick-acting substance that is crucial to daily tasks. A larger level of beta is generated during times of stress, anxiety, and restlessness. Beta brainwaves are separated into three bands: Lo-beta (Beta 1, 12-15Hz when fasting or idling), Beta (Beta 2, 15-22Hz during high engagement or activity), and Hi-Beta (Beta 3, 24-30Hz during alertness or activity) (Beta 3, 22-38Hz involving new experiment, intricate thoughts, high excitement or anxiety). Continuous high-frequency processing is harmful to one’s health because it requires a significant amount of energy to produce the Beta wave.

Gamma (38–42 HZ): In a person, gamma brain waves are the fastest, highest frequency (like a flute), and lowest amplitude cerebral oscillations. When multiple brain regions are processing information concurrently, a gamma wave is present. Gamma wave information transfer is sluggish and quiet in nature. Researchers have discovered that it is associated with a “sense of blessing” and is particularly strong when a person is practicing bigger virtues like generosity or universal love. Gamma is more prevalent when prolonged consciousness and spiritual ascent occur. Gamma wave activity is inversely correlated with learning difficulties, memory issues, and impaired mental function.

Peak achievements are brought on by high Gamma activity. Gamma brainwave production is reported to be above average in successful people, high achievers, great sports, and talented musicians, among others. Gamma activity is said to be increased through practices like meditation and focusing on compassion and love, among other things. The generation of excessive Gamma is a natural state of awareness for some people, such as exceptional athletes. Gamma brain waves and gamma rays are sometimes misunderstood. They are distinct from one another. The strongest waves in electromagnetic expansion are gamma rays. It is typically produced by lightning and nuclear explosions on Earth. Gamma Rays and gamma brain waves are only similar in that they have an abnormally high frequency and tiny amplitude.

Shifting and harmonizing the brain waves:

There are various techniques for adjusting and harmonizing the brain waves. The brain waves are changed by any process that alters perception. For instance, there is a certain brain wave that occurs when you are happy; you then unexpectedly receive unpleasant news. Your attitude has now changed, which has caused your brainwaves to shift.

It has been usual for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medications, or recreational drugs to alter brain function. In the East, several spiritual and yogic activities, including meditation, have been used to change brainwaves (changing the beliefs and opinions of the mind).

Ashwagandha, clad by the vernacular name Indian ginseng, Indian winter cherry, or poison gooseberry is a powerful remedy for bolstering immunity. This herb is a potent adaptogen i.e., it is a non-toxic herb that helps to normalize all bodily functions, by working on the HPA axis and the neuroendocrine system.

What is Ashwagandha?

There are many types of Ashwagandha in different countries, but to identify the real Ashwagandha its plants smell like horse urine when mashed. This smell is stronger in the fresh root of Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha grown through farming is of better quality than plants found in the forest. Ashwagandha plant found in forests is considered good for extracting oil. It has two types –

Small Ashwagandha

Due to its small shrub, it is called a small Ashwagandha, but its root is large. It is found very much in Nagauri, Rajasthan and it is particularly influential because of the climate there. That is why it is also called Nagauri Ashwagandha.

Big Ashwagandha

Its shrub is large, but the roots are small and thin. It is commonly found in gardens, fields, and hilly places. Due to the predominance of kabj qualities and its smell resembling a horse’s urine, it has been named in Sanskrit as Baji or horse.

Health benefits of Ashwagandha

Historically, the roots of Ashwagandha have been used to treat arthritis, constipation, Insomnia, skin conditions, stress, gastrointestinal issues, diabetes, nervous breakdowns, fevers, snake bites, memory loss, and various other conditions. The leaves, seeds, and even fruits have been used to treat various conditions. Let’s look at them one by one.

Benefits of Ashwagandha

1. For Anxiety –

Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, which helps the body adapt to stress. It can boost brain function and help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression. Several controlled human studies have shown that this herb can reduce symptoms in people with stress and anxiety disorders. In a 60-day study with people with chronic stress, those in the group supplemented with ashwagandha reported a 69% reduction in anxiety and insomnia, compared with 11% in the placebo group.

If you experience stress in your day-to-day life, you can use a traditional Ayurvedic oil to massage your body with Ashwagandha as one of the key ingredients. Recommended in the ancient Ayurvedic text of Sahastrayogam, Ayurvedic Sugandhadi Oil is one such ingredient that alleviates stress, exhaustion, tension, and body ache.

2. For Inflammation –

Inflammation is the body’s normal response to conditions such as infection, toxins, and trauma. Under normal conditions, the body will produce an anti-inflammatory response to restore balance. In cases of chronic pain, however, the body is not able to regulate the inflammatory response. The result is chronic imbalance and chronic pain.

Many Ayurvedic herbs address ongoing, excess inflammation. Ashwagandha is one such herb that has proven to be effective in reducing inflammation. Ashwagandha herbal tea prepared from leaves helps relieve inflammation.

3. For Preventing and Healing Acne :

Ashwagandha root has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, protecting the skin from infections or acne. It also boosts the collagen in the skin which prevents it from aging. If you suffer from acne, you should try natural face packs with Ashwagandha powder. Kama Ayurveda’s Nimrah Face Pack has Ashwagandha as one of the key Ayurvedic key ingredients. This anti-acne treatment heals pimples and blackheads, reduces scars, improves skin tone, and repairs inflammation.

4. For Heart :

Ashwagandha has a variety of benefits to the heart, including providing treatment for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, chest pain, and various other heart diseases. Including Ashwagandha powder in your diet helps in maintaining a healthy heart.

5. For fighting infections and boosting immunity

Did you know that Ashwagandha is one of the 15 ingredients of the famous Lakshadi Thailam that is popular for fighting infections, healing fever, and boosting immunity? Lakshadi Thailam is used as a Body Massage Oil for babies due to its numerous benefits for skin and health. Ashwagandha soothes and calms inflamed or sensitive skin. Hence, it’s ideal for the sensitive skin of babies. You can even use Natural Soap for your baby with Ashwagandha as one of the key ingredients.

6. For Cancer :

Certain studies have found that withaferin, which is a compound in ashwagandha, helps induce apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cancer cells.

It also prevents the growth of new cancer cells in several ways. Withaferin is believed to promote the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cancer cells, thereby disrupting their function.

Studies also suggest that it may help treat various types of cancer, including breast, lung, colon, brain, and ovarian cancer. In one such study, rats with ovarian tumors treated with withaferin alone or in combination with an anti-cancer drug showed a significant reduction in tumor growth. The treatment is also believed to prevent the spread of cancer to other organs.

7. For Alzheimer’s treatment:

Researchers have found that Ashwagandha inhibits the production of beta-amyloid plaques. These plaques, considered lethal to brain cells, grow in the brains of people with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

At the National Brain Research Center (NBRC), scientists conducted tests on mice with Alzheimer’s. After a few days of treatment cognitive performance of the mice improved significantly. At the end of one month, their brain function had returned to normal and the amyloid plaques that had been present in the mice’s brains were reduced.

Studies show that rather than altering brain chemistry directly, ashwagandha boosts a protein in the liver which clears amyloid from the brain.

8. Helps in toning the skin and strengthening muscles of new and expecting mothers:

Ashwagandha is one of the key ingredients in the famous Ayurvedic Bala Oil (also known as Dhanwantaram Thailam). This classic Ayurvedic treatment is meant for expecting and new mothers to relieve pain, and fatigue and boost energy and immunity. It also strengthens the muscles and improves the elasticity of the skin which helps in preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.

9. Treating Insomnia:

Do you lie awake in bed late at night unable to sleep? Does this happen often? If so don’t worry, ashwagandha is the cure for your insomnia. it is known to possess sleep-inducing properties that might seem beneficial to those suffering from sleeplessness. Try a warm cup of ashwagandha powder mixed with milk before you sleep to help to unwind and sleep better.

10. Treating Asthma:

Asthma is a respiratory disorder that may cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest congestion. If you are suffering from asthma, Ashwagandha can prove to be a natural cure for your condition. There may be many factors that may trigger asthma such as dust, pollen, stress, anxiety, pollution, etc. Various ayurvedic texts have mentioned various cures for asthma in children and adults. It involves using ayurvedic medicines and herbs and also a significant lifestyle change. Ashwagandha roots when consumed regularly, reduce stress which in turn helps with respiratory diseases such as this.

11. Treating ulcers:

Various studies propose that ashwagandha could be a natural remedy for ulcers. Gastric ulcers are ulcers that can develop from damage to the stomach lining. Stress-both psychological and physical can also increase the risk of ulcers. It can not only treat but also reduce the risk of ulcers. The studies also indicate that Ashwagandha by itself, or in combination with other herbs can reduce the levels of gastric acid in the stomach, thereby preventing the formation of painful ulcers.

12. Increasing stamina:

In our fast-paced modern lives, it is natural to feel drained out and tired. An unhealthy lifestyle and diet can decrease your stamina and make you feel exhausted. If you are having trouble coping with your daily tasks or feel like you lack stamina, then ashwagandha must be your go-to solution. Ashwagandha facilitates the body to reserve and sustains vital energy throughout the day to promote sound and peaceful sleep at night. It also increases your overall ability to exercise and work.

13. Cure for Vitiligo:

Vitiligo is a disease that causes the loss of skin color in blotches. It occurs when the pigment-producing cells either die or stop functioning. Medical treatment can help reduce the symptoms, but this condition cannot entirely be cured. It can diminish the condition to a great extent when consumed regularly.

14. Battling diabetes

Battling diabetes is tough as you need to transform your lifestyle and incorporate a new regime of medicines into your everyday routine. The most acute part of it is the side effects of all the tablets you take. But, Ayurvedic medicines are supposed to cure without leaving behind any side effects of their own. They are known to treat the disease completely and give you a healthier body and mind.

In the case of diabetes control, it works by regulating the body’s production of insulin.  It stimulates the secretion of insulin in the bloodstream by improving the breakdown of sugars in the blood. This ensures that relatively less harmful sugars are being stored in your body. Thus, blood sugar levels remain low when you consume Ashwagandha extracts over a significant period. Ashwagandha can also affect the overall metabolism of the body for enabling better removal of waste and all-around health. It has proven to be especially effective for people suffering from Type 2 diabetes.

15. Helps in weight loss:

Are you often worried about gaining weight? This powerful herb of Ashwagandha can help you in reducing and maintain your weight. While ashwagandha is also available in capsule form, it’s advised to consume it in powder form made from dried ashwagandha leaves.

This list covered some of the well-known benefits of adding Ashwagandha to your diet and your daily cosmetics. While we’ve talked about many benefits, this list isn’t exhaustive. Next, let’s briefly discuss how Ashwagandha benefits your hair and skin and why it’s useful for men and women alike.

During your yoga teacher training in Nepal with Himalayan Yoga Academy, you will have wonderful sessions of Ayurveda where you will learn the principles of Ayurveda Medicine and as well learn about various miracle herbs like this wonderful herb. You will learn about yourself as well as your surrounding nature and mainly about this universal existence.