Meditation – Gamma Brain Waves
Gamma waves are the fastest brainwave frequencies and are produced when the brain is intensely focused, engaged in problem-solving or experiencing states of high awareness; high gamma activity facilitates better memory, increased intelligence and heightened perception. Gamma waves are associated with concentration and cognitive function, playing a vital role in information processing.
A gamma wave or gamma rhythm is a pattern of neural oscillation in humans with a frequency between 30 and 100 Hz. Gamma waves with frequencies between 30 and 70 hertz can be classified as low gamma with those between 70 and 150 hertz as high gamma.
How do Gamma Waves work?
Studies have revealed that increased gamma brain wave activity can help you achieve the highest concentration levels. Gamma waves can also promote higher states of awareness and increased brain function during meditation. They can:
Improve cognition and problem-solving ability
Help with information processing
Improve memory
Help increase attention span
Increase awareness and mindfulness
Boost the brain’s immunity and function
Because of these effects, researchers have indicated the use of gamma brain waves to treat the following conditions:
Alzheimer’s disease
Schizophrenia
Mild traumatic brain injury
Epilepsy
Stroke
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD
Mood disorders like depression
Gamma waves are associated with integrating information across brain regions for consciousness, problem-solving, and complex cognitive tasks and altered gamma wave activity has been observed in several conditions:
Gamma oscillations have been observed in the majority of epileptic seizures.
Decreased gamma-wave activity has been observed in schizophrenia.
Altered gamma wave activity is associated with mood disorders such as major depression or bipolar disorder and may be a potential biomarker to differentiate between unipolar and bipolar disorders. For example, human subjects with high depression scores exhibit differential gamma signalling when performing emotional, spatial, or arithmetic tasks.
Neuroscientists have now established that gamma wave activity can be increased in amplitude via meditation or neurostimulation.
This evidence may support the hypothesis that one’s sense of consciousness, stress management ability, and focus, often said to be enhanced after meditation, are all underpinned by gamma activity.
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