About brain waves ...
2. Four states of brain wave activity, their associated brain chemical production and function

alpha   

Importance of alpha state

• induces deep relaxation
• helps you find mental peace
• helps the body relax
• releases stress
• improves concentration
• stimulates creativity and intuition
• improves perception
• improves immunity
• modulates pulse and breath

Chemicals released by the brain at alpha

Acethylcholine

Growth hormone

Decreases cholesterol and blood pressure levels

Regulates secretion of pheromones^§

Is most needed in anoxemia (insufficient oxygen supply to the blood)

Dopamine

Increases heart efficiency and blood flow through kidneys

Improves general state of mind

Most needed to counter the effects of hypertension

beta   

Importance of beta state

• Ordinary concentration levels
• High stress levels

Chemicals released by the brain at beta

Somatostatin

Decreases the production of growth hormone

Inhibits the function of the right side of the brain

Abnormally high levels cause emotional instability

Noradrenaline

Decreases the production of growth hormone

Increases cholesterol and blood pressure levels

Abnormally high levels of noradrenalin cause
   - sleeplessness
   - loss of appetite
   - feelings of irritation

theta   

Importance of theta state

• stimulates creativity
• improves perception
• allows faster uptake of information
• improves focus; faster learning
• more easily achieve meditative state or state of "conscious dreaming"
• initial sleep state

Chemicals released by the brain at theta

Melatonin

This is a "pro-hormone" and can inhibit or help the body regulate many other hormonal functions

Improves mood; relieves symptoms of depression

Increases heart function efficiency and blood flow through kidneys

Vital in the role of inhibitor of hypertension

Serotonin

Regulates blood pressure

Regulates secretion of stomach acid

Stimulates smooth muscle function

delta   

Importance of delta state

• Delta waves produced when we are in the deeply unconscious state of deep sleep
• We are also in delta when in the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep.
• In delta, the brain suspends its functions and lets us rest completely.