Theta (4-8 Hz)
The next brainwave is theta. Theta activity has a frequency of 3.5 to 7.5 Hz
and is classed as "slow" activity. It is seen in connection with
creativity, intuition, daydreaming, and fantasizing and is a repository for
memories, emotions, sensations. Theta waves are strong during internal focus,
meditation, prayer, and spiritual awareness. It reflects the state between
wakefulness and sleep. Relates to subconscious.
It is abnormal in awake adults but is perfectly normal in children up to 13
years old. It is also normal during sleep. Theta is believed to reflect activity
from the limbic system and hippocampal regions. Theta is observed in anxiety,
behavioral activation and behavioral inhibition.
When the theta rhythm appears to function normally it mediates and/or promotes
adaptive, complex behaviors such as learning and memory. Under unusual emotional
circumstances, such as stress or disease states, there may be an imbalance
of three major transmitter systems, which results in aberrant behavior.
Back to our car example, Theta would be considered 2nd gear. Not as slow as
1st gear (Delta) but still not very fast.
Distribution: usually regional, may involve many lobes, can be lateralized
or diffuse;
Subjective feeling states: intuitive, creative, recall, fantasy, imagery,
creative, dreamlike, switching thoughts, drowsy; "oneness", "knowing"
Associated tasks & behaviors: creative, intuitive; but may also be distracted,
unfocused
Physiological correlates: healing, integration of mind/body
Effects of Training: if enhanced, can induce drifting, trance-like state. If
suppressed, can improve concentration, ability to focus attention
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