Brain waves are electrical activities of the brain that occur in different frequency ranges and are associated with different states of consciousness, thinking and physical health. These waves not only affect the brain, but also have far-reaching effects on the entire body, especially the cardiovascular system. The type of brain waves can influence how the heart works, how well we can relax and what effects stress has on our body.

The different brain waves and their functions

1. Delta waves (0.5 - 4 Hz)
   Delta waves are the slowest brain waves and mainly occur during deep sleep. They are associated with regeneration, healing and deep rest. During the delta wave phase, the body switches into a mode of complete relaxation, in which the repair processes at the cellular level are particularly active. This state is crucial for heart health, as the heart beats more slowly and evenly during this phase, which lowers blood pressure and relieves the cardiovascular system.
2. Theta waves (4 - 8 Hz)
   Theta waves occur in the light phases of sleep and in deep states of relaxation, such as meditation or hypnosis. Theta waves are closely linked to creative processes, intuitive thinking and deep emotional processing. In this state, stress levels in the body are reduced, which reduces the production of stress hormones such as cortisol. A low cortisol level helps to lower blood pressure, which in turn protects the heart. Theta waves can therefore have a calming effect on the heart, as they promote relaxation and balance the autonomic nervous system.
3. Alpha waves (8 - 14 Hz)
   Alpha waves are brain waves that occur when we are relaxed and awake but not actively thinking - for example, during a quiet break in which we keep our eyes closed. They are particularly important for stress reduction, concentration and a state of mindfulness. The heart benefits from an increased alpha wave level, as the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system ("rest and digest" mode) is increased. This leads to a slowing of the heart rate and promotes heart rate variability (HRV), which is an important indicator of heart health. People who often enter an alpha state show a better ability to recover from stress, leading to a lower risk of heart disease.
4. Beta waves (14 - 30 Hz)
   Beta waves occur when we are awake, alert and mentally active, e.g. when solving problems or working intensively. Beta waves are associated with higher levels of stress, as they are typically elevated during demanding activities or stressful situations. Sustained high levels of beta waves can lead to increased activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which increases heart rate and blood pressure. In the long term, over-activation of the sympathetic nervous system can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, as chronic stress puts a strain on the heart. A healthy balance between beta activity and phases of relaxation is crucial for maintaining heart health.
5. Gamma waves (30 - 100 Hz)
   Gamma waves are the fastest brain waves and are associated with states of intense concentration, information processing and changes in consciousness. They are particularly active in the integration of information from different parts of the brain. Balanced gamma activity can be associated with positive feelings, such as joy and compassion, which in turn can have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. The state in which gamma waves dominate promotes coherence between the heart and brain, which leads to better physical and mental health.

Influence of brain waves on the heart

Heart coherence and brain waves

One particular concept that is often mentioned in modern research is the so-called "heart coherence". This describes the state in which the heart beats in a rhythmic, steady pattern that is directly related to a relaxed and balanced nervous system. Heart coherence can be achieved through states of relaxation and positive emotions, which in turn are favoured by alpha and theta waves. These brain waves influence vagus nerve activity, which plays an important role in regulating the heart rate.

Stress und Herzgesundheit

Wenn das Gehirn überwiegend Beta-Wellen aussendet, wie es in Stresssituationen der Fall ist, führt dies zur Ausschüttung von Stresshormonen (wie Adrenalin und Cortisol), die das Herz schneller schlagen lassen. Dies kann kurzfristig nützlich sein, wenn eine „Kampf-oder-Flucht“-Reaktion erforderlich ist, aber langfristig führt chronischer Stress zu einer Belastung des Herz-Kreislauf-Systems. Eine regelmäßige Erhöhung des Blutdrucks und der Herzfrequenz kann die Gefäße schädigen und die Entwicklung von Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen fördern.

One particular concept that is often mentioned in modern research is the so-called "heart coherence". This describes the state in which the heart beats in a rhythmic, steady pattern that is directly related to a relaxed and balanced nervous system. Heart coherence can be achieved through states of relaxation and positive emotions, which in turn are favoured by alpha and theta waves. These brain waves influence vagus nerve activity, which plays an important role in regulating the heart rate.

• Dr Stephen Porges, developer of the Polyvagal Theory, highlights how important the state of the autonomic nervous system is for heart health. He emphasises that brain waves that reflect relaxed states such as alpha and theta waves promote parasympathetic activity, which has a positive effect on heart health.
• Dr Joe Dispenza has described in his work how meditation and the transition to theta and alpha states contribute to improving heart rate variability. High heart rate variability is a sign that the heart is healthy and can adapt flexibly to stressful situations.
• Dr Rollin McCraty from the HeartMath Institute explains that positive emotions and alpha states lead to an improvement in coherence between the heart and brain. This not only promotes the physical health of the heart, but also emotional stability and well-being.
• Prof Richard Davidson, a leading researcher in the field of affective neuroscience, emphasises that training brain waves, particularly training to produce more alpha and theta waves, stimulates the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve regulates the heart rate and influences the recovery of the heart after stress. Davidson sees this as a way of reducing the risk of stress-related cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

Brainwaves are not only an expression of mental state, but have a profound effect on physical health, especially heart health. Slow brainwaves such as delta, theta and alpha are closely linked to relaxation, healing and cardiac well-being. They stimulate the parasympathetic part of the nervous system, which leads to better heart rate variability and a reduction in chronic stress. Beta waves, on the other hand, which occur more frequently during stressful situations, can lead to an overload of the cardiovascular system in the long term.

The conscious control of brain waves, e.g. through meditation, mindfulness and targeted relaxation, can therefore play a decisive role in promoting the balance between tension and relaxation, protecting the heart and increasing general well-being.

All brain waves - delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma - are usually active at the same time, but their intensity and dominance varies depending on the state and activity of the brain. Here is an overview of how this works:

1. simultaneous activity

The brain constantly generates all kinds of waves. It is a highly dynamic system that combines different frequencies depending on requirements and circumstances.

Zum Beispiel können Alpha-Wellen (entspannt) und Beta-Wellen (konzentriert) gleichzeitig auftreten, wenn jemand entspannt arbeitet.

However, certain states, such as sleep or deep meditation, amplify specific frequencies (e.g. delta in deep sleep).

2. dominance by condition

The dominance of certain brain waves depends on the activity or mental state:

Delta (0.5-4 Hz): Predominates during deep sleep or deep relaxation. Other waves become weaker but are not completely inactive.

Theta (4-8 Hz): Theta is more present during light relaxation, daydreaming or meditation, but alpha and delta waves also play a role.

Alpha (8-12 Hz): Becomes more dominant during relaxation in the waking state. Theta and beta waves can be less active at the same time.

Beta (12-30 Hz): Predominant in focus, problem solving and active thought processes. Alpha and gamma waves complement this state.

Gamma (>30 Hz): Is dominant in high concentration, learning processes and complex thinking, but beta and theta waves can also play a role.

3. interaction

Brain waves interact with each other. For example, theta waves can promote creative thinking, while gamma waves provide sudden insights.

In some cases, such as meditation or flow states, synchronisation occurs between different wavebands, which increases cognitive performance.

Conclusion

All brain waves are always active, but the relative proportions change depending on the state and task. The brain adapts the wave patterns flexibly in order to respond optimally to internal and external demands.