EEG - Electroencephalograph

An electroencephalograph (EEG) measures the electrical activation of the brain from scalp sites located over the human cortex. The EEG shows the amplitude of electrical activity at each cortical site, the amplitude and relative power of various wave forms at each site, and the degree to which each cortical site fires in conjunction with other cortical sites (coherence and symmetry). It  uses precious metal electrodes to detect a voltage between at least two electrodes located on the scalp.

It is not helpful to go into the very detailed workings of the instrument, all we need to know is that it measures brain waves and can measure the  main frequency ranges including delta, theta, alpha, the sensorimotor rhythm, low beta, high beta, and gamma. It is worth mentioning that the specific points defining the frequency ranges are not universally accepted, but if we take an approximate banding the ranges are as follows.

The synchronous delta rhythm ranges from 0.5 to 3.5 Hz. Delta is the dominant frequency from ages 1 to 2.

The synchronous theta rhythm ranges from 4 to 7 Hz. Theta is the dominant frequency in healthy young children and is associated with drowsiness or starting to sleep, REM sleep, hypnagogic imagery (intense imagery experienced before the onset of sleep) and hypnosis.

The synchronous alpha rhythm ranges from 8 to 13 Hz and is defined by its waveform and not by its frequency. Alpha activity can be observed in about 75% of awake, relaxed individuals and is replaced by low-amplitude desynchronized beta activity during movement, complex problem-solving, and visual focusing.
.
The synchronous sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) ranges from 12 to 15 Hz and is located over the sensorimotor cortex (central sulcus). The sensorimotor rhythm is associated with the inhibition of movement and reduced muscle tone.

The beta rhythm consists of asynchronous waves and can be divided into low beta and high beta ranges (13–21 Hz and 20–32 Hz). Low beta is associated with activation and focused thinking. High beta is associated with anxiety, hypervigilance, panic, peak performance, and worry.

EEG activity from 36 to 44 Hz is also referred to as gamma. Gamma activity is associated with “perception of meaning and meditative awareness”.

Overall the feedback from an EEG may be a very useful training aid.  Though intrusive, this factor does not matter too much in the early training stages, when the principle objective is trying to learn if you have got it right.

The main disadvantage with EEGs are they are expensive and used principally for medical reasons, so you would undoubtedly have difficulty finding one and using one.

Observations

For iPad/iPhone users: tap letter twice to get list of items.

• Brain-to-Brain Interaction at a Distance Based on EEG Analysis
• Green, Drs Elmer and Alyce – Experiment - A vision using biofeedback and visualisation
• Green, Drs Elmer and Alyce – Experiments - Perception recall
• Green, Drs Elmer and Alyce – Experiments - Precognition and prophecy
• Green, Drs Elmer and Alyce – Experiments - Telepathy
• Green, Drs Elmer and Alyce – Experiments - The benefits of using EEG, biofeedback and visualisation
• Green, Drs Elmer and Alyce – Experiments - Using EEG, biofeedback and visualisation
• Green, Drs Elmer and Alyce – Experiments - With Mr Karabanda’s son, the numerical genius who turned out to be a savant
• Green, Drs Elmer and Alyce – Experiments – Dr Pat Norris and her dissertation on the use of guided imagery and biofeedback for change in self-image in prisoners
• Green, Drs Elmer and Alyce – Healing Epilepsy using biofeedback
• Green, Drs Elmer and Alyce – Healing Migraine – And recognising the underlying cause
• Raikov, Professor Vladimir L - Psychic Discoveries – 07 It's as if the entire being was pulled up into one unwavering floodlight
• Swami Rama - 01 Using biofeedback as an aid to the meditation of traveling through the body
• Swami Rama - 02 The Swami increased the temperature difference between the left and right sides of his hand and slowed his heart
• Swami Rama - 03 The Swami stops his own heart
• Swami Rama - 04 The Swami causes a fourteen-inch aluminum knitting needle to rotate on a pivot in the laboratory
• The OBE case histories of Dr John Palmer at John F Kennedy University - 03 The EEG and theta waves
• Yogiraja Vaidyaraja, the burying yogi, and his ability to maintain autonomic equilibrium while enclosed in an airtight box all day