Introduction
At Vielight, we work tirelessly to offer products that are helpful to improve brain functions. A large part of this relates to the use of photobiomodulation (PBM) to modulate brain waveforms. Here we share why this understanding is useful, starting with the neurofeedback practitioners’ perspective.
Neurofeedback training and the brain
Every brain is unique. Neurofeedback practitioners know that our brains respond to external stimuli in a variety of ways. These sensory stimuli can be helpful in modifying the brain’s responses when those responses are abnormal.
Neurofeedback training is based the principle that the brain uses sensory inputs to learn. Repeated information patterns indicate to your brain how to best prioritize received information. They also teach the brain response strategies to help it to interact most effectively with its immediate environment.
During a neurofeedback session your brain will receive cues based on changes in its attention and arousal. After some repetition, your brain learns which cortical behaviors have greater impacts on auditory or visual feedback patterns. As it learns, the brain begins to generate more of those desired responses and behaviors. Instead of traditional psychological “stick and carrot” techniques, neurofeedback targets the brain directly by employing various forms of stimulation.
Furthermore, neurofeedback training helps to train the brain to react differently to a stimulus or a set of stimuli in order to change an individual’s reaction. Brain wave frequencies, or neural oscillations, can play important roles in this process because they are present during specific brain states.
Brain oscillations, neurofeedback training, and photobiomodulation
Neural oscillations and brain states
Every brain state is associated with a particular band of brain frequencies, or rhythms. These rhythms are called “neural oscillations” because they are created by a multitude of neurons communicating with each other. These neural oscillations or brain waves can be registered and measured using an electroencephalogram, or EEG.
There is a correlation between a brain state and the type and frequency of neural oscillations produced during this state. It is possible that by stimulating a particular brain wave frequency, brain activity associated with this frequency can be modulated. Research shows that transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) can be effective in stimulating and modulating the brain.
Interventional and non-interventional ways to affect brain oscillations
EEG is an important part in neurofeedback training. It is a useful, non-interventional method of capturing brain state data and allowing for its analysis. In addition to non-interventional tools like EEG, the neurofeedback training also requires interventional tools. Brain photobiomodulation is one such interventional tool offering a non-invasive form of brain stimulation and modulation using light energy.
While brain PBM can start a restorative biochemical reaction in the neurons, it can also affect the brain’s natural oscillations. It can help to increase or decrease these oscillations, stimulating the brain to change its response. To achieve this goal, the light that is emitted during a tPBM session is pulsed at a specific frequency that is similar to natural brain oscillations. The choice of the pulse rate depends on the issue at hand and on the desired outcome.
A neurofeedback specialist uses equipment to map brain frequencies with qEEG, or quantitative electroencephalogram. Such frequency mapping can be helpful in assessing some deficiencies and abnormalities in the brain’s responses. Furthermore, the brain frequency mapping provides an image of brain oscillations and their respective frequency bands. These brain wave bands are defined differently by different contributors to the field. However, they are most commonly classified into the following five frequency band categories: delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma.
What are unique brain wave frequencies?
Brain’s delta wave frequency band — 0.1 Hz to 4 Hz
Delta frequencies fall in the range of around 0.1 Hz to 4 Hz, and constitute the lowest range of brain frequencies. Brain activity in this frequency range correlates with the states of deep sleep, along with some anomalous processes.
In addition to being present in stages 3 and 4 of sleep, delta frequencies are also commonly predominant in infants under one year. The delta waves are the slowest and have the highest amplitude. They help the brain to focus inwardly, while decreasing awareness of the outside environment. These waves are helpful in attaining a state of connection with the unconscious mind.
High-performing individuals are able to decrease their delta waves to attain top levels of performance. On the other hand, individuals who are unable to decrease their delta wave activity in the brain can experience difficulty focusing. For example, individuals with attention deficit disorder (ADD) usually experience elevated delta wave activity when attempting to focus. Therefore, individuals with ADD have limited ability to stay focused and pay attention. This inability to focus can occur in anyone who has abnormal and unsuppressed delta wave reactions.
The inability to regulate delta wave activity impedes an individual’s ability to react fast to external stimuli. It can also be the cause of an inability to navigate the outside world with ease.
Brain’s theta wave frequency band — 4 Hz to 8 Hz
Brain oscillations in the theta waves frequency band fall between approximately 4 Hz and 8 Hz. The brain activity in this frequency range often correlates with creativity, emotions, and sensations. Theta brain frequencies are present during inwardly focused brain activity, as well as the transitional state between alertness and sleep. Theta oscillations are often prominent during states of creative activities, meditation, and spiritual contemplation.
Furthermore, activity in the theta range correlates with states of learning and memory creation and integration. It can also be present during anxious episodes.
In comparison with delta waves, theta waves are faster. However, despite representing faster brain activity, they are also present during sleep. Theta wave activity commonly correlates with distracted or dreamy states and experiences.
Brain’s alpha wave frequency band — 8 Hz to 12 Hz
Brain oscillations in the alpha wave frequency band fall between approximately 8 Hz and 12 Hz. Alpha wave activity correlates with states that combine relaxation, alertness, and awareness. For example, the brain’s alpha wave activity is present during some stages of meditation. Alpha band activity is also associated with mental resourcefulness, while enhancing a general sense of relaxation.
During alpha wave activity, individuals can accomplish a variety of tasks more efficiently. Alpha brain oscillations promote a sense of calm, allowing the brain to prioritize and focus better. They are also commonly present in normal adults and teenagers in relaxed states. Alpha wave activity also correlates with a state of alertness, but it is absent when the brain is performing specific tasks.
Furthermore, the brain’s alpha oscillations are present during relaxed learning and while applying knowledge. They occur in both classroom and work environments.
It is possible to increase your brain’s alpha activity by doing deep breathing exercises, or simply by closing your eyes. If you wish to lower your alpha state, you could try doing a complex task, like a mathematical calculation. Alpha wave activity promotes the ability to easily switch between tasks while increasing inner awareness, balance, and calmness. It correlates with faster brain activity than that of delta and theta brain waves. Faster brain wave activity refers to activities in the states of alertness and the execution of cognitive tasks. Slow brain wave activity is present during dream-like and meditative states.
Read a published abstract of a study with our Neuro Alpha device on neural oscillations:
https://www.brainstimjrnl.com/article/S1935-861X(21)00491-5/
Brain’s beta wave frequency band — 13 Hz to 35 Hz
Beta frequencies produce faster brain activity than alpha frequencies. Beta frequencies begin at about 13 Hz. This faster frequency occurs during a state of alertness and consciousness. If you are performing an analytical task with your eyes open, your brain’s beta oscillations are at work. This happens because communication among the neurons is increasing.
In general, when you are processing information about the world, beta wave activity is evident in the brain. This activity is present during various tasks ranging from mathematical problem solving to decision making.
Furthermore, because of its significant range, the beta frequency band consists of three sub-ranges — low beta, mid beta, and high beta.
Low Beta Frequency Band — 13 Hz to 15 Hz
The low beta frequency range activity is associated with a more relaxed and focused state.
Mid Beta Frequency Band — 15 Hz to 18 Hz
The mid beta frequency range activity is associated with alertness, mental activity, and focus.
High Beta Frequency Band — 18 Hz to 35 Hz
The high beta frequency range activity is associated with higher levels of alertness and even agitation.
Brain’s gamma wave frequency band — 35 Hz to 100 Hz
The fastest of the five frequency bands is the gamma frequency. It is prominent when the brain is processing complex information that requires input from different parts of the brain. Intense thinking and problem solving are states that correlate with gamma wave activity. The brain oscillations in the gamma wave frequency band fall between approximately 35 Hz and 100 Hz.
Brain activity associated with a frequency of 40 Hz is of particular importance. The 40 Hz gamma wave activity is, presumably, present and needed for consolidation and complex processing of information from different parts of the brain. Whereas activity in this frequency range correlates with good memory performance, its deficiency correlates with learning issues and even disabilities.
Read a published study with our Neuro Gamma device on neural oscillations: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-42693-x.epdf
Using photobiomodulation to modulate brain waves
Considering the importance of brain oscillations, Vielight offers several products that have been found to modulate brain waves using photobiomodulation. The Vielight Neuro Alpha device trains the brain for mainly alpha brain waveforms and improves basic brain network functions. The Neuro Gamma elevates the faster brain waves of beta and gamma, and downregulates the slower delta and theta waves. The new Vielight Neuro Pro device offers the versatility of delivering PBM in the range from 0 to 10,000 Hz.
Understanding the effects of brain oscillations can be helpful in analyzing, supporting, and improving brain wellness. As studies suggest, brain PBM is a non-invasive form of neurostimulation that can help to affect and modulate brain oscillations. PBM with light pulsing at specific frequencies can help modulate and normalize brain oscillations. Considering that brain oscillations represent neural activity, this means that brain PBM can affect neural activity.
