Breath and Brain Activity
by Roshi Hogen Berman

For centuries, Sages, Yogis, Mystics and certain Holymen have known that breathing exercises affect our brain wave activities or frequencies and thus react on our overall mental processes.

Scientists have learned more about the brain and its operation in the past twenty years than was learned in all of earlier recorded history (scientific history) of the human species. In reality, with regard to the breath and breathing techniques and exercises, scientists have confirmed what has been known and taught for thousands of years by some Sages and Yogis.

When we human beings are going about in our mundane daily life, we normally inhale and exhale at the rate of 17 - 18 breaths per minute. When we do this, our brain wave patterns register between 13 and 30 cycles per second. This is called the "Beta" state. Beta brain waves are those that promote rational, analytical, and intellectual thinking -- and involves our verbal communication skills.

In addition to Beta brain wave patterns, we know the function and characteristics of several others which are useful to mankind and which can easily be induced at will. These are Alpha waves, Theta patterns, a mixture of Alpha and Theta, and the Delta state.

The Alpha brain waves are slower than Beta waves and cause the mind and the bodies to enter into a relaxed, calm -- but yet mentally alert mode. While in the Alpha state we might contemplate difficult worldly problems and -- more than likely we will find solutions to them. The Alpha state is said to be ideal for cogitating life's seemingly unsolvable labyrinths. In addition we might also create a few daydreams and perhaps experience what we perceive to be intuitive insights.

"Theta" brain patterns are slower than both the "Beta" and "Alpha" waves. They measure 8 to 12 cycles per second. If you can imagine -- or recall -- that moment just before falling asleep, yet not quite into the sleep state, this is the "Theta" state in the brain. It is said that during the Theta state, it is possible to tap into one's subconscious, increase psychic abilities, accelerate learning, and enter into deep meditation.

Even lower on the scale of brain wave activity is the "Delta" state. At this stage the brain wave frequency ranges from 0.5 to 4 cycles per second. Usually, when sleeping, one is in the "Delta" state. It is also thought human beings enter the "Delta" state when near death and when experiencing a feeling of pure bliss and oneness with the universe.

Recently a researcher named Jack Schwarz, working with physicians and scientists, discovered that a few minutes of simple breathing exercises can quickly relax you, give you the ability to think more clearly, learn quicker, and enjoy a mental state of tranquility and equanimity. The following exercises were developed and if practiced daily, will bring emotional and physical healing of ill feelings, give one a system of controlling pain, accelerate learning, and allow the practitioner to experience total peace of mind. It is suggested that one and all try this exercise for a few moments daily; to begin you must:

A: Sit or lie comfortably.

B: Repeat each brain wave exercise and pattern three times before moving on to the next set.

C: Breathe using the rhythm indicated (consider a count of one being equal to about one second).

D: Always begin with the Alpha pattern and practice in descending order.

E: You can stop and extend a particular rhythm for an additional couple of minutes -- depending upon the desired effect.
After a couple of minutes you can stop counting and breathe naturally and easily. The heightened brain activity will stay with you for awhile -- even after you have stopped counting.

F: Always end your practice and exercise (at the end of each sitting) with the Beta phase. This will insure you are back in the relative world fully alert, aware and awake.

G: To begin, take a deep breath, exhale forcibly (a cleansing breath), close the mouth and breathe through the nose. Begin counting and repeat each phase three times.

Phase #1. ALPHA: Breath in for the count of eight (8) -- hold for the count of eight (8) -- exhale for the count of eight (8) -- and then wait for a count of four (4) before starting the next inhale. (Repeat three times).

Phase #2. ALPHA/THETA: Breath in for a count of four (4), hold for the count of eight (8), exhale for the count of eight (8) and wait for a count of four (4). (Repeat three times.)

Phase #3. THETA: Breath in for a count of four (4), hold for a count of eight (8), exhale for a count of sixteen (16) -- and wait for a count of four (4). (Repeat three times.)

Phase #4. DELTA: Breath in for a count of four (4), hold for a count of eight (8), exhale for a count of thirty-two (32) -- and wait for a count of four (4). (Repeat three times.)
When the cycle is completed and you are ready of leave the influence of the slower brain waves to re-enter mundane daily activities, it is important to remain seated and repeat the Beta breathing technique about ten (10) times.

BETA breathing consists, more or less, of normal breathing; breath in for the count of one (1), hold for a count of zero (0), exhale for the count of one (1) -- and wait for a count of zero (0).

When -- or if -- one plans on practicing these exercises, there are a few minor details that must be remembered if the effort is to be effective:

Relax, stay calm and take your time. Do not try to rush through the exercises.

If you lose count during a particular phase, keep calm and begin that phase over.

Deep abdominal breathing is essential.

Breathe through the nose, both during the inhale and exhale. Conserve air by allowing it to trickle out during the longer exhale counts. Be sure to keep the mouth closed -- to prevent throat dryness and discomfort.

Each count should be about one second.

Keep in mind, these exercises are not part of an endurance contest -- it will take practice to reach the Theta and Delta levels.

Please send comments, corrections, add links, information, etc. to ... khumatsarla@hotmail.com



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