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NEWSCIENCENEWSCIENCENEWSCIENCE 10. Have those relationships been studied with adequate protocols in any detail? Schumann's resonances are actually observed, by experiment, occurring at several harmonic frequencies between 6 and 50 cycles per second (one cycle equals one hertz). Specifically they are found at 7.8, 14, 20, 26, 33, 39 and 45 Hz, with a daily variation of around +0.5 Hz. Only as long as the properties of Earth's electromagnetic cavity remain about the same do these frequencies remain the same. Cycles may vary somewhat due to ionospheric response to solar cycle activi- ty and properties of the atmosphere and magnetosphere. Projects, such as HAARP, which heat up or blast out the ionosphere pose a potential threat of catastrophic proportions to this interactive system. phere, the EM environment conditioned by this cyclic pulse. Conversely, this pulse acts as a "driver" of our brains and can also potentially carry information. Functional processes may be altered and new patterns of behaviour facilitated through the brain's web of inhibitory and excitatory feedback networks. Functional processes may be altered and new patterns of behaviour facilitated through the brain's web of inhibitory and excitatory feedback networks. The brain has its own set of vibrations it uses to communicate with itself and the rest of the body. EEG equipment distinguishes these waves by measuring the speed with which neurons fire in cycles per second. At their boundaries these waves can overlap somewhat, merging seamlessly into one another—so different researchers may give slightly different readings for the range of cycles per second (Hz). The rate of cycling determines the type of activity, kindling wave after wave over the whole surface of the brain by igniting more MEASURING BRAIN WAVES BY EEG wave after wave over the whole surface of the brain by igniting more The resonant cavity formed between the ionosphere and the Earth neurons. produces rhythmic waves capable of entraining and phase-locking The frequency bands and wave characteristics are described as with brain waves. follows: Even at the turn of this millennium, Hainsworth (now deceased) * Gamma waves (25-60 Hz) appear to relate to simultaneous pro- seems to have been unfamiliar with extensive work in brain-wave cessing of information from different brain areas, e.g., involving research in neurology, hypnotherapy, biofeedback and neural feed- | memory, learning abilities, integrated thoughts or information-rich back. This research includes extensive experiments in frequency-fol- task processing. Gamma rhythms modulate perception and con- lowing response (FFR) and relating sciousness, which disappear with anaesthe- brain waves and brain-wave deficien- sia. Synchronous activity at about 40 Hz cies to psychobiological states. . appears involved in binding sensory The brain is a massive source of ELF The resonant cavity formed inputs into the single, unitary objects we signals that get transmitted throughout between the ionosphere and perceive. the body through the nervous system, * Beta waves (12-25 Hz) dominate our which is sensitive to magnetic fields. the Earth produces rhythmic normal waking state of consciousness Brain waves and natural biorhythms can waves capable of entraining when attention is directed towards cogni- be entrained by strong external ELF sig- tive tasks and the outside world. Beta is nals, such as stationary waves at and phase-locking with a "fast" activity, present when we are Schumann's resonances. Entrainment, i alert or even anxious, or when engaged synchronisation and amplification pro- brain waves. in problem solving, judgement, decision mote coherent large-scale activity rather making, information processing, mental than typical flurries of transient brain activity and focus. Nobel Prize winner waves. Thus, resonant standing waves Sir Francis Crick and other scientists emerge from the brain, which under the right conditions facilitates believe the 40 Hz beta frequency may be key to the act of cognition. internal and external bio-information transfer via ELF electromagnet- « Alpha waves (7-12 Hz) are present during dreaming and light ic waves. These SR waves exhibit non-local character and nearly —_ meditation when the eyes are closed. As more and more neurons are instant communication capability. recruited to this frequency, alpha waves cycle globally across the The EEG (electroencephalograph) measures brain waves of differ- whole cortex. This induces deep relaxation, but not quite meditation. ent frequencies within the brain. Rhythmicity in the EEG isakey In alpha, we begin to access the wealth of creativity that lies just variable in the coordination of cortical activity. Electrodes are placed _ below our conscious awareness. It is the gateway, the entry point that on specific sites on the scalp to detect and record the electrical _leads into deeper states of consciousness. Alpha waves aid overall impulses within the brain. Frequency is the number of times a wave mental coordination, calmness, alertness, inner awareness, mind/body repeats itself within a second. It can be compared to the frequencies _ integration and learning. on aradio. Amplitude represents the power of electrical impulses Alpha is also the home of the window frequency known as the SR, generated by the brain. Volume or intensity of brain-wave activity is | which propagates with little attenuation around the planet. When we measured in microvolts. intentionally generate alpha waves and go into resonance with that Raw EEG frequency bands include gamma (25-60 Hz); beta Earth frequency, we naturally feel better, refreshed, in tune, in synch. (12-25 Hz); alpha (7-12 Hz); theta (4-7 Hz); and delta (less than 4 It is, in fact, environmental synchronisation. Hz). Their ranges overlap one another along the frequency spectrum * Theta waves (4-7 Hz) occur most often in sleep but are also by 0.5 Hz or more. These frequencies are linked to behaviours, dominant in the deepest states of meditation (body asleep/mind subjective feeling states, physiological correlates, etc. Clinical awake) and thought (gateway to learning, memory). In theta, our improvement with EEG biofeedback is traceable to improved __ senses are withdrawn from the external world and focused on the neuroregulation in basic functions by appeal to their underlying — mindscape—internally originating signals. Theta waves are associat- rhythmic mechanisms. ed with mystery, an elusive and extraordinary realm we can explore. Schumann's resonance forms a natural feedback loop with the __ It is that twilight state which we normally only experience fleetingly human mind/body. The human brain and body developed in the bios- as we rise from the depths of delta upon waking or drifting off to The resonant cavity formed between the ionosphere and the Earth produces rhythmic waves capable of entraining and phase-locking with brain waves. 44 = NEXUS APRIL — MAY 2003 www.nexusmagazine.com