Can essential oils affect brain wave patterns?

What are the 4 brain wave patterns?

Beta– Level of wakefulness and thought. At this level we are physically in control of our senses. This is present moment awareness. Beta brain waves occur between 14 and 30 Hz, but during intense mental activity they can reach 50 Hz.

Alpha-this is when we reach the very relaxed state- Dreams usually take place on this level and it is the most impressionable for creative work and visualization. Alpha brain waves occur between 8 and 13 Hz and are normally found when a person is awake in a state of calm rest. These brain waves completely disappear during sleep.

theta-we are never at this level in our conscious state- this is deep sleep. Theta brain waves occur between 4 and 7 Hz and are found primarily in children, but can be found in adults during times of emotional stress, and specifically when disappointed or frustrated.

Delta-Delta brain waves occur below 3.5 Hz and we see these patterns in normal deep sleep, during childhood and in severe brain diseases and they occur only within the cortex. Babies in the womb are at the Delta level of consciousness. Adults can also reach this level during deep sleep or under anesthesia.

Can aromatherapy affect our brain wave patterns?

John Steele, Ph.D., of Sherman Oaks, California, and Robert Tisserand, of London, England, leading researchers in the field of aromatherapy, have studied the effects on brain wave patterns when oils are inhaled or smelled essential. Their findings show that oils such as orange, jasmine, and rose have a calming effect and work by altering brain waves to a rate that produces calm and a sense of well-being. In the same way, the so-called ‘stimulant’ oils (basil, black pepper, rosemary and cardamom) work by producing a greater energy response.

The most useful brainwave for influencing the mind and therefore the emotions is the alpha rhythm.

Sedative oils such as Roman chamomile, bitter orange, bergamot, lavender, and lemon balm can help induce the brain to go into alpha and more easily accept positive thoughts and make imagery and visualization effortless.

Which oils can evoke predominantly beta patterns associated with attention and alertness? Basil, rosemary, black pepper and cardamom.

What oils can evoke Alpha or even Theta and Delta, a stilling of mind chatter and the mind going into reverie? Orange blossom (neroli), jasmine and rose.

Do you want to know more about essential oils and how they can help us stay healthy? Consider becoming a certified clinical aromatherapist. The Institute for Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy teaches classes throughout the United States on aromatherapy and energy healing.