Theta brainwaves represent relaxed and stress-free brain activity as monitored by EEG recordings. Theta waves will be present when one is emotional, relaxed, in a dreamlike state or asleep. Breathing techniques, such as those used in yoga, can induce theta waves that produce feelings of relaxation, vigor and decreased stress.
Voluntary Abdominal Breathing
A study published in the November 2004 issue of "Neuroscience Research" examined the effects of voluntary abdominal breathing (VAB) on electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns. The researchers recruited 22 healthy individuals for the study, who were instructed to breathe very slowly, 3 to 4 breaths per minute with their eyes closed in a supine position. The inspiratory rate was 6 to 8 seconds and the expiratory rate was 9 to 12 seconds. The researchers noted a low-frequency alpha band in the EEG appeared immediately and quickly was replaced by a theta/delta band shortly after VAB had begun. The participants reported a feeling of vigor and a reduction of anxiety, according to results from questionnaires they completed after the experiment.
Sahaj Samadhi Meditation
Sahaj Samadhi meditation is a form of breathing used for meditation that is part of Sudarshan Kriya yoga, in which breathing is slower and deeper, according to an article in the February 2010 issue of "Cognitive Process." In this study, participants were asked to meditate for relaxation control and EEG patterns were recorded. The researchers noted that theta waves in the EEGs were enhanced during deep meditative periods as compared to control subjects. The study found that while theta waves increased during meditation, the parietal and occipital areas of the brain reduced their activities. The authors stated that this tendency signified a reduction in conscious of self, space and time.
Pranayamic Breathing
Pranayamic breathing is a simple yoga technique that uses diaphragm and alternate nostril breathing to alter the physiological response to stress. An article published in the February 2006 issue of "Medical Hypothesis" investigated the effects of Pranayamic breathing techniques on shifts in the autonomic nervous system, to control heart rate, blood pressure and other physiological parameters. For this study, participants were instructed to engage in Pranayamic breathing, while EEG patterns were recorded. The study found an increase in theta brain waves accompanied by the experience of alertness and reinvigoration.
Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADH) is a genetic disorder, which causes a variety of neurological problems including developmental delays in speech and intellectual development and sleep disturbances, hyperactivity, difficulty maintaining attention and anxiety, according to the Genetics Home Reference in the National Institutes of Health website. A study in the May 2010 issue of the "European Journal of Paediatric Neurology" analyzed breathing disorders while sleeping in two siblings suffering from SSADH. The researchers found that theta waves in EEG recordings were slow and disorganized with an increase in light sleep and a decrease in rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep accompanied by sleep apnea and reduced oxygen saturation in the blood.
References
- "European Journal of Paediatric Neurology"; Sleep Disorders in Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency: A Family Report; V. racaru, et al.; May 2010
- "Medical Hypotheses"; Physiology of Long Pranayamic Breathing: Neural Respiratory Elements May Provide a Mechanism That Explains How Slow Deep Breathing Shifts the Autonomic Nervous System; R. Jervath, et al.; February 2006
- "Cognitive Process"; Theta Activity and Meditative States: Spectral Changes during Concentrative Meditation; S. Baijal, et al.; February 2010
- "Neuroscience Research"; Appearance of High-Frequency Alpha Band with Disappearance of Low-Frequency Alpha Band in EEG is Produced during Voluntary Abdominal Breathing in an Eyes-Closed Condition; M. Fumoto, et al.; November 2004
