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Super interesting article:
www.alternet.org/healthwel...ce_stress/
I find it fascinating how the two sentences in the second paragraph directly contradict each other if read from a certain perspective:
“The brain's electrical impulses take the form of waves that researchers categorize by frequency—the number of times they repeat each second (see "Making waves" box). The slowest are the delta waves, which the brain typically produces during deep sleep. Next are theta waves, another slow undulation at four to eight cycles per second, often associated with creative and subconscious thought, which we produce when we're sleepy or daydreaming. We make alpha waves of eight to 12 cycles per second when we're alert and relaxed, and still-faster beta waves when we engage in active problem-solving or become alert or anxious. The fastest patterns, above 30 cycles per second, are made by gamma waves—usually faint and difficult to detect, but associated with high-level thought.”
“An overabundance or deficiency at one of these frequencies often correlates to conditions such as depression and other emotional disturbances and learning disabilities. Children with ADHD, for example, often have too many slow brain waves (delta or theta) and not enough of the faster waves that allow them to focus, engage and think productively.”
Of course, my contrary ass can't help but think that perhaps forcing children to “think productively” might, just might be what's leading some of these so called to “emotional disturbances” in the first place. But then again, I'm pretty disturbed. And I would kill for this therapy if it works.
www.alternet.org/healthwel...ce_stress/
I find it fascinating how the two sentences in the second paragraph directly contradict each other if read from a certain perspective:
“The brain's electrical impulses take the form of waves that researchers categorize by frequency—the number of times they repeat each second (see "Making waves" box). The slowest are the delta waves, which the brain typically produces during deep sleep. Next are theta waves, another slow undulation at four to eight cycles per second, often associated with creative and subconscious thought, which we produce when we're sleepy or daydreaming. We make alpha waves of eight to 12 cycles per second when we're alert and relaxed, and still-faster beta waves when we engage in active problem-solving or become alert or anxious. The fastest patterns, above 30 cycles per second, are made by gamma waves—usually faint and difficult to detect, but associated with high-level thought.”
“An overabundance or deficiency at one of these frequencies often correlates to conditions such as depression and other emotional disturbances and learning disabilities. Children with ADHD, for example, often have too many slow brain waves (delta or theta) and not enough of the faster waves that allow them to focus, engage and think productively.”
Of course, my contrary ass can't help but think that perhaps forcing children to “think productively” might, just might be what's leading some of these so called to “emotional disturbances” in the first place. But then again, I'm pretty disturbed. And I would kill for this therapy if it works.
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