How are emotions and well-being linked? Emotions are the body’s working environment and play a central role in our physical health. Emotions affect us on several levels at once. Not only psychologically but also – physiologically, biochemically and frequency-wise. And of course, emotions affect our mental well-being and our relationships. By understanding how emotions express themselves, we can understand how they affect our capacity for healing and health.
Emotions as physiology
Physiologically and biochemically, emotions are the result of complex interactions between the nervous system, hormones and bodily reactions and sensations.
Brainwaves and emotional recovery
Brain waves are electrical signals in the brain that control our consciousness, emotions and physiological functioning. Brain waves affect the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls the immune system, digestion and the stress response. Depending on brainwave activity, the body can either be in healing or stress mode(12):
- Delta and theta waves (0.5-8 Hz): Activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote deep relaxation, sleep, cell repair and immune function.
- Alpha waves (8-13 Hz): Associated with relaxation, creativity and an open state of mind. Alpha waves balance stress and can improve concentration and emotional stability.
- Beta waves (13-30 Hz): Associated with analytical thinking and, when overactive, can lead to increased cortisol production, immune system suppression and stress-related diseases.
- Gamma waves (>30 Hz): Linked to neuroplasticity, emotional integration and the release of endorphins. They are often elevated during deep meditation and experiences of happiness and gratitude.
How do we influence the body’s working climate?
Emotions express themselves through the body in many different ways, and by understanding these connections we can actively work to regulate our emotional health. By understanding our physiology, psychology and the influence of frequencies, we can find ways to balance the emotional working climate of the body.
For example, by using the suggestions below, you can get powerful emotional results. Working with both body and mind creates excellent conditions for managing emotions in a sustainable and balanced way.
References
- Bodily Maps of Emotions” (Nummenmaa et al., 2014)
- Affiliative and prosocial motives and emotions in mental health, Paul Gilbert 2015
- The Feeling of What Happens: Body and Emotion in the Making of Consciousness, Damasio 1999
- The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation.
- Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: The Acclaimed Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping.
- Power vs Force (Hawkins 1995)
- Psychoenergetic Science and the Work of William Tiller (Mollon 2023)
- Large effects of brief meditation intervention on EEG spectra in meditation novices, Dispenza et al 2020
- The Mathematical Characterization of the Complexity Matching during a Healing Circle Meditation.
- Meditation-induced bloodborne factors as an adjuvant treatment to COVID-19 disease, Dispenza et al 2023
- An Overview of Heart Rate Variability Metrics and Norms, Shaffer et al 2017
- A systematic review of the neurophysiology of mindfulness on EEG oscillations, Lomas et al 2015
- Mindfulness meditation and the immune system: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, Black et al 2015
- A pilot study of yogic meditation for family dementia caregivers with depressive symptoms: Effects on mental health, cognition, and telomerase activity, Blackburn et al 2014
