Theta brainwave are the second slowest frequency of brainwave with cycle rate of 4-7 times per second (4Hz–7Hz) and usually generated in the right brain hemisphere. Theta brainwave kick in when we feel emotional, deeply relaxed, daydream, unfocused, or are asleep. Theta brainwave are considered extremely relaxing brainwave activity that is commonly associated when brain activity slows almost to the point of sleep, but not quite. We normally only experience theta brainwave as we drift off to sleep, during some dreaming, and as we return from the depths of delta sleep.

Theta brainwave can bring you deep states of meditation. A sensation of floating. and you may feel your mind expand beyond the boundaries of your body. In theta state, vivid imagery flashes before the mind's eye and we are receptive to information beyond our normal conscious awareness.

Theta brainwave has also been identified as the gateway to learning and memory. Theta meditation increases creativity, enhances learning, reduces stress and awakens intuition and other extrasensory perception skills. The inspiration that take place during the theta state is often free flow and occurs without censorship or guilt. The Theta state is where intuition comes, instantaneous healings occur and accelerated learning occurs. Einstein trained himself to spend many hours in that state. It is typically a very positive mental state.

Benefits

Deep levels of relaxation
The theta wave band has been linked to lower levels of anxiety, stress, and neurosis. Increasing the total amount of theta wave can help slow rapid thoughts and will make you feel more relax.

Ability to reprogram subconscious mind
The theta wave allows us to deeply connect with our subconscious mind. The subconscious mind, or our brain’s right-hemisphere becomes activated when slower brainwaves like alpha and theta waves kick in. You can change some of your deepest unconscious beliefs or emotional blockages by using affirmations or positive self talk. In the theta brainwave range, the brain is extremely open to suggestion and new ideas. It is the openness of the brain in the theta frequency range that constitutes the ability to reprogram the brain.

Hyperfocus and super learning
Hyperfocus is a unique phenomenon that can only be experienced in the theta wave range. Many people with high amounts of theta wave activity are able to stay intensely focused and motivated with one idea. The theta wave allows people to learn large amounts of information in a much quicker time than the beta brainwave state and may even be quicker than the alpha brainwave for some activities. You will be able to retain over 300% more information than in the beta brainwave state.

Enhanced long-term memory
As theta wave increase, the ability of the brain to recall and store long-term memories increases. The hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in memory processing and storing memories, has a normalized theta wave rhythm passing through this area. Often times, therapists try to slowly open up traumatized clients to the theta range in order to recall repressed memories and help talk them through the event.

Emotional connection
The theta brainwave range is associated with strong, powerful emotions. Often times beta brainwave can block our emotions and not allow us to fully experience our natural emotions. As theta brainwaves strengthened, we are able understand our emotions better and makes you feel emotionally connected with others.

Advanced intuition
Ever have a powerful gut instinct that helped you make a good decision? Or a gut instinct that you should’ve followed? As you increase your theta wave, your intuition will increase as well as your ability to recognize those feelings in your gut.

Bridges to the spiritual connection and psychic experience
People are especially open to psychic experiences like OOBE’s (Out Of Body Experiences), visions, ESP, and other phenomenon in the theta brainwave range. The theta wave also has been associated with a deep spiritual connection. The theta wave range provides enhanced spiritual awareness and profound insight. Many spiritual and psychic phenomena are experienced in the theta state.

Boosted immune system Healing of body and mind
The theta brainwave rhythm is well-known to rejuvenate, replenish, and heal the body and mind. The theta wave will reset your brains sodium and potassium ion ratio that thrown out of sync when you get yourself heavily involved in the beta range. Other than that, stress and too much anxiety will lead to the releasing of harmful chemicals such as epinephrine and cortisol, which can harm the immune systems. Increasing your theta brainwave can lead to a boosted immune system by releasing pleasant chemicals and neurotransmitters to help keep your immune system at it’s peak.

Drawbacks

Inability to focus
The theta brainwave range has been specifically linked to lack of focus and ADD. In most cases, theta brainwave are associated with mental fogginess, daydreaming activity, and random thinking.

Too many daydreams
Like the alpha brainwave, as you increase theta brainwave, you may have too many daydreams without any control over it. Too many daydreams is a prime example of why you may not want to entrain theta.

Depression
Usually, individuals that have too many lower brainwaves tend to feel more depressed. If you are depressed from being overstimulated, theta wave can help your condition improve, but if you are too understimulated, you better staying away from theta wave and sticking to beta.

Sleepiness
Sleepiness and drowsiness occur when theta wave are found in people that are fully awake. It is very tough to stay aware in the theta state of consciousness unless you are training through meditation.

Lack of excitement
Excitement is associated with beta brainwaves and the adrenaline that they produce. When you are in theta state, you may feel unexcited, or extreme feelings of boredom.

Extreme impulsiveness
Since a lack of conscious thought is associated with theta brainwaves, it is not uncommon for extremely impulsive people to be high in theta brainwaves. One symptom of ADD is being overly impulsive.

Hyperactive
Because the brain is functioning at such a slow brainwave pattern, the central nervous system is using up less overall energy. Having too much theta brainwave activity allows your brain to get by with less energy. Since the brain uses less overall energy, the excess energy is expressed in the individual through hyperactive behaviors.

Overly receptive mind
In the theta brainwave state, your brain may be overly receptive to suggestions and new information. Being overly receptive isn’t always a good thing and can make your subconscious more open to accepting negative suggested beliefs.