Human Pschobiology & Schumann
Resonances
Our
brain waves share and are attuned to certain frequencies of the Schumann's
resonances, the ELF signals that pulsate between the Earth's crust and
ionosphere.
PLANETARY RHYTHMS AND HUMAN HEALTH
Lewis B. Hainsworth of Western Australia seems to be the
first researcher to recognise the relationship of brain-wave frequencies to the
naturally circulating rhythmic signals, known as Schumann's Resonance.
esonances in the space between the surface of the Earth and
the ionosphere. Hainsworth imparted this awareness to Dr Robert O. Becker,
noted electromagnetics pollution expert, and to Harvard neurologists as early
as 1975.
In 1977, this phenomenon--the relationship between
brain-wave rhythms and the spectrum of the natural Earth ELF (extremely low
frequency) signals--became the basis for Itzhak Bentov's Stalking the Wild
Pendulum (Dutton, 1977). Later research confirmed a relationship to human
health and well-being and even to ESP or psi phenomena.
Hainsworth sent up a clarion cry against hazardous EM
(electromagnetic) pollution, whose dangers pale in comparison to the threat of
technologies such as HAARP [High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program],
which sends violent pulsations into the Earth's ionosphere, potentially diSchumann’s
Resonanceupting the entire electromagnetic shield of the planet and certainly
affecting the whole biosphere and thus human welfare in general.
SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE
Some research has suggested that the frequency of the basic
Schumann's resonance has recently been rising in value, possibly threatening
the whole biosphere, human welfare and our evolutionary future. All biological
processes are a function of electromagnetic field interactions. EM fields are
the connecting link between the world of form and resonant patterns. They store
gestalts or patterns of information. The bridge connecting solar system
resonances and brain frequencies resides in our human DNA helix, which
co-evolved in the Earth's environment.
Electrical engineer Lewis B. Hainsworth, MA, was among the
first to suggest that human health is linked with geophysical parameters by way
of the naturally occurring Schumann's ELF. His hypothesis identified naturally
occurring features which determine the frequency spectrum of human brain-wave
rhythms:
The frequencies of naturally occurring electromagnetic signals, circulating
in the electrically resonant cavity bounded by the Earth and the ionosphere,
have governed or determined the 'evolution' or development of the frequencies
of operation of the principal human brain-wave signals. In particular, the
alpha rhythm is so placed that it can in no circumstances suffer an extensive
interference from naturally occurring signals.
HUMAN BRAIN WAVES
Hainsworth concluded that the frequencies of human brain-waves
evolved in response to these signals. If his hypothesis is correct, conditions
for evolutionary changes in human brain-wave patterns have now been
established. Furthermore, variations in these patterns can produce mild to
disastrous health and behavioural changes.
The nature of the applied stimulus makes it difficult to
identify the responses directly, as they are most likely to occur in the form
of stress-related conditions. They will therefore show up as drastic increases
in mental disturbance, antisocial behaviour, psychosomatic conditions and
neurological disturbances. Some electrical field phenomena have already been
linked with abnormal cell growth and a decrease in immunocompetency.
DISEASE
All these factors could be expected to lead to the
appearance of "new" diseases, probably accompanied by a decline in
resistance to many minor infections, an increase in conditions related to
abnormal cell development, including cancer, birth defects and infertility, and
an increase in psychological disturbance problems, e.g., drug addiction and
suicide. These existing psychobiological problems could be expected to increase
in scale, but could be studied for deviations from "normal" alpha
cycles of 10.4 Hz, with detectable changes in psychological characteristics and
mental abilities.
Hainsworth therefore strongly urged that research into
widespread measurements of the natural SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE signals' frequency
variations and field strengths be carried out and compared with statistics for
the incidence of heart attacks, suicide attempts, road accidents, social
violence, domestic accidents, crimes, etc. Studies are often conducted in this
inferential way (such as those by Krippner and Persinger), searching
correlations between the phenomena of Earth lights and tectonic strain and
reports of UFO sightings, abduction reports and other anomalous psychophysical
experiences for an electromagnetic connection to temporal lobe seizures.
We strongly suggest that correlations of broad changes in
the modulations of SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE be studied in relationship to microwave
radiation, ELF signals and HAARP for both immediate and long-term consequences.
We have discussed elsewhere the obvious ramifications of such EM pollution and
10-50 Hz modulations on the human system (Miller & Miller, "Synthetic
Telepathy", 2001).
We have also discussed the benefits for human well-being
and relaxation from entraining with these natural rhythms (The Diamond Body,
1981). When a person is deeply relaxed, slow rhythmic sine-wave patterns can be
detected in both the EEG and the heart/aorta resonating oscillator in the 7-8
Hz range. Resonance occurs when the natural vibration frequency of a body is
greatly amplified by vibrations at the same frequency from another body.
Oscillators alter the environment in a periodic manner.
Thus, standing waves in the body, whether during meditation/relaxation or not,
can be driven by a larger signal. Progressively amplified wave-forms, created
by resonance, result in large oscillations entraining other circuits in the
body tuned to those frequencies. A hierarchy of frequencies thus couples our
psychophysical selves to the harmonic frequency of the electrical charge of the
Earth, which naturally pulses at the same frequencies. This is hardly a
coincidence, as we are adaptive products of our environment.
OUR PLANET
Our planet is surrounded by a layer of electrically charged
particles called the ionosphere. The lower layer of the ionosphere is
roughly 60-80 kilometres (40-50 miles) from the crust, and this charged layer
is known to reflect radio waves. Bombardment by HAARP signals
"pushes" out this boundary layer, thus altering the natural,
pulsating rhythm. Natural fluctuations in frequency occur daily, by the lunar
month, and in response to solar flares.
Since the ionosphere is a highly charged layer, it forms a
so-called capacitor with the Earth. This means that there is a difference in
electrical potential between the two, the Earth being negatively charged and
the ionosphere being positively charged. This potential varies somewhat, but is
around 200 volts per metre. This is a fundamental type of electrical generator.
The solar winds, interacting with the upper atmosphere rotation, act as the
collector and brushes of a generator. The lower atmosphere can be seen as a
storage battery for this gradient potential.
This electromagnetic field around the Earth can be viewed
as a stiff jelly. When our bodies move and vibrate, these movements are
transmitted to the environment, and vice versa. These fields not only impinge
on our bodies, they also affect the charges inside our bodies. When we are
standing on the ground, under normal conditions, we are grounded. Our body then
acts as a sink for the electrostatic field and actually distorts the
force-lines somewhat. The human body also has its own electrostatic field about
itself.
These field lines are the result of the various biochemical
reactions in the body. This resultant bio-field couples us to the iso-electric
field of the planet (Miller & Miller, 1981). In 1957, German physicist Dr W. O. Schumann calculated the
Earth/ionosphere cavity resonance frequencies (which were named after him). He
fixed the most predominant standing wave at about 7.83 Hz.
RESONANT FREQUENCIES
A "tuned system" consists of at least two oscillators
of identical resonant frequencies. If one oscillator starts emitting, the other
will be activated by the signal very shortly, in the process of resonance,
entrainment or kindling (igniting the resonance phenomenon among the neurons).
It becomes obvious that in deep meditation, when waves of alpha and theta
rhythms cascade across the entire brain, a resonance is possible between the
human being and the planet. Energy and information which are embedded in a
field are transferred. Perhaps the planet communicates with us in this primal
language of frequencies.
According to Hainsworth, the influence of naturally
occurring Schumann's resonance signals on brain-wave pattern evolution is
formally stated to show that low-power electrical fields could produce
evolutionary change. The electrical fields produced by modern
electro-technology are then possible sources of evolutionary change. The
characteristics of some forms which might result should be considered. Some
fields might inhibit survival of existing forms. Because of lack of available
data, precise measurements are lacking and must therefore be quantitatively
valueless. Technology not only will change, but is changing, human evolution.
Only extensive investigation of the naturally occurring signals will give any
lead in showing what results might occur.
The possibility exists that human health is linked with
geophysical parameters by way of the naturally occurring Schumann's resonances.
A number of attempts have been made to discover the correlation through
geomagnetic and ionospheric storms. The correlation comes through the
biological fact that the human system is apparently sensitive to such low-power
ELF signals. We don't know what the range of such a correlation might be.
The frequency values of the SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE signals
are determined by the effective dimensions of the cavity between the Earth and
ionosphere. Thus, any events which change these dimensions will change the
resonant frequencies. As Hainsworth warned, "such events could be ionospheric
storms, and could even result from a man-made ionospheric disturbance"
(emphasis added).
IONOSPHERIC STORMS
Geomagnetic storms are the magnetic changes produced by
ionospheric storms, and are thus associated with conditions capable of changing
the SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE signals. However, although such storms can produce
these changes, measurement of these parameters cannot give any indication of
whether the resonance signals have changed to a value outside their normal
range or not. Since the undisturbed state of the ionosphere corresponds to the
normal SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE patterns, then ionospheric disturbances are likely
to produce abnormal patterns, but will not necessarily do so in all cases. If
biological response is linked to Schumann's resonance signals, this will reduce
any apparent link with geomagnetic or ionospheric data.
Trying to determine the relationships between geophysical
and biological conditions can become extremely complex. The frequencies of the
SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE signals change with ionospheric conditions. These
conditions change diurnally, seasonally and with variations in solar activity,
which, in turn, varies with the 11-year sunspot cycle and also with the
27-29-day lunar cycle, mainly during sunspot minimum periods. Lunar tidal
changes in the height and thickness of the layers could also sometimes affect
the cavity dimensions and hence the Schumann's frequencies. So can powerful ELF
signals from HAARP.
It should be borne in mind that if some signal conditions
are harmful, then other conditions might be beneficial. This means that if, for
example, seasonal and tidal conditions have resulted in the signals being in a
biologically disturbing state, then the advent of a solar flare could result in
changes in the signals, bringing them into a biologically beneficial state. The
converse could also occur.
EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY SIGNALS
If we are sensitive to ELF signals, then when these factors
are considered we would expect to get confusion if we try to link any effect
with geophysical changes. For instance, there could be incidences of classic
states of "lunacy" in some years if damaging signals coincided with
full moons, then in other years the observations and analyses would show that
the effects were not lunar.
An analysis of the correlation between the incidence of
ionospheric disturbance and rate of admission to Heathcote Hospital (Perth,
Western Australia) for about a three-year total indicated that when a
disturbance occurred then the admission rate changed. The probability of the
association being random was of the order of 2000:1 against. However, the fact
that sometimes the rate went up and sometimes down showed that ionospheric
storms changed the rate of incidence of mental disturbance in a way that is
consistent with that change being dependent on the actual causes being linked
to variations in the Schumann's resonance signals. At that point, Hainsworth
decided to concentrate on trying to get some observational work going on
measuring the SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE signals.
Hainsworth's set-up used a 2,000-turn, 1-metre-square
antenna, and another of 1/3-metre square, plus amplifiers to handle signals
from 0 to 30 Hz. His amplified Schumann's signals were analysed in a
laboratory. On one occasion the signal dropped to zero amplitude when a solar
flare occurred, and did not start recovering for about an hour and a half
afterwards. It was originally just under 7 Hz and came back at only just over 6
Hz. His next step would have been to develop a wave analyser to try to pick out
individual signals. But the failing health of both himself and his wife
prevented this.
The value of proceeding with his seminal work has now
increased many-fold due to the threat from the proposed US Missile Defense
Shield. This is the offspring of the United States' HAARP program in Alaska,
whose raison d'être, or mission statement, allegedly dealing with
national security, is vague if not purposefully misleading.
EM FREQUENCIES AND HUMAN RESPONSE
Hainsworth posed a series of questions, all of which are
answered with a resounding "yes". This should lead us in the
direction of extreme caution towards introducing new EM or ELF sources and
ionospheric changes in our environment. He presented his data in two papers
(referenced at the end of this article and posted on the website http://www.nwbotanicals.org).
His questions are as follows:
1. Does the human biological system contain, use or
generate any forms of electrical signal?
2. Does it respond to any of these signals?
3. Does it respond to audible signals at these frequencies?
4. Does it respond to optical signals at these frequencies?
5. Do human signals change with psychological or mental states, such as stress
or problem solving?
6. Does the human system respond to any very, very low-power electromagnetic
signals?
BRAIN WAVES
Brain waves have only been studied since about the
mid-1920s, and the signal form that is apparently most widely known and
identified is the alpha rhythm. The frequency of this signal varies from
individual to individual, but it lies between about 7-8 Hz and 12 Hz, with an
average value of 10.5 Hz. Theta and beta rhythm signals also occur, and are
identifiable by EEG below the 8 Hz and above the 12 Hz frequencies. Since the
discovery and measurement of these signals, a great deal of effort has been
devoted to trying to work out how they originated in the first place and what
determines their frequencies of operation.
In the early to mid-1950s, Schumann (a geophysicist almost
certainly uninterested in neurology) suggested that electromagnetic signals
might circulate at extremely low frequencies in the electrically resonant
cavity between the Earth and the ionosphere. He was right. The signals came to
be called "Schumann's resonances". One major component was originally
predicated at a frequency of about 10 Hz. In 1959 it was measured to be
slightly different. Meanwhile, the military co-opted the discovery for using
ELF signals for submarine communications.
In fact, the first mode of these circulating signals has an
average value of 7.8 Hz, with a typical diurnal range of from 7.2 to 8.8 Hz,
and the second mode has an average value of 14.1 Hz and a range of from 13.2 to
15.8 Hz. These match the brain-wave theta rhythm and beta rhythm nicely. The
blank range between the two modes is a very reasonable match with the normal
frequency range of the human alpha rhythm, between 8 to 12 Hz or cycles.
Additionally, it was found that there is minimum (zero)
power circulating in the Earth/ionosphere cavity at 10.4 Hz--which is virtually
an exact match for the average value of the alpha rhythm. Hainsworth points out
that the existence of these natural signals and the close relationship of their
frequencies of oscillation were facts unknown to senior neurologists and mental
health specialists as late as 1975.
Hainsworth argued that up to the end of 1979, no long-term
systematic measurements of any great value were being made of the Schumann's
resonance signals. Measurements were being made only intermittently for the purpose
of obtaining research data for use by post-graduate geophysicists in
constructing esoteric mathematical models of the ionosphere. It follows from
this that, until long after the end of 1979, no figures on these signals were
available. Consequently, no "expert" can produce numerical evidence
to support an objection to Hainsworth's original hypothesis, since the only
numerical values available are those favouring it. However, Hainsworth left us with some open-ended questions:
7. Has any evidence ever been obtained to indicate that the
human system is totally unaffected by externally applied electromagnetic
fields?
8. Have any measurement programs ever been attempted to show whether the human
system is (a) totally unaffected, (b) always affected, or (c) sometimes
affected by naturally [or artificially] occurring electromagnetic signals?
9. Has the existence of such signals, having a close relationship with human
biological signal frequencies, been known for many years?
10. Have those relationships been studied with adequate protocols in any
detail?
SCHUMANN’S RESONANCES
Schumann's resonances are actually observed, by experiment,
occurring at several harmonic frequencies between 6 and 50 cycles per second
(one cycle equals one hertz). Specifically they are found at 7.8, 14, 20, 26,
33, 39 and 45 Hz, with a daily variation of around ±0.5 Hz.
Only as long as the properties of Earth's electromagnetic
cavity remain about the same do these frequencies remain the same. Cycles may
vary somewhat due to ionospheric response to solar cycle activity and
properties of the atmosphere and magnetosphere. Projects, such as HAARP, which
heat up or blast out the ionosphere pose a potential threat of catastrophic
proportions to this interactive system.
MEASURING BRAIN WAVES BY EEG
The resonant cavity formed between the ionosphere and the
Earth produces rhythmic waves capable of entraining and phase-locking with
brain waves.
Even at the turn of this millennium, Hainsworth (now
deceased) seems to have been unfamiliar with extensive work in brain-wave
research in neurology, hypnotherapy, biofeedback and neural feedback. This
research includes extensive experiments in frequency-following response (FFR)
and relating brain waves and brain-wave deficiencies to psychobiological states.
The brain is a massive source of ELF signals that get
transmitted throughout the body through the nervous system, which is sensitive
to magnetic fields. Brain waves and natural biorhythms can be entrained by
strong external ELF signals, such as stationary waves at Schumann's resonances.
Entrainment, synchronisation and amplification promote coherent large-scale
activity rather than typical flurries of transient brain waves. Thus, resonant
standing waves emerge from the brain, which under the right conditions
facilitates internal and external bio-information transfer via ELF
electromagnetic waves. These SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE waves exhibit non-local
character and nearly instant communication capability.
EEG TESTS
The EEG (electroencephalograph) measures brain waves
of different frequencies within the brain. Rhythmicity in the EEG is a
key variable in the coordination of cortical activity. Electrodes are placed on
specific sites on the scalp to detect and record the electrical impulses within
the brain. Frequency is the number of times a wave repeats itself within
a second. It can be compared to the frequencies on a radio. Amplitude
represents the power of electrical impulses generated by the brain. Volume
or intensity of brain-wave activity is measured in microvolts.
Raw EEG frequency bands include gamma (25-60 Hz); beta
(12-25 Hz); alpha (7-12 Hz); theta (4-7 Hz); and delta
(less than 4 Hz). Their ranges overlap one another along the frequency spectrum
by 0.5 Hz or more. These frequencies are linked to behaviours, subjective
feeling states, physiological correlates, etc. Clinical improvement with EEG
biofeedback is traceable to improved neuroregulation in basic functions by
appeal to their underlying rhythmic mechanisms.
NATURAL FEEDBACK LOOP
Schumann's resonance forms a natural feedback loop with the
human mind/body. The human brain and body developed in the biosphere, the EM
environment conditioned by this cyclic pulse. Conversely, this pulse acts as a
"driver" of our brains and can also potentially carry information.
Functional processes may be altered and new patterns of behaviour facilitated
through the brain's web of inhibitory and excitatory feedback networks.
Functional processes may be altered and new patterns of behaviour facilitated
through the brain's web of inhibitory and excitatory feedback networks.
The brain has its own set of vibrations it uses to
communicate with itself and the rest of the body. EEG equipment distinguishes
these waves by measuring the speed with which neurons fire in cycles per second.
At their boundaries these waves can overlap somewhat, merging seamlessly into
one another--so different researchers may give slightly different readings for
the range of cycles per second (Hz). The rate of cycling determines the type of
activity, kindling wave after wave over the whole surface of the brain by
igniting more neurons.
THE FREQUENCY BANDS
The frequency bands and wave characteristics are described
as follows:
- Gamma waves (25-60 Hz) appear to relate to simultaneous
processing of information from different brain areas, e.g., involving
memory, learning abilities, integrated thoughts or information-rich task
processing. Gamma rhythms modulate perception and consciousness, which
disappear with anaesthesia. Synchronous activity at about 40 Hz appears
involved in binding sensory inputs into the single, unitary objects we
perceive.
- Beta waves (12-25 Hz) dominate our normal waking state of
consciousness when attention is directed towards cognitive tasks and the
outside world. Beta is a "fast" activity, present when we are
alert or even anxious, or when engaged in problem solving, judgement,
decision making, information processing, mental activity and focus. Nobel
Prize winner Sir Francis Crick and other scientists believe the 40 Hz beta
frequency may be key to the act of cognition.
- Alpha waves (7-12 Hz) are present during dreaming and light
meditation when the eyes are closed. As more and more neurons are
recruited to this frequency, alpha waves cycle globally across the whole
cortex. This induces deep relaxation, but not quite meditation. In alpha,
we begin to access the wealth of creativity that lies just below our
conscious awareness. It is the gateway, the entry point that leads into
deeper states of consciousness. Alpha waves aid overall mental coordination,
calmness, alertness, inner awareness, mind/body integration and learning.
Alpha is also the home of the window frequency known as the
SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE, which propagates with little attenuation around the
planet. When we intentionally generate alpha waves and go into resonance with
that Earth frequency, we naturally feel better, refreshed, in tune, in synch.
It is, in fact, environmental synchronisation.
- Theta waves (4-7 Hz) occur most often in sleep but are also
dominant in the deepest states of meditation (body asleep/mind awake) and
thought (gateway to learning, memory). In theta, our senses are withdrawn
from the external world and focused on the mindscape--internally
originating signals. Theta waves are associated with mystery, an elusive
and extraordinary realm we can explore. It is that twilight state which we
normally only experience fleetingly as we rise from the depths of delta
upon waking or drifting off to sleep. In theta, we are in a waking dream;
vivid imagery flashes before the mind's eye and we are receptive to
information beyond our normal conscious awareness. Theta meditation
increases creativity, enhances learning, reduces stress and awakens
intuition and other extrasensory perception skills.
- Delta waves (0-4 Hz) are the slowest but highest in
amplitude. They are generated in deepest meditation and dreamless sleep.
Delta waves confer a suspension of external existence and provide the most
profound feelings of peace. In addition, certain frequencies within the
delta range trigger the release of a growth hormone which is beneficial
for healing and regeneration. This is why sleep, deep restorative sleep,
is so essential to the healing process.
Rhythm & Harmonic Resonance
There is a harmonic relationship between the Earth and our mind/body.
Earth's low-frequency iso-electric field, the magnetic field of the Earth and
the electrostatic field which emerges from our body are closely interwoven. Our
internal rhythms interact with external rhythms, affecting our balance, REM
patterns, health, and mental focus. SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE waves probably help
regulate our bodies' internal clocks, affecting sleep/dream patterns, arousal
patterns and hormonal secretion (such as melatonin).
The rhythms and pulsations of the human brain mirror those of
the resonant properties of the terrestrial cavity, which functions as a
waveguide. This natural frequency pulsation is not a fixed number, but an
average of global readings, much like the EEG gives an average of brain-wave
readings. SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE actually fluctuates, like brain waves, due to
geographical location, lightning, solar flares, atmospheric ionisation and
daily cycles.
The most important slow rhythm is the daily rhythm sensed
directly as the change in light. Rhythms connected with the daily rhythm are
called circadian (an example is pineal gland melatonin secretion). Some
experiments in the absence of natural light have shown that the basic human
"clock" is actually slightly longer than one day (24 hours), and
closer to one lunar day (24 hours 50 minutes).
On a slower scale, a strong influence on the Earth is its
geomagnetic field, which is influenced by the following periods: the Moon's
rotation (29.5 days); the Earth's rotation (365.25 days); sunspot cycles (11 or
22 years); the nutation cycle (18.6 years); the rotation of the planets (88
days to 247.7 years); and the galaxy's rotation cycle (250 million years). Very
important rhythms, like hormone secretion and dominant nostril exchange, are in
the order of 1-2 hours. In the range of human EEG, we have the Sun's
electromagnetic oscillation of 10 Hz, while the Earth/ionosphere system is
resonant at frequencies in the theta, alpha, beta-1 (low or slow) and beta-2
(high or fast) bands.
Different species often have internal generators of environmental
rhythms, which can be extremely precise, up to 10-4. The frequency of these
oscillators is then phase-locked-loop (PLL) synchronised with the natural
rhythms. Environmental synchronisation sources are often called zeitgebers.
The mechanism of optical synchronisation can be shown. The presented rhythms
should inspire a better understanding of the interaction of internal and
external rhythms during specific states of consciousness.
The bioelectrical domain is geared to thalamocortical
generation of rhythmic activity. In neurofeedback, what is being trained is the
degree of rhythmicity of the thalamocortical regulatory circuitry. Rhythmicity
manages the entire range of activation and arousal in the bio-electrical
domain. One role advocated for rhythmic activity is that of time binding:
the need for harnessing brain electrical activity, which is spatially
distributed, while maintaining it as a single entity.
BRAIN WAVES AND HEALTH DISTURBANCES
Brain waves indicate the arousal dimension, and arousal
mediates a number of conditions. Changes in sympathetic and parasympathetic
arousal "tune" the nervous system. Underarousal leads towards
unipolar or reactive depression, attention deficit disorder, chronic pain and
insomnia. Overarousal is linked with anxiety disorders, sleep onset
problems, nightmares, hypervigilance, impulsive behaviour, anger/aggression,
agitated depression, chronic nerve pain and spasticity. A combination of
underarousal and overarousal causes anxiety and depression as well as ADHD.
Instabilities in certain rhythms can be correlated with
tics, obsessive-compulsive disorder, aggressive behaviour, rage, bruxism, panic
attacks, bipolar disorder, migraines, narcolepsy, epilepsy, sleep apnoea,
vertigo, tinnitus, anorexia/bulimia, suicidal ideation and behaviour, PMS,
multiple chemical sensitivities, diabetes, hypoglycaemia and explosive
behaviour.
THE BRAIN
The brain responds to inputs at a certain frequency or
frequencies. The computer can create wave-form patterns or certain frequencies
that compare with the mind's neural signals in terms of mind patterns. If
people can control their mind patterns, they can enter different states of
being (mental relaxation, study, etc.).
So what happens when the mind is entrained with a sound or
vibration that reflects the thought patterns? When the mind responds to certain
frequencies and behaves as a resonator, is there a harmonic frequency that the
mind vibrates to or can attune to? What does the study of harmonic resonance,
sound or vibration have to do with the brain's frequency waves?
Sound waves are examples of periodicity, of rhythm. Sound
is measured in cycles per second (hertz or Hz). Each cycle of a wave is, in
reality, a single pulse of sound. The average range of hearing for the human
ear is somewhere between 16 Hz and 20,000 Hz. We cannot hear extremely low
frequencies, but we can perceive them as rhythmic.
Entrainment is the
process of synchronisation, where vibrations of one object will cause the
vibrations of another object to oscillate at the same rate. External rhythms
can have a direct effect on the psychology and physiology of the listener.
Slower tempos from 48 to 70 BPMs have been proven to decrease heart and
respiratory rates, thereby altering the predominant brain-wave patterns.
Binaural beats are
continuous tones of subtly different frequencies, delivered to each ear
independently in stereo via headphones. If the left channel's pitch is 100
cycles per second and the right channel's pitch is 108 cycles per second, the
difference between the two equals 8 cycles per second. When these sounds are
combined, they produce a pulsing tone that waxes and wanes in a "wah
wah" rhythm.
Binaural beats are not an external sound; rather, they are subsonic
frequencies heard within the brain itself. These frequencies are created as
both hemispheres work simultaneously to hear sounds that are pitch-differed by
key mathematical intervals (window frequencies). The brain waves respond
to these oscillating tones by following them (entrainment), and both
hemispheres begin to work together. Communication between the two sides of the
brain is associated with flashes of creativity, insight and wisdom.
ALPHA-WAVE BIOFEEDBACK
Alpha-wave biofeedback is considered a consciousness
self-regulation technique, while alpha-frequency binaural beat stimulation
(frequency-following response) is a passive management technique where cortical
potentials entrain to or resonate at the frequency of an external stimulus.
Through the self-regulation of specific cortical rhythms, we begin to control
those aspects of consciousness associated with that rhythm. When the goal is
alpha, either in meditation or in biofeedback, it means entraining with the
primary SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE.
MEASURING CHANGES IN SCHUMANN'S RESONANCES
Earth's background base frequency, or "heartbeat"
(Schumann's resonances), fluctuates and may be rising dramatically. Though it
varies between geographical regions, for decades the overall measurement was
7.8 cycles per second. This was once thought to be a constant. Global military
communications were developed using this frequency. However, recent reports set
the rate at over 11 cycles and climbing. Science doesn't know why, what to make
of it or even if these reports are credible.
Gregg Braden claims to have found data collected by
Norwegian and Russian researchers, and says it's not been widely reported in
the USA. The authors have been unable to substantiate this. Braden suggests the
only reference to SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE to be found in the Seattle Library
reference section is tied to the weather. Science acknowledges SCHUMANN’S
RESONANCE as a sensitive indicator of temperature variations and worldwide
weather conditions. Braden believes the fluctuating SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE may be
a factor in the severe weather conditions of recent years.
As previously stated, the Earth behaves like an enormous
electrical circuit. The atmosphere is actually a weak conductor; and if there
were no sources of charge, its existing electrical charge would diffuse away in
about 10 minutes. There is a "cavity" defined by the surface of the
Earth and the inner edge of the ionosphere, whose height fluctuates somewhat.
It's been calculated that at any moment, the total charge residing in this
cavity is 500,000 coulombs.
There is a vertical current flow between the ground and the
ionosphere of 1 - 3 x 10-12 amperes per square metre. The resistance of the
atmosphere is 200 ohms. The voltage potential is 200,000 volts. There are about
2,000 lightning storms at any given moment worldwide. Each produces 0.5 to 1
ampere, and these collectively account for the measured current flow in the
Earth's "electromagnetic" cavity.
MAGNETIC FIELDS
Schumann's resonances are quasi standing-wave
electromagnetic waves that exist in this cavity. Like waves on a string, they
must be potentiated or "excited" in order to be observed. They are
not caused by internal terrestrial factors or Earth's crustal movements or the
core, which does produce magnetic fields. They seem to be related to electrical
activity in the atmosphere, particularly during times of intense lightning
activity. So long as the properties of Earth's electromagnetic cavity remain
about the same, these frequencies remain the same. Presumably there is some
change due to the solar sunspot cycle, as the Earth's ionosphere changes in
response to flares and mass ejections during the 11-year cycle of solar
activity. High-energy charges coming off the Sun brush across the upper
atmosphere, ionising there.
Since the Earth's atmosphere carries a charge, a current
and a voltage, it is not surprising to find such electromagnetic waves. The
resonant properties of this terrestrial cavity were first predicted by W. O.
Schumann in 1952 and 1957, and first detected by Schumann and Konig in
1954. Much of the research in the last
20 years has been conducted by the US Department of the Navy, which uses ELF
signals for communication with submarines. However, little attention is given
by the military and defence contractors to issues of psychobiological health
and well-being.
FREQUENCY RANGES
Between the nearly perfectly conducting terrestrial surface
and ionosphere, a resonating cavity is formed. Broadband electromagnetic
impulses, like those from lightning flashes, fill this cavity and create
globally the so-called Schumann's resonances at frequencies in the range of
5-50 Hz (Schumann, 1952; Bliokh et al., 1980; Sentman, 1987). The nominal
average frequencies observed are 7.8, 14, 20, 26, 33, 39 and 45 Hz, with slight
diurnal variation (Sentman and Fraser, 1991).
Standard magnetometers are not able to measure Schumann's
resonances, and even the search coil (i.e., pulsation) magnetometers, which
most often sample at about 0.1 Hz, do not allow such studies. Special equipment
is thus needed (see, for example, Sentman and Fraser, 1991).
Current findings suggest:
1. Schumann's resonances are
actually observed by experiment to emerge at several frequencies related to
brain waves. They range between 6 and 50 cycles per second, specifically 7.8
(alpha), 14 (low beta), 20 (mid beta), 26 (high beta), 33 (low gamma), 39
(gamma) and 45 Hz (gamma), with daily variation of about ±0.5 Hz.
2. The strongest of the seven resonances is 7.83 Hz, in the alpha
brain-wave range. If the rise in resonance continues, this primary resonance,
the Earth pulse, changes from sub-band low alpha (7-10 Hz) to sub-band high
alpha (10-12 Hz), perhaps influencing our ability to relax deeply, balance and
integrate our mind/body connection. It could influence REM sleep and dreaming.
If it continues to rise, it will breach the threshold into "fast"
beta activity. Low beta (12-15 Hz) is associated with lack of focused
attention, and can even indicate attention deficit disorder.
3. The amplitude (i.e., intensity) of the Schumann's resonances is not
constant, and appears to be extremely dependent upon tropical (and hence
global) temperature. Indeed, preliminary results seem to indicate that a mere
one-degree increase in temperature correlates with a doubling of the SCHUMANN’S
RESONANCE. This could not be more significant, as it is unknown what
psychobiological effect these fluctuations could have on humans.
SCHUMANN’S RESONANCES AND GLOBAL TEMPERATURE CHANGES
One of the most crucial questions in science today centres
on whether or not the planetary temperature is rising, falling or remaining
unchanged. Recently global warming has been acknowledged by most in the field,
and human interference (technology) is implicated.
On one hand, analyses of thermometer measurements of
near-surface global (land and sea) air temperatures suggest the planet has been
warming in recent decades. But satellite measurements of the planet's lower
atmospheric temperature show no warming from 1979 to 1998.
Temperature data from weather balloons launched throughout
the world reveal variations and trends in global temperatures that correspond
to those found in the satellite-based measurements. Analysis of pressure
thickness measurements from these same balloons also shows no warming in recent
decades. It's no wonder we have such an ongoing "heated debate" about
the recent temperature history of the Earth! Yet most people recognise that
their local weather is markedly different than in past decades.
Scientists have suggested lately that another method may
exist to monitor planetary temperature accurately. The idea is simple, though
the underlying physics of the processes is complex. The method is based on the
well-known fact that thunderstorms and lightning strikes in many parts of the
world are directly related to lower-atmospheric air temperatures. Higher
temperatures produce more lightning strikes, while lower temperatures tend to
depress lightning activity.
LIGHTENING
Lightning discharges occurring anywhere in the world
produce electromagnetic pulses that spread away from the source. Much of the
energy is quickly degraded, but some of the energy the lightning produces falls
in the extremely low frequency/long-wavelength domain of the electromagnetic
spectrum. At these long wavelengths, the energy from a lightning strike is able
to circumnavigate the Earth without serious degradation. This
low-frequency/long-wavelength energy creates SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE signals which
can be detected throughout the world.
Understanding SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE waves requires a basic
appreciation of the vertical structure of the atmosphere. In the upper reaches
of the ionosphere, incoming ultraviolet radiation and soft X-rays affect atoms
or bonded groups of atoms, causing gains or losses of negatively charged
electrons. This interaction creates an environment of positively and negatively
charged particles of the high atmosphere that, among other interesting
qualities, can readily conduct electricity.
The bulk of our insulating atmosphere lies between two
conducting layers of the Earth's surface and the lower boundary of the
ionosphere. This spherically concentric cavity, the Earth/ionosphere cavity, is
bounded by those electrically conducting walls. Again, lightning discharges
within the cavity produce electromagnetic pulses that spread away from the
source in the extremely low frequency domain, and the conductive walls of the
cavity produce some interesting effects for the low-frequency energy.
For example, energy with a frequency near 7.5 Hz would have
a wavelength of about 40,000 km (recall that wavelength = speed of light /
frequency). Because this wavelength equals the circumference of the Earth, the
energy is able to circumnavigate the Earth/ionosphere cavity without serious
degradation. The 100 or so lightning bolts occurring each second in the 1,000
lightning storms around the world contribute to the energy in the 7.5 Hz
portion of the spectrum, which can be measured anywhere on the planet. It is
these resonance properties of this global spherical capacitor or resonator)
that Schumann predicted over 40 years ago.
GLOBAL WARMING
In an article published in Science, MIT scientist Earle
Williams (1992) constructed a powerful argument that links Schumann's
resonances to convection and ultimately to widespread tropical and/or global
temperature. Williams concluded that a 1°C warming in the tropics should result
in a fourfold increase in lightning activity, and he presented empirical data
from several locations to support his conclusion. He noted that any measurable
parameter nonlinearly related to temperature could be extremely useful in assessing
the most subtle changes in global temperature. Others have presented different
sensitivities: Price (1993) concluded that a 1°C warming would increase global
lightning activity by 7%; Price and Rind (1994) found a 5-6% increase per 1°C
sensitivity; while Reeve and Toumi (1998) found the sensitivity to be near 40%
per 1°C. Regardless of the exact sensitivity, all these scientists conclude
that lightning increases with even moderate amounts of warming worldwide. More
lightning would generate a stronger SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE, which may be useful
in monitoring planetary temperatures.
The link between SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE and the number of
lightning strikes is supported by a mean day/night temperature fluctuation
pattern. A diurnal pattern of worldwide lightning exists with three maxima
recorded regularly due to the large number of mid- to late-afternoon
thunderstorms in land areas of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia and
Australia. (Storms are first generated in Asia; later they form in Africa; and
later each day they arise in South America.)
Global warming has been linked to the suspected rise in
SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE, and is a threat to its synchronisation with our brain
waves. Small changes in temperature pump up into large signals in extremely low
frequency (ELF) resonances. Long-term monitoring and study of global climate
changes via measurements of ELF electromagnetic waves needs to be conducted
more closely. Monitoring the intensity and frequencies of the lightning-induced
ELF SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE could help monitor changes in the Earth's climate over
time.
MONITORING STATION
One Schumann’s Resonance program proposed setting up two or
three widely separated ELF field sites. A suggested site for a permanent
SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE monitoring station was in the Negev Desert in Schumann’s
Resonance. Members of this proposal want to develop, test and install the
appropriate software for the automatic electromagnetic monitoring and
preliminary processing of the incoming data. They suggested that simultaneous measurements
could be made in Russia and Sweden to test the global nature of the ELF signals
measured in Schumann’s Resonance. The continuous ELF data measured in
Schumann’s Resonance could be compared with other ELF data sets from other
locations around the world, such as Hungary, USA or Japan. Furthermore, the
relevant global climate data sets - such as surface temperature, satellite
observations of the global distribution of deep convection, and global
atmospheric water vapour measurements - could be used for comparisons with
SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE data to check the reliability of the "global
thermometer" hypothesis.
A systematic study of SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE parameters
during high-energy particle precipitation events has shown that protons and
electrons with energies above 1 MeV ionise the upper boundary of the
Earth/ionosphere cavity. This leads to an increase in the resonance frequency
and a decrease in the damping of the first Schumann's resonance, as derived
from measurements at Arrival Heights, Antarctica. The study used the nine
strongest solar proton events of the past Solar Cycle 22 and high-energy
electrons emitted periodically from co-rotating interaction regions in the
solar wind during 1994-95. The variation of the SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE parameters
is in qualitative agreement with current SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE theories. The
study also showed that high-energy particle precipitation (solar ejecta) is not
the only relevant source affecting SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE parameters. The
findings constitute a so far little-explored aspect of solar/terrestrial
interaction.
FACILITATING OUR POTENTIAL
In conclusion, we postulate that: (1) we are complex
electrodynamic, rather than merely chemical beings, sensitive to natural and
artificial EM fields; (2) SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE frequencies coincide with human
brain waves, affecting subtle and gross brain-wave generation, regulating
homoeostasis, healing and psi; (3) there is strong correlation between human
behavioural disturbance and geomagnetic field turbulence or isolation from
SCHUMANN’S RESONANCE frequencies.
As human beings we have extraordinary potentials we have
hardly begun to study, much less understand. Creative gifts, intuitions and
talents that are unpredictable or emergent may become stabilised in generations
to come. Hopefully, we can learn to understand both our emergence from an
essentially electromagnetic environment and facilitate our potential for
healing, growth and non-local communication.
About the Authors:
·
Richard Alan Miller started his professional career as a
physicist, biophysicist and instrumentation specialist. In late 1972 he began
his foray into paraphysics with experiments in Kirlian photography and
developed a field theory to explain the phenomenon. He is an expert in growing
and marketing botanicals, and set up his own company, Northwest Botanicals.
Visit http://www.nwbotanicals.org
for a listing of his writings on subjects as diverse as metaphysics,
parapsychology and alternative agriculture. He is currently writing a book on
ESP self-induction. Richard is available for lectures and as an outside
consultant. He can be contacted at OAK Publishing, Inc., 122 SW 5th Street,
Grants Pass, OR 97526, USA; telephone +1 (541) 476 5588, fax +1 (541) 476 1823,
email DrRam@magick.net.
·
Iona Miller is a multimedia artist, hypnotherapist, web
author and researcher who works through the Asklepia Foundation (http://www.asklepia.org), Chaosophy
Journal and JNLRMI on the relationship between experiential journeys, physics,
healing, creativity, dreams, consciousness and chaos theory. She has been
collaborating with Richard Alan Miller since the mid-1970s; although they
divorced in 1994, they continue to work together on leading-edge studies into
consciousness, neurotheology, Qabalah, alchemy and the nature of reality.
Notes and References:
·
The authors give special thanks to Betty Daly-King of
Western Australia for getting them started on the completion of Lewis B.
Hainsworth's original works on this subject.
·
Two background papers by Hainsworth are appended to the
article "On the Possible Effects of Changes in Schumann's Resonances on
Human Psychobiology" at website http://www.nwbotanicals.org.
Appendix 1: The Effect of Geophysical Phenomena on Human Health (first
published in Speculations in Science and Technology, vol. 6, no. 5, December
1983); Appendix 2: Electrical Technology and Human Evolution (Speculations in
Science and Technology, vol. 11, no. 2, 1987)
·
Additional references for this article can be found at http://www.nwbotanicals.org.
