Between the earth's surface and the lower edge of the ionosphere (approx. 40 miles up) electromagnetic waves pulse around the earth at 7.83Hz. This frequency is a small fraction (1/1000,000) of the intensity of the radio waves sending signals to modern AM/FM radios.1 One Schumann wavelength is the circumference of the earth, making it a very unique frequency. German physicist Winfried Otto Schumann (1888-1974) predicted this wavelength in 1952, and it was later measured in the 1960's. This frequency is known as the heartbeat of the earth, but is easily disrupted by man-made electromagnetic pollution.
About 2,000 thunderstorms roll around the earth at any given time, producing about 50 flashes of lightning per second.2 These flashes of lightning create electromagnetic wave pulses. Some of these waves combine in unison with the Schumann resonance and this multiplies the intensity of the resonance. Fluctuations in the Schumann frequency have periodically been observed.
There are five types of brain wave frequencies measured by the electroencephalograph (EEG): delta (<4Hz), theta (4-8Hz), alpha (9-13Hz), beta (14-30Hz), and gamma (>30Hz). The lowest range (delta brain waves) is for deep sleep, while on the higher end of the spectrum, the gamma brain waves increase memory function.
The Schumann frequency of 7.83Hz (the heartbeat of the earth) affects the alpha brain waves in the mid-range of the brain waves. Alpha brain waves balance and strengthen the body. In order to stay healthy, the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) must remain more dominant than the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight). See the post, "Emotions and Longevity," for a fascinating story showing how a relaxed lifestyle increases life expectancy. Typical household electromagnetic frequencies run in at 60Hz, adding stress to the body, compared to the natural outdoor Hz level of around 8Hz.
Ideally, our body rhythmically goes through a day, sleeping at night with deep delta brainwaves and then achieving peak performance while working in the gamma brain wave range. The Schumann Resonance (heart beat of the earth) supports the alpha frequencies for maintaining balance as our body transitions through this daily cycle of frequencies. Alpha frequencies provide balance through peaceful creativity and thoughtfulness, which is a great state of mindfulness. A person may perform in the high gamma brain frequencies during a very important speech at work, but then must be able to transition back into a peaceful state of mind once completed. If brain waves remain too intense over a long period of time, this could lead to a state of "burn out." Developing the ability to become relaxed after an intense work-out is extremely important.
To benefit from natural Schumann Resonance frequencies, spend plenty of time outdoors away from electromagnetic pollution. Wearing rubber soled shoes blocks earth frequencies from entering the body, much like the rubber coating on the handles of electrician's tools blocks an electrical shock. Going barefoot or wearing shoes made with conductive material is best for staying grounded. If it is too cold to go barefoot, lean against a large tree or sit on a rock for a few minutes each day for grounding.
"Every cell in our bodies is bathed in an external and internal environment of fluctuating invisible magnetic forces. It has become increasingly apparent that fluctuations in magnetic fields can affect virtually every circuit in biological systems to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the particular biological system and the properties of the magnetic fluctuations. Therefore, it should not be surprising that human physiological rhythms and global behaviors are not only synchronized with solar and geomagnetic activity, but disruptions in these fields can create adverse effects on human health and behavior.
Changes in geomagnetic activity are correlated with hospital admissions and mortality from heart attacks and strokes, as well as numerous other adverse health effects such as depression, fatigue, mental confusion, and number of traffic accidents that occur. There is a voluminous scientific literature indicating important biological processes take place such as altered blood pressure, heart rate, HRV, melatonin levels, increased occurrence of cancer, balance of hormonal system, reproductive system, cardiac and neurological disease, and death. An important finding is that of all the bodily systems studied thus far, changes in geomagnetic conditions most strongly affect the rhythms of the heart.
"Solar flares and storms cause a disruption of the Schumann Resonance signal, and are associated with a range of neurological disorders that are largely melatonin-reduction related. Electrical occupations, exposed to above average ELF fields, show reduced melatonin and increased neurological disorders and diseases. If the occupational ELF fields were masking the Schumann Resonance signal as part of their effect, then a therapeutic treatment to correct the disorders would be to use a "Schumann-like" signal.
"The human brain is a biological organ. On one hand it is soft, flexible and adaptive, but on the other hand is relatively stable and coherent with well developed intelligence. In order to retain intelligent thinking in a soft and adaptive organ there needs to be a constant, globally available, synchronization system that continuously stabilizes the brain wave activity. Rapid intelligence and reactions requires an electromagnetic signalling system, supported by a biochemical system. The Schumann Resonance signal provides a brain frequency range matching electromagnetic signal, providing the synchronization needed for intelligence.
The brain uses a range of frequency patterns monitored by the EEG system. The frequency range of the EEG rhythms coincide with the frequency range of Schumann Resonance signal (0-45Hz). The brain has developed an ELF isolating ion system, primarily using calcium-ions, to control the neurotransmitters, Adey (1990). It is well established, Blackman (1990), that external electromagnetic ELF signals induce altered neuron calcium ion effluxes in brain tissue. The stable synchronizing of the brain's electromagnetic systems has led to thinking, emotion, memory and intelligence.
Experts believe that the wide spectrum of artificial man-made EMF radiation masks the natural beneficial frequency of the Earth. Electro-pollution may cause us to feel more stressed, fatigued and "out of balance." Laboratory research has shown that exposing living cells to the Schumann Resonance had beneficial effects when also exposed to ambient EMFs, allowing the cells to increase their immune protection, and decrease the absorption of depression-inducing chemicals. Some researchers believe that by producing a 7.83Hz signal with a field generator (Schumann device), we can reduce the irritating effects of man-made fields. By replicating the Earth's natural rhythm, we may be providing ourselves (at least in our immediate vicinity) with a more healthy environment.