Theta (4-8 Hz) Power
Theta Rule
Theta waves are used in Anapana to support a tight focus on the breath (Aftanas & Golocheikine 2001, Knyazev 2007, Sauseng et al. 2007, Mitchell et al. 2008). We reward higher frontal Theta for a strong attentional engagement and executive function (ability to stay on task and track the sensations of the breath). Theta is highest in experienced meditators, and more Theta is produced in deeper Anapana meditations.
Theta Weights
Level 1 and 2 meditators are assigned a rule weight of +2, while Level 3 and 4 meditators are assigned a rule weight of +1. Level 1 and 2 meditators, who are still developing proficiency in sustained attention on the breath, benefit the most from the top-down control afforded by Theta. Level 3 and 4 meditators do not require as strong top-down control, as effortlessness and deeper states are accessed in a bottom-up manner (DeLosAngeles et al. 2016).