Neurofeedback brain training

Neurofeedback is a fun, non-invasive, drug-free way to train your brain. It is a type of biofeedback, which is a rapidly-developing field that is producing numerous benefits. So many of the functions our bodies perform are not intentional or executed consciously. It would be safe to say we are not aware of all the intricacies going on inside our heads, or of all the connections made in our brain in relation to an emotion or thought. 

Our brain contains billions of neurons that are constantly sending signals to one another in order to function. Thanks to the discovery in the 1930’s that data exchanges between the neurons produce a small electromagnetic field, it is now possible to map those exchanges via Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG). These electrical signals are called brain waves, and we are just beginning to learn what a key role our brain waves play in our mental and physical health. qEEG Neurofeedback is an innovative way to manage our brains by studying the frequency of our brain waves, or electrical activity within the brain. It involves placing electrodes on the clients head that enable it to read the electrical signals emitted by the brain. 

Certain brain wave frequencies represent the mental state in which we find ourselves. For example, when relaxed with closed eyes, the dominant brain wave frequency is generally between 8 and 13 hz. Irregular brain waves can indicate dysfunction in the brain and correlate to a large list of conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, depression, etc. 

Neurofeedback informs our brains through visual and auditory feedback to learn to correct any irregular brain wave patterns. Harnessing neuroplasticity, or our brain’s ability to change itself, neurofeedback gently guides the brain to self correct brain wave patterns. Think of it as a student having a teacher sitting next to them, pointing out errors and allowing them to correct them. As neurofeedback sessions progress, the brain begins to self correct on its own without the aid of a machine.

During a typical neurofeedback session, you put on a hat with several receptors attached to their head. Clips are placed on each ear, acting as grounding points and enabling the machine to measure brain activity on demand. Each receptor will take the brain waves recorded and compare it to the neutral activity measured on the clips on each ear lobe. The rest of the session is steered by the computer, and only requires you to watch a video or play a video game. When the computer program detects that brain wave patterns have become irregular, it dims or interrupts the video or game briefly. It is this microcut that constitutes feedback and allows the brain to return to normal brain waves, restoring the video or video game. The brain unconsciously learns to stabilize brain wave patterns in order to keep the video going, slowly reorganizing neurons little by little to perform at optimal levels and resulting in lifelong change. 

The brain is a muscle, and like other muscles, if we make it repeat the same exercises, these end up becoming automatic. This is equivalent to a high level athlete who practices the same actions until they become as natural as possible. As with sports, we improve with practice, and eventually the brain is able to achieve these positive changes without the device. With neurofeedback, you become a participant in your journey to healing and brain optimization.

While neurofeedback is used to train the brain and helps reduce stress, anxiety, ADHD, depression, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and many other neurological and psychological problems, it is a technique used to optimize the brain, therefore proving beneficial for anybody. It has been used to enhance peak performance in athletes and is good for improving attention, memory, and creativity.