Neurofeedback Training WHAT IS NEUROFEEDBACK?
Neurofeedback (also known as EEG Biofeedback) is a form of Biofeedback that has been used for over 30 years. It is the process of monitoring brain wave activity real-time and feeding back useful information about that activity - through
auditory and visual feedback - so that the brain learns to function with greater stability and flexibility. Just as physical fitness allows the body to
handle a variety of physical challenges without distress, neurofeedback training appears to strengthen the nervous system so it can respond to a greater range of situations without becoming overwhelmed.
Neurofeedback combines a
holistic approach that recognizes the intimate connection between mind and body with 21st Century technology. It engages natural self-regulatory mechanisms that can contribute to improved emotional well-being and mental function.
Neurofeedback is safe, non-invasive and appears to have lasting benefits. WHAT IS NEUROFEEDBACK USEFUL FOR?
Neurofeedback trains the brain to function more efficiently. Because the central nervous system is involved in and affected by how we think, feel and how our bodies function, improvements in brain function can have emotional,
cognitive and physical benefits.
Problems that may be associated with brain disregulation or instability include such things as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention problems, behaviour disorders, sleep
disorders, seizures, PMS, headaches, migraines, autism, addictions, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, post traumatic stress disorder and emotional disturbances.
Neurofeedback works by teaching the brain to function better rather
than by curing a particular condition. As the brain becomes more efficient, distressing symptoms often disappear completely. Benefits can cut across diagnostic boundaries and lead to generalized improvements. Better concentration,
improved sleep, and a sense of being more grounded and emotionally centered are common benefits.
With closed head injury, improvements in cognition and behaviour may emerge many years after the original injury. When people are feeling more centered and less
emotionally overwhelmed, they can more easily start dealing with issues that have been difficult for them and move their lives in desired directions.
Neurofeedback is used for peak performance as well as by people who are in distress. It is used by athletes, performing artists and executives to hone their ability to handle stress while keeping calm and focused. Neurofeedback is being
used by the elderly for 'brain brightening' and is also used to explore meditative states.
Whether neurofeedback goals involve areas of difficulty or are focused on optimum performance, the neurofeedback process is individually adapted to each person.
Improvements in emotional and mental functioning can be achieved without medication, or, if medications targeting brain function are being used, they may no longer be needed or the dosage needed may decrease as the brain becomes
more stable. It is important to discuss any medication changes with a medical practitioner. HOW IS NEUROFEEDBACK DONE?
The first session usually
lasts for 90 minutes and begins with an assessment to get an overview of how things are going physically, intellectually and emotionally in your life, all of which are affected by the state of the central nervous system.
Because neurofeedback can have a range of benefits, reviewing how you are doing before you start gives helpful information for noticing changes as the training progresses. This first visit provides time to discuss your goals and learn
about the neurofeedback process. During this first session you also have an opportunity to see what your brainwave activity looks like. Depending on the time available, a brief training session may be done at this time.
After the
first session, a typical training session lasts for one hour. During neurofeedback training you sit in a comfortable chair in front of a computer screen. Sensors are attached to your scalp and ears using a small amount of water-soluble
paste. These sensors pick up the tiny electrical signals from your skin surface and transmit information about the brain's activity to the computer via fiber optic cable.
Nothing goes into your body. Once the sensors are in place you simply sit back and relax. Your brain is very skilled at tracking changes in its environment and responding to those changes. As you listen to music through the earphones and
watch the display on the computer screen, brief interruptions in the music and changes in the graphics give your brain information about when it is functioning less efficiently.
The training can be done with eyes open and with
eyes closed. No effort is required besides relaxed attention to the music and visual display. Because the nervous system is so alert to changes in the environment, it responds to and learns from the feedback signals more quickly than the
thinking mind. All that is required is that is that the brain be given information about its own activity and the brain does the rest.
As is the case when learning of any physical or mental skill, frequent repetition leads to a quicker and more robust response. With consistent training your brain learns patterns of activity that increase resilience and flexibility.
Most people leave the session feeling calm and relaxed. IS NEUROFEEDBACK SAFE?
According to the
Journal of Neurotherapy, few reports have been made about adverse effects, and those that were reported were described as rare and transient. Occasionally individuals experience drowsiness, fatigue, spaceiness, or irritability. A shift
in the training protocol or a change of activity, such as moving around or rest, is usually sufficient to resolve the undesirable state. Considering the
thousands of practitioners working with thousands of clients over the last few decades, neurofeedback has shown itself to be a remarkably safe intervention. IF
NEUROFEEDBACK IS SO USEFUL, WHY HAVEN'T I HEARD MORE ABOUT IT?
Neurofeedback has been used to improve brain functioning since the early 1970s when research first showed that the brain could
learn to modify and improve its function.
Until recently, technical limitations and the high cost of computers limited the use of this new way of working with the brain. Advances in computer technology
over the last decade have made neurofeedback training much more accessible. The use of neurofeedback is increasing rapidly worldwide. |
