What Is Neurofeedback and How Does It Work?
Things like difficulty sleeping, trouble paying attention, or even anxiety can have a negative impact on your life. Maybe you can’t seem to find the right things to say when you’re talking to people, or you’re not able to perform the way you want at school or work.
These problems are more common than you might think, so take a deep breath and show yourself some compassion.
The good news? There are several medications or natural solutions that can help with most of these conditions. Whether you’re opposed to getting on medication, or you just want to try other options first, neurofeedback might be able to help.
But what is this drug-free practice, and how can it improve whatever you might be struggling with?
Neurofeedback Is Nothing New
Maybe you’ve never heard of neurofeedback before, but it’s actually been around since the late 1950s. It was developed by Dr. Joe Kamiya, who discovered that using a reward system could help to change conscious brain activity.
Since then, this theory has been tested multiple times, becoming more refined to the point where aspects of neurofeedback are even used to help NASA astronauts improve their focus and reduce stress.
How Does Neurofeedback Work?
When you participate in a neurofeedback session, the goal is to train your brainwaves, which happens subconsciously. To set that up, you may first go through a brain-mapping session, and we will discuss that option during your intake session. It’s important to know what to expect here because it can look a little intimidating at first.
A technician will put sensors on your head through a special cap that will allow your brain’s electrical impulses to be recorded. You’ll be completely awake and can relax through the process. This will make it easier to obtain an accurate reading.
This type of brain mapping (known as a qEEG) helps to show how your brainwaves are moving, which parts are “normal,” and which parts might be causing problems. For example, some parts might be moving too quickly while other parts might be going slower than they should.
Once your specialist has this data and combines it with the background information you’ve given them, they can develop a strategy designed to help your brainwaves move at a more normal pace and in a better direction.
To do that, you’ll go through neurofeedback sessions that focus on audio, video, or a combination of the two. You’ll sit in a comfortable setting and watch or listen to something. You’ll notice throughout the experience that the audio or video will fade when your brainwaves move too fast or too slow. It will become brighter or louder again when the brainwaves go back to normal.
This process trains your brain by teaching it how to regulate itself. With each session, your brain will keep learning how to self-correct. You’re essentially training it to become more focused, sharper, and less overwhelmed.
What Does It Help?
Neurofeedback is known to help with a variety of conditions, from ADHD to anxiety. It can also help with things like emotional regulation, depression, trauma, decision-making, and sleep.
Some people — including athletes — use neurofeedback to improve their performance and enhance their focus. Others use it as a tool to reduce stress.
Neurofeedback isn’t for everyone, but it can be a helpful, healthy solution for those struggling with some of the issues listed above. Talk to your healthcare provider or a neurofeedback professional about what you can expect from these sessions. If given the chance, neurofeedback can have a positive impact on your overall quality of life and help you feel like you’re more in control.
If you want to learn more or have questions about the process, feel free to reach out for information about neurofeedback therapy.