Is it possible to train your brain?
Is it possible to rid yourself of unhealthy patterns and train your brain to function more efficiently?
Yes. Through Neurofeedback.
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is EEG guided biofeedback. What that means is that neurofeedback uses an EEG to first evaluate an individual’s brainwave patterns and then based on that information, it trains brainwave patterns to get the brain functioning more fluidly.
How does it work?
We start with an initial assessment, where we look at eight areas of the brain for three minutes each. We will evaluate each are for one minute with eyes closed, for one minute with eyes open, and finally one minute doing a task.
The task is not a test, but rather a way to “light up” or exercises that area of the brain.
The assessment takes about an hour, and the end result is a Brain Map, which shows brainwave patterns that are evaluated for brainwave dysregulation. What that means is we are looking for ways in which genetics or environment has caused a disruption in the flow of brain activity.
An example to help you understand a bit better:
We know that the left front of our brain is primarily where most of our executive decision making occurs. We also know that the right rear of our brain is where our sleep centers are located. In studying the brain map we would like to see more of the brainwaves responsible for decision making (Beta) in the left front. Conversely, in the right rear we would like to see a predominance of the slower-waves. For those individuals that have a hard time focusing and concentrating, we would invariably see that the Beta waves are outnumbered by the slow waves. On the other hand, with a predominance of Beta waves in the right rear we would expect this person is suffer with insomnia.
What’s next?
From here, a training protocol is created to train your brainwave patterns to be more in keeping with the anatomy. This is done with auditory feedback because your brain responds to sounds. It is all just learning; training the brain to be more efficient.
Let the training begin!
Once all the protocols are set, we are now ready to do the training. If we were to train the above mentioned brainwave dysregulation, we would train the left front to decrease slow waves. We would also train the right rear to decrease Beta. EEG leads are placed on the training sites and the computer rewards the patient with positive auditory and visual feedback when the appropriate brainwaves are being achieved. It’s a learning process similar to learning how to ride a bike. On a bike, your feedback is falling and scraping your knee. You don’t want that result so you learn to balance. With neurofeedback, over time your new learned brainwave patterns become permanent with your desired results.
Who can benefit from neurofeedback?
Many people! We’ve seen positive results across a wide variety of problems including: ADD/ADHD
- ADHD
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Sleep disorders
- Migraines
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue
- Anger and aggression
If you would like additional information on Brain Training, we encourage you to give our office a call! You can also visit our website at middletownhealthandwellnesscenter.com or find us on facebook!