Neurofeedback

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a tool that monitors activity from the brain, to tell the brain more about itself. It does so using electrodes placed gently on the head and ears using a conductive paste; these measure brain activity (without sending any information back to the brain).

With this information, the hardware and software can find patterns and irregularities in brain activity. These are completely normal changes in brain activity that can occur as the result of various forms of trauma, brain injury, chronic disease, stress, etc. However, such changes can lead to decreased brain efficiency and often, symptoms of illness.

In order to tell the brain more about itself, the Neurofeedback device utilizes interruptions in the provided music that the listener hears during a session. These interruptions are both audible and inaudible. The brain then internalizes this information and tries to find a new path of least resistance, without interruption from the machine. Think of this kind of Neurofeedback as a mirror being held up to the brain to show its own imperfections!

Why Would I Want Neurofeedback?

While Neurofeedback does not treat or diagnose any conditions, it does gently encourage the brain to ignore irregular activity. In this way, when using the device, we can train the brain to be more efficient. In healthy individuals, this increased efficiency can manifest as improved attention, better sleep, cognitive processing, and more.

In symptomatic patients, (i.e. anxiety, ADHD, cognitive fogging), symptoms improve over time. Please note that not all symptoms are guaranteed improvement, and as mentioned previously, Neurofeedback is not treatment. The brain is being trained to heal itself, and all brains improve differently.

Are there different kinds of Neurofeedback?

Yes! The kind of Neurofeedback machine utilized at Greenhouse Natural Medicine is manufactured by NeurOptimal® Advanced Brain Training Systems. This system is different than other systems (called “linear systems”) because it uses the listener’s own brain information to gather data and provide feedback. In a linear system, someone interprets a reading of the brain in order to compare it to a predetermined “healthy” brain for the purpose of diagnoses or treatment. This kind of therapy can be useful for many patients, but not everyone’s brain fits a predetermined mold.

The kind of Neurofeedback created by NeurOptimal® devices has been named “Dynamical,” in part due to the complexity required to run software that interprets real time brain data so quickly.