Our brain produces random electrical pulses every second, affecting our mood, mental health, and general well-being. When they are not in balance, they can hurt our overall health and state of mind. Fortunately, there is a proven method to measure these brainwaves and teaches you to calm them down, allowing you to retain and improve your way of life.
This article explores the benefits of Neurofeedback, its common uses, and potential risks.
Neurofeedback In a Nutshell
The goal of Neurofeedback is to reinforce desirable brain waves while reducing the frequency of negative ones. This allows you to train yourself to be more relaxed and stress-free, improving your brain’s ability to deal with stress. The process uses a machine to measure the brain’s electrical activity and then provide audio or visual feedback to improve one’s quality of life.
Neurofeedback also effectively treats various psychiatric concerns and day-to-day performances that constantly affect the mind. It addresses the root cause of these conditions and finds better ways to deal with them.
In addition, the feedback and detailed protocols provided by the treatment make it easier for people to recognize the specific changes they need to make to improve their health and well-being.
The early days of Neurofeedback
The history of Neurofeedback dates back to the early 1960s when Dr.Joe Kamiya developed a technique to measure brain activity. Then, in the 1970s, electroencephalography or EEG feedback was used as a treatment for epilepsy. Finally, in the 1980s, biofeedback, a technique that allows patients to control their brainwaves, was introduced to the public and became a revolutionary step in helping people learn how to manage their minds toward better health.
It was then that Neurofeedback began to take off as a form of self-improvement therapy.
Neurofeedback today
Technology and research have come a long way as it continues to advance, especially in the fields of Science. Instead of simply focusing on a single area of the brain, today’s Neurofeedback has become more comprehensive as it offers alternative treatments for various psychological and medical conditions. In addition, Neurofeedback has also demonstrated outstanding potential for helping children with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
Neurofeedback is also used to help improve cognitive function and attention in people suffering from neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia. One study showed that Neurofeedback is deemed feasible and can even pose a viable treatment for schizophrenia and related disorders.
People in the sports field are also using Neurofeedback to improve their performance. For example, the ability to control one’s brain waves helps athletes such as soccer players improve their focus and concentration, which is essential for any player who wishes to succeed in the game.
Indeed, Neurofeedback today has become a powerful tool that can help people of all ages to become more productive and focused. If you want to know more about this treatment, visit a reputable practice in your area or set an appointment at Tennessee Neurofeedback for a free consultation!
Neurofeedback and Better Living
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive form of biofeedback that uses electrodes to measure brain wave patterns in real-time. The feedback is provided to help understand and develop ways to train the brain to create healthier practices and reach the optimum level of happiness.
In the simplest terms, Neurofeedback can be likened to doing voice lessons or learning to play a new sport where the individual has to make necessary adjustments to improve their skills and craft. However, in Neurofeedback, the brain pattern and behaviors are monitored and adjusted.
For example, people with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may develop healthy habits that are helpful to keep them focused on completing tasks. Furthermore, those who suffer from depression may use Neurofeedback to improve their mood and decrease feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Anxiety symptoms may also be reduced through neurofeedback training for those who have PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Neurofeedback and the Brain: How Does It Work?
The brain is a complex organ that works in unison with all other organs in the body. It can process information from the environment and send signals to other body parts via nerve impulses.
When the brain is operating correctly, it can perform at its peak. However, when under too much pressure, the brain’s ability to function correctly can be impaired.
To further understand how Neurofeedback works, let us look into the essential brain functions first.
First off, the brain has a central nervous system (CNS) and a peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of structures attached via nerves, including the brain itself and the spinal cord. These structures enable communication between different parts of the body. For example, when you touch your nose, this information is sent to your brain and processed there to recognize your nose again in the future.
The PNS, on the other hand, consists of nerves that go from one part of the body to another. These nerves are responsible for carrying sensory signals such as pain or temperature from one part of your body to another.
The PNS also includes motor nerves that carry signals by muscle contraction or expansion. Thus, if something goes wrong, the effect can be felt.
Neurofeedback works by helping these systems send and receive signals more efficiently. It is a technique used to support the brain function more efficiently and reduce stress, anxiety, and too much excitement. The EEG records electrical activity generated by neurons within specific regions responding to external stimuli like sounds or visual stimuli.
For example, the brain responds to external stimuli through the PNS and sends signals to the brain. The brain then processes these signals and sends messages back to the PNS. Finally, the brain processes these messages, affecting how people feel or think.
By helping the client learn how to train their minds to better deal with these changes, they are one step closer to an optimal level of living a quality of life.
A Neuroscientific Approach to Mental Health Disorders
According to experts, there’s already an epidemic of mental health crises as cases continue to rise — reaching a 25% increase since the onset of the pandemic. Many factors contribute to this trend, from everyday stress to those caused by external factors and pressures. This data is quite alarming and serves as a wake-up call for the government and the healthcare industry to take action in alleviating the growing mental health burden.
The human mind is a highly complex system composed of multiple areas of activity at once. Thinking, feeling, and sensing are simultaneously active at different levels — with numerous inputs, perceptions, and various thoughts running. In addition, our mind is constantly changing in response to what we are experiencing.
However, it is crucial to understand that the brain is not a single all-purpose organ but a collection of many different organs working together in complex ways. Each of these areas affects the other and how they work together.
Neuroscience research has shown that mental illness has physical causes and symptoms. These symptoms are caused by an imbalance between the body and brain functioning in multiple areas, which can be seen as a disturbance in all four aspects: physical, mental, emotional, and social functioning.
Some theories claim that when there is an imbalance between these four aspects, it causes changes in the structure or function of specific brain parts, leading to various psychological issues such as depression or anxiety.
The premise behind Neurofeedback is that it teaches our brain to self-regulate more efficiently to recognize and better manage their thoughts and impulses when they arise.
In some cases, Neurofeedback has helped people who have lost the ability to control their emotions or feelings because of certain medical conditions such as traumatic brain injury or stroke. People also use Neurofeedback for learning purposes—for example, those who want to study for exams or improve their performance in sports such as bowling or basketball.
Indeed, this non-invasive therapy technique has improved the quality of living for most people and will continue to do so in the years to come. If you’re new to this, contact Tennessee Neurofeedback today. They’ll be happy to assist and provide more information about your condition and how the therapy can help you.
Conclusion
Neurofeedback is a powerful healing tool that has the potential to change lives in a non-invasive and practical way. In search of inner peace, a better quality of life, and reaching your maximum potential, know that there are people who can help — all you need is to reach out.
Set up a free consultation at Tennessee Neurofeedback today for a step closer to a healthier, happier you!