Introduction to Neurofeedback

The brain is a generator of small electrical activity which sends messages to every part of the body. These messages are transmitted to the central nervous system through electrical impulses, or brain waves. If there is injury to the brain, these electrical impulses are disturbed, which can create abnormal rhythmic patterns. When the brain continues to transmit these abnormal patterns, imbalances are created in the body.

The brain organizes itself according to frequency. Many brain-based disorders are due primarily to disturbances in the frequency and timing of the brain waves. The body naturally desires balance and neurofeedback merely assists the brain in bringing itself and the body back into balance.

Neurofeedback is a way of looking at psychological and neurological problems in the bio-electrical domain as opposed to the neuro-chemical realm. This allows for a new method of intervention around the principle of brain self-regulation. Neurofeedback is both a means for improved self-regulation and a measure of success. As a non-medical technique, neurofeedback provides another method with which to address many conditions normally treated with medication.

New technological advancements in the equipment used for neurofeedback allow the brain waves to be amplified and projected on a computer screen as they are occurring in the brain. This is called real time digital EEG and enables a more skilled and precise interpretation of the brain wave patterns.

Self-Regulation
Neurofeedback is one of the most compelling examples of the body's ability to self-regulate and bring itself back into balance.  It offers individuals an opportunity to participate in their own health.  This allows for a new method of intervention around the principle of brain self-regulation. Once the brain's normal patterns are back in balance, the neurofeedback training is no longer necessary. 

In addition to improving self-regulation, neurofeedback also allows us to measure your progress.  Neurofeedback shows us the quality of brain self-regulation and allows us to train the brain towards recovery from deficits or towards enhanced performance. The primary objective of neurofeedback is to train the self-regulation of brain activity. The second objective is to train emotional regulation. The third is to train attentional mechanisms and cognitive function.