What is neurofeedback?
Neuroplasticity is your brain’s natural ability to continuously learn, adapt, and self-organize. Neurofeedback has become a rapidly growing field. Neurofeedback is a brain training program which presents the brain with information that supports your central nervous system’s natural ability to self-regulate and reorganize, thus empowering your brain to function at its best.
Why neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback meets your brain where it is and trains it to function at an optimal level, so you can become your best no matter who you are at the time. Many people are seeking medication free and non-invasive approaches to health and wellness. Your brain is what makes you—you. It is the most essential organ in your body as it is intimately connected to, and influences every part of your moods, thoughts, memories, and actions. When it is working optimally everything can function with greater ease. Today, we are experiencing higher levels of stress than ever before, and our nervous system is not equipped, nor designed, to live in this heightened and dysregulated state. Our busy lifestyles are making it increasingly more difficult to think clearly, concentrate, and cope with everyday stressors. Stress mixed with a dysregulated nervous system can have many negative impacts on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Let’s start looking at our brain health like we do our physical health
How does neurofeedback work?
The system uses real-time EEG sensors to detect inconsistencies, and sudden changes, in electrical activity that may be preventing optimal brain function. This information is mirrored back to your brain, and presented to you, via subtle interruptions in the music itself (feedback). These brief pauses initiate your body’s natural orienting response. This prompts your central nervous system to “attend to” the present moment so it can learn, adapt, and self-organize for optimal functioning with each session. Your brain learns a little bit more about itself each time. When your brain is working optimally, there can be many benefits to your overall health and well-being.
Who uses neurofeedback?
…Literally, anyone with a brain! No matter where your lifestyle takes you—from athletes to executives, to students, to performers, or to artists— no matter the age, an optimal mindset helps you to be the best you that you can be! Neurofeedback is a great tool to have as part of any wellness program, because it is designed to catalyze personal transformation into “flexibility and resilience”. Neurofeedback empowers your whole brain to perform at its “best” regardless of diagnosis, label, or the goal. Outcomes are unique to every individual.
How often do I train my brain?
How often you trained is completely up to you. However, it is recommended one starts with two to three sessions a week and then move toward weekly sessions, as one progresses. Training may be done as frequently as once to three times daily. It depends on how quickly you would like to see results!
Are there any side effects?
Any effects felt during a session, and soon after, are responses by your central nervous system to the challenges of training. Although the sessions may feel relaxing—your brain is actually working very hard! Neurofeedback is like going to the gym for the brain!
Is neurofeedback safe?
The process is 100% non-invasive. Nothing is put into your brain! (i.e., no electric electricity, no strong frequencies, no vibrations, etc.) It is also 100% painless as the feedback received is merely the “audible skips” contained within the music (aka “negative feedback”). Importantly, it does not push your brain into any specific direction or frequency. Instead, it allows your brain to observe its own cortical activity. This allows it to use its own intrinsic and inherent wisdom to self-organize and readjust for optimal performance.
How do I prep for a neurofeedback session?
1) Do not consume substances like alcohol or cannabis before your appointment. 2) Remove ear jewelry. 3) Wear comfortable clothing and bring a book to read if you would like or listen to the music for your 30-to-45-minute session brain training. 4) Stay hydrated. 5) Show up on time for appointment. 6) Have your initial intake package done. (Either done online or through e-mail. Can also bring with).