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Neurofeedback: How It Works

Neurofeedback Loop

Shows how the brain waves are picked up from the user's head, then amplified, then sent to the computer, and then the application program sends visual and audio feedback to the user.

How does it work?

  • Electrodes measure brainwave activity (EEG)*
  • Amplifier reads and sorts the EEG signal
  • Software translates to audio/visual feedback
  • Individualized “protocols” guide the brain to increase and decrease amplitudes of different frequencies
  • The brain learns to repeat targeted EEG patterns (operant conditioning)

* Neurofeedback is non-invasive—no electricity comes into the brain.

Brain Training Protocols

BrainPaint® uses research-based training protocols, which are substantiated by additional evidence from over 21,000 clients. BrainPaint® protocols are determined by non-invasive functional evaluations; there is no need for brain mapping or formal diagnosis. The primary neurological states identified are

  • Under-arousal (e.g., sadness, sleep disturbance, poor focus/attention)
  • Over-arousal (e.g., poor impulse control, aggression, sensory overload)
  • Imbalances (e.g., head injuries, chronic pain, fatigue, mood swings)
  • Trauma-related hyper-arousal (e.g., Post Traumatic Stress, phobias, anxiety, panic, addictions)

The “protocols” selected for training the brain are intuitive – to a degree. If the brain is running too slow, we teach it to speed up. If the brain is running to fast, we teach it to slow down. In the case of imbalances, we give the brain information on how to balance functioning between the right and left hemispheres. With the trauma response, we help the brain to release associated neurological patterns.

What is not intuitive is that some behaviors, such as hyperactivity, can actually be an overcompensation. For example, some people with attention deficit disorders have hyperactivity as a part of their symptoms. Often they have too much slow brainwave activity and stimulate their brainwaves through behaviors. There are far too many variables for this to become a phone app soon, or to take for granted. Side effects are simply over- or under-stimulating the brain. Even though side effects are minimal, and do not typically last for more than a day, it is important to work with a trained professional.

Neurofeedback resources:

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