- Brain Mapping & Neurofeedback
- HRV (Heart Rate Variability) Training
- Photobiomodulation Therapy
Brain Mapping & Neurofeedback
What is qEEG (Brain Mapping)?
The aEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalography) brain map is an assessment tool to measure the electrical activity (brainwaves) in the cerebral cortex, and the “coherence” between different areas. These are an indication of the healthy or normalcy of functional communications between regions of the brain. In other words, it measures how well the different areas of the brain are communicating with each other to perform complex tasks.
What is Neurofeedback and how does it work?
“Neurofeedback training is EEG (brainwave) biofeedback. During typical training, one or more electrodes are placed on the scalp and one or two are usually put on the earlobes. Then, high-tech electronic equipment provides real-time, instantaneous feedback (usually auditory and visual) about your brainwave activity. The electrodes allow us to measure the electrical patterns coming from the brain, much like a physician listens to your heart from the surface of your skin. No electrical current is put into your brain. Your brain’s electrical activity is relayed to the computer and recorded.” (Hammond, D. C. pp. 306)
By creating new electrical activity through the process of this feedback, the brain learns to self-regulate, which calms the nervous system. This reduces or eliminates symptoms. Almost any brain, regardless of its level of function, can be trained to function better.
How Neurofeedback Works on a Dysregulated Nervous System
The brain is a complex organ that is made up of billions of brain cells called neurons, which use electricity to communicate with each other. The communication signals produce a tremendous amount of electrical activity in the brain. Sensitive medical equipment, such as an EEG, can measure electricity levels over areas of the scalp. Everyone has the same brain waves, but people do not have the same pattern of brain waves.
Specific conditions are associated with certain patterns of electrical activity. For example, people with ADHD often have too many slow brain waves (theta) and not enough fast brain waves (beta). This is what causes them to have a hard time staying focused on certain tasks and activities.
Without self-regulation, many problems of the central nervous system can arise. Focus and attention issues, anxiety, and depression are just a couple of these issues that can manifest. Neurofeedback has shown to have impact when treating issues like ADHD, ADD, autism, anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, emotional distress, behavioral issues, mood disorders, chronic pain, headaches, learning disabilities, executive functioning issues, concussion, TBI and a variety of other issues. Almost any brain, regardless of its level of function, can be trained to function better.
EEG Neurofeedback optimizes the brain functioning of anyone, leading to higher performance. That is why many people that require high levels of performance such as athletes and executives use it for peak performance optimization.
How Dysregulation Impacts our brain and body?
When we are dysregulated, our thinking, behavior, heart rate and breathing can become erratic. We may feel panic or depression out of nowhere, or our emotions can feel overwhelming, flooding us with adrenaline and cortisol (the fight/flight response). We can also feel physically numb, clumsy, forgetful or scattered. It can be hard in these states to read reality correctly, seeing danger where we are actually safe, or safety where there is danger.
Key signs your brain is dysregulated:
- You feel spaced out, at a loss for words, can’t remember where you are.
- You feel scattered, trying to do a lot of things at once and finishing nothing.
- You are tripping over, dropping, or losing things.
- Your voice and facial expression are flat.
- You are in a rage.
- You can’t feel parts of your body — hands, mouth, face, nose, feet.
Other signs of dysregulation can be:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Easily startled and hypervigilant
- Nightmares/Flashbacks
- Insomnia
- Emotionally numb/detached
- Avoidance of anything related to a traumatic event
- Anger/irritability
The Neurofeedback Process:
The first step is getting a quantitative EEG (QEEG) or brain map. A cap is placed on one’s head to measure the surface electrical activity that the brain. Your data is compared against a database to look for patterns that highlight brain activity that is over or under aroused. It is a visual way to see brain waves and how they are functioning. After the brain map, a neurofeedback protocol is personally designed by providers, based on the data collected from the map, other cognitive and psychological assessments, and your goals for areas of improvement/enhancement, to optimize results.
Depending on the condition, issues, and brain functioning, the number of EEG Neurofeedback sessions required vary based on each individual, but they can range from 20 to 40 or more sessions. Most clients need to come in two to three times a week in order to see lasting change. Like exercise, it requires one to commit to the process and come in regularly to “build the muscle”. While the research shows us that the majority of people report symptom reduction, some see changes quickly and others take time to see the difference.
How does Neurofeedback differ from Medication?
Neurofeedback is completely different because it serves to calm the central nervous system and at the same time, enhances positive qualities. It gets the Central Nervous System to self-regulate so that negative symptoms dissipate. Individuals often report feeling calmer yet focused, and their sleep and overall mood improve. Once the brain has learned healthy patterns, it will continue operating in a healthy manner, although, like with working out, people often return every few months or years, for a sort of “tune-up” in order to maintain optimum brain functioning.
One client, after years of very interrupted and little sleep, leading to many years of depression, states that they now regularly get at least 7 hours of sleep and are finding time and energy to do many of the things they couldn’t get themselves to do before.
Another, who often felt like the world was always working against them, realized that most people are in their own head and that most people were not only not against them, but that most people were not even thinking about them, because they were too busy dealing with their own issues and lives. Finding it simpler to connect, relate, and enjoy even the small things that they could not enjoy for years.
Some Potential issues Neurofeedback Therapy can help address according to some scientific studies:
- Cognitive Function
- Attention and Working Memory
- Learning & Memory
- Skills Training (technical, athletic, creative, and more)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep Quality
- ADHD
- Learning Disabilities
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Recovery from Head Injuries
- Addiction
- PTSD
- Headaches and Migraines
- Chronic Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Eating Behavior and Weight Loss
- OCD
HRV (Heart Rate Variability) Training
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is the variation in time intervals between consecutive heartbeats. It is a measure of the dynamic interplay between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) branches of the autonomic nervous system that regulate heart function. A healthy individual’s heart does not beat at a constant rate; there are slight variations in the time between each heartbeat, resulting in HRV.
High HRV is generally associated with a healthy and well-functioning autonomic nervous system, indicating that the body can adapt to changing demands and stressors efficiently. On the other hand, low HRV is often linked to chronic stress, poor health, and an increased risk of various health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders.
HRV is influenced by various factors such as age, fitness level, stress, sleep quality, physical activity, and overall health. Monitoring HRV can provide valuable insights into an individual’s physiological resilience, stress levels, recovery status, and potential health risks. By tracking HRV over time, individuals can make informed decisions about their lifestyle, training routines, and stress management strategies to optimize their overall well-being.
In recent years, HRV monitoring has become popular in the fields of sports performance, stress management, healthcare, and general wellness. It is often used in conjunction with biofeedback devices or apps to provide real-time feedback on one’s physiological state. Many athletes, coaches, healthcare professionals, and individuals interested in improving their health and performance are using HRV as a tool to optimize training, recovery, and overall well-being.
Overall, Heart Rate Variability is a valuable metric that offers insights into the body’s ability to adapt to stress, regulate autonomic function, and maintain overall health. By understanding and monitoring HRV, individuals can make informed choices to enhance their well-being and quality of life.
HRV training, or Heart Rate Variability training, is a method used to monitor and manage the variability in time intervals between heartbeats. It is based on the concept that a higher HRV is associated with better physiological and psychological well-being. By measuring the time intervals between heartbeats, HRV training provides insights into the balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) branches of the autonomic nervous system.
HRV training typically involves using biofeedback devices or apps to track your heart rate variability over time. By analyzing this data, individuals can gain insights into their stress levels, recovery patterns, and overall physiological resilience. With this information, individuals can then tailor their training, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle choices to optimize their HRV for improved performance, stress management, and overall well-being.
Training methods may include techniques and practices such as controlled breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness, adequate sleep, proper nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management strategies. By incorporating these practices into their routine and adjusting based on HRV data, individuals can potentially improve their health, performance, and overall quality of life.
HRV training is gaining popularity in various fields, including athletics, healthcare, workplace wellness programs, and personal wellness initiatives. It offers a personalized approach to enhancing well-being by leveraging the body’s own physiological signals. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or a trained professional before starting any new training regimen to ensure that it aligns with your individual health needs and goals.
HRV (Heart Rate Variability) training is a method that involves monitoring and training the variability in time intervals between heartbeats. Here are some of the potential benefits associated with HRV training:
- Stress management: HRV training can be used as a tool to manage stress. High HRV is typically associated with a relaxed state, while low HRV is linked to stress or fatigue. By monitoring HRV and using biofeedback techniques, individuals can learn to regulate their stress response.
- Athletic performance: HRV training can be beneficial for athletes looking to optimize their performance. Monitoring HRV can help athletes determine the appropriate intensity of their training sessions and adjust their training load to prevent overtraining.
- Improved fitness: HRV training can help individuals improve their cardiovascular fitness by optimizing workout intensity and recovery. By adjusting training intensity based on HRV readings, individuals can maximize the efficiency of their workouts.
- Better sleep: HRV training has been associated with improved sleep quality. By regulating stress levels and promoting relaxation, HRV training can help individuals achieve better sleep patterns.
- General health and well-being: Regular HRV training may have overall health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and enhancing overall well-being.
- Biofeedback: HRV training can serve as a form of biofeedback, providing individuals with real-time data on their physiological responses. This feedback can help individuals learn to regulate their autonomic nervous system and improve their overall health.
Photobiomodulation Therapy
Light therapy, also called photobiomodulation (tPBM), holds transformative power, from neurodegeneration to optimal brain performance, leaving you renewed and invigorated — much like the
revitalizing effects of sunlight — without any known side effects.
Interestingly, sunlight itself contains approximately 50% infrared light. By integrating infrared light with brain entrainment, a state of balance and harmony is achieved, leading to optimized brain function and further enhancing the results from light alone.
Experienced consultants leverage this combination to create a personalized protocol that caters specifically to their clients’ needs. This customized approach unlocks a multitude of benefits for brain health, including:
stimulating cellular growth & generation
reducing stress & inflammation
protecting brain cells from future damage
improving blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain
enhancing the overall efficiency of the brain’s neural networks
L.T.
I had a major stroke in February 2023. It’s been a little over a year. After the stroke, I had difficulty remembering things, difficulty with speech, and with motor skills. I started Neurofeedback at the end of October 2023. Since I started, there have been many changes. I remember a lot more things lately. My speech is clearer and faster, and I am able to engage in conversations, which I was unable to do prior to that. My sense of humor is back and I am able to laugh and engage when people say things that make me laugh. Before, my balance was very off, but now, my balance has improved a great deal.
I am very glad to have the ability to do Neurofeedback. I have done about 20 sessions so far, and It has made a big difference in my recovery. I am looking forward to more changes and improvements. I am now more hopeful and know that with time, I will be close to my normal self.
Before and After Maps for Brain Mapping & Neurofeedback of L.T.
My husband had a major stroke in February 2023. We had no idea what was going on at first. We found out that he had a series of strokes and we saw the decline of the strokes taking effect. It got to the point where he could not speak, chew, or do any of his normal bodily activities. He couldn’t write, walk (without stumbling or falling), or move his hands. He was in the hospital for a month. He had a neurologist, a cardiologist, a physical therapist, and a social worker.
While in rehab, there were some improvements. He was able to sit up and talk a little better. Very slow speech and difficulty recalling words, but we were able to get what he was trying to say. Nonetheless, he was having lots of issues in expressing his thoughts and with his speech in general. He was more responsive, was able to smile more, etc. After he was released from rehab, his mobility was a little better, but he couldn’t do it on his own. He wasn’t able to move on his own and would get dizzy. He couldn’t sit by himself. He could not move his right side. He still couldn’t swallow and was not talking a lot. By October, there was more progress. However, he was answering one word answers and moving better. He still needed a walker. He was still shifting to one side and the walker would lift.
He started neurofeedback at A Mindful Talk Health Services in November 2023. After about 3 sessions, we started seeing changes with his mobility and speech. After Thanksgiving, he started to not need the walker and he wasn’t shifting. He was keeping his eyes open when walking. Before that, he would keep his eyes closed because he would get dizzy. He started laughing more, interacting, and talking more. He would talk on the phone, and he would use the phone and talk on it more. He still does not interact and use the phone much, but if asked if someone calls him, he does. He sits up on his own, takes a shower on his own, walks way better, and he has a smart mouth again.
Since he started Neurofeedback, we have seen many changes and see it has helped him a lot! He was unable to read, but now is reading, his memory has improved a lot. At times he still has to think a little bit longer, but he remembers things now. He can even sign his name again.
It was very rough to go through what he had to go through and having someone who used to be a full time manager of a supermarket store, a husband and a father, become totally dependent on us. Now, he is becoming more independent again. I feel much more hopeful that by the summer time, we will see many more changes as he continues his Neurofeedback treatment.
They did a 2nd brain map today. He’s only done about 20 sessions of Neurofeedback so far, and we have seen amazing changes. I can’t wait to see the changes we see in the brain map as well, and the changes we will see in the future.
