Neurofeedback trains the brain. And because the brain controls the entire body, it is fair to assume that neurofeedback can influence the brain to control the entire body more healthily.
You can think of the brain’s electrical amplitude like the volume on your phone and the electrical currents like the different instruments of the song to which you’re listening. In this hypothetical situation, let’s pretend like the bass is way too loud, the drums are too soft and you can hardly hear the guitar. A sound master would lower the bass, allowing it to appropriately play in the background, but with a presence that can be felt, while turning up the drums and guitar. Neurofeedback, in this scenario, turns the volume (amplitude) down for the frequencies of the brain that are too strong, and trains them up for those that are too thin.
Neurofeedback Treatment Research
Interestingly, neurofeedback has been heavily researched since the 1929s. One milestone came in 1960, when researchers found that the limbic system—which was previously thought to have been completely independent and self-governing—was trainable. This discovery led researchers to empirically prove that neurofeedback could train even the unconscious systems that keep us alive.
Since this profound discovery was made, research has proven that neurofeedback can treat even the most treatment-resistant subtypes of anxiety and depression. It can also be used to treat:
1. Trauma, including:
-PTSD
-Hypervigilance
-Attachment trauma
-Lack of emotional regulation
2. ADHD
3. Panic attacks
4. Insomnia and other sleep disorders
5. Obsessive thinking and rumination
6. Compulsive patterns (e.g., excessive hand-washing or compulsive sexuality)
7. Seizures
8. Eating disorders
9. Blocks to peak performance
10. Substance abuse patterns
11. Thrill-seeking and/or risky behavioral patterns
12. Tics
13. Autism
Again, because neurofeedback trains the organ that controls the entire body, its capabilities are far-reaching and powerful.
We have yet to understand many things about the body, brain, and how neurofeedback can continue to grow as a treatment modality. As we learn how to apply neurofeedback to more and more systems in the body, we are thankful to have seen a lot of success in treating and ameliorating the ailments listed above, as well as many others. Learn about neurofeedback FAQS here!
If you are interested in learning more, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We have knowledgeable staff who can answer all of your questions.
Sources: Technical Foundations of Neurofeedback by Thomas F. Collura – Routledge (Taylor & Francis Group), London and New York
