What Is Neurofeedback? Your Guide to Understanding Neurofeedback and Its Benefits

 

You’ve tossed and turned for yet another night – counting down the hours of sleep you’ll get if you “just get to sleep right now.”

You’re sick of going through the day with that cloudiness in your brain – you can’t focus or pay attention.

You’re exhausted from constant stress and sadness – you just want to feel happy and at peace.

You want your kids to enjoy school – not struggle to get through the day.

You’ve tried everything. You’ll even feel better for a little while, but then everything you’ve been dealing with comes crashing back down on you when you least expect it.

After doing some research, you’ve heard about neurofeedback. But you’re probably wondering:

What exactly is neurofeedback? 

How can it help you feel better? 

Today I’ll go over what neurofeedback is, how it works, and the benefits it can have on your life. 

So What Is Neurofeedback, Anyway?

 

Technically, neurofeedback is a brain training system that detects changes in your brain’s electrical patterns. Neurofeedback teaches your brain self-control by giving your brain a signal when it shifts in an unpleasant way. ¹

A neurofeedback machine can detect when your brain starts to feel discomfort or distress. Your brain then receives a signal this is happening. This allows your brain to shift in a way that feels better. 

Neurofeedback is like physical fitness for your brain. You’re constantly given information about how to keep the rest of your body healthy, so why not train the most crucial organ in your body?

More and more people are brain training for overall wellness.

Although neurofeedback continues to gain popularity, it’s not a new concept. For decades, research studies have been done to better understand neurofeedback and its benefits. Today, more and more people are using neurofeedback to promote a healthy lifestyle while managing chronic conditions.²

Just like you, I dealt with issues that were interfering with my life – fatigue, feelings of anxiety, and depression. I wanted long-term results – a “top-down” approach for overall wellness. Neurofeedback helped my family and me immensely. 

You can use neurofeedback for just about anything interfering with your life.  Let’s talk a little more about what you can use neurofeedback for.

What Is Neurofeedback Used For?

 

Neurofeedback can be used for overall wellness or to help with a specific problem. If you’re considering neurofeedback, you’ve likely tried tons of lifestyle changes, medications, and supplements, yet you’re still feeling lousy. Sound familiar? Most people who try neurofeedback are in the same position.

Neurofeedback can be used if you have difficulty…

• sleeping
• focusing or concentrating
• managing stress
• managing anxious thoughts or feelings
• managing relationships with others

It can also be used to…

• increase peak performance
• improve mental resilience 
• assist in recovery after injury or trauma

You can also try neurofeedback to promote a healthier lifestyle while coping with any of the following:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• PTSD
• Brain injury

So now you know what neurofeedback is used for, let’s talk about the two types of neurofeedback: linear and non-linear. 

Let’s quickly go over these two types of neurofeedback so you can understand each one and make the best decision for you and your family. 

Linear vs. Non-linear Neurofeedback

 

Linear neurofeedback is the first neurofeedback discovered. It needs to be provided by a professional with extensive training and requires you to have a medical diagnosis to start. 

Then, you’ll go to a trained provider, who will map your brain’s electrical activity and compare it to typical or standard brain function.

Standard protocols try to shift your brain back to “normal” or “healthier” brain patterns. Protocols are adjusted throughout your sessions, so the skills of the clinician providing the neurofeedback are crucial. You’ll want to look for a well-trained provider because errors in changing the protocols can result in side effects such as fatigue or headaches.¹

Non-linear neurofeedback is an advanced brain training system that anyone can use – no extensive training or brain mapping is required. It’s a general wellness product, so you don’t need a medical diagnosis to get started. All you need is a willingness to commit to the process so that you can start feeling better.

What’s great about non-linear neurofeedback is that it doesn’t tell your brain what it needs to do. It also doesn’t compare your unique brain pattern to others people’s (which is used as the basis of a standard protocol).

Instead, the neurofeedback machine will detect when your brain is about to shift in an undesirable way for you, allowing your brain to self-correct. 

With non-linear neurofeedback, you attach sensors to your scalp and ears. Then, you sit back and listen to music. When the machine detects a shift in the brain, the music pauses. 

That’s it!

This simple pause will allow your brain to be in the present moment and self-correct. 

Non-linear neurofeedback is an overall wellness model that has helped many people with chronic conditions. 

The Benefits of Non-Linear Neurofeedback

 

People report benefits from both types of neurofeedback but since so many people are looking to do neurofeedback at home, let’s review the benefits of non-linear neurofeedback. 

Many people like it because it’s safe, non-invasive, and natural – and they love the convenience of doing neurofeedback at home. Also, nobody is trying to change your brain to “standard” frequencies which can cause side effects.

Earlier, I talked about the issues interfering with my life. I tried Neuroptimal®, non-linear neurofeedback, which was highly recommended at a conference I attended. After six sessions, I woke up feeling rested for the first time in 20 years! Over the years, we’ve collected many positive reviews and client stories about how Neuroptimal® has been life-changing for them. 

There are many different benefits neurofeedback can provide for your overall wellness and management of chronic conditions. 

Non-linear neurofeedback can:

• promote healthy sleep habits
• improve mental acuity and focus
• reduce performance anxiety and sports anxiety
• help manage stress
• assist with weight loss goals
• increase self-esteem
• help you feel calmer and more confident

If you want to get started with non-linear neurofeedback, Neuroptimal® is an easy-to-use, at-home neurofeedback device. Because of its advanced technologies, it can measure brain activity at rapid speeds, giving your brain constant feedback to correct itself. This allows your brain to enter a self-healing process – there are never any forced brain frequency changes.

What’s Next?

If you’ve ever wondered, “what is neurofeedback?” I hope this article gave you more insight into what it is and how it helps you become more flexible and resilient while living with chronic conditions. 

Imagine…

• waking up feeling refreshed.
• being able to concentrate and focus – better than you have in years.
• being able to better manage your stress and relationships. 

Are you ready to have more good days than bad? 

If you’re interested in at-home neurofeedback, fill out this contact form.  I’ll answer all your questions and guide you through understanding Neuroptimal® neurofeedback and if it’s the right fit for you.

Resources

1. Neurofeedback: A Comprehensive Review. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience. April 2016.

2. History of Neurofeedback

Disclaimer: This site contains information on general health and wellness topics. Please note that Neuroptimal® has been designated a general wellness product by the FDA. The information on this site or in any linked materials should not be construed as medical advice. The information in this article is not intended to replace any recommendations by your physician.