What is neurofeedback? It is a type of advanced technique that gradually trains the brain to self-control and thus improve certain psychological problems such as anxiety, stress and insomnia, in addition, in many cases, it improves the performance of cognitive processes to improve attention, memory and learning. .
Is it quite possible that for many to simply pronounce the word?Neurofeedback ?, visualize a person almost immediately with several electrodes placed in the head to the point of receiving an electric shock, it must be said that it has nothing to do with it. it is not invasive, painless, does not emit electricity or rely on any medication.
- “Neurofeedback is a state-of-the-art technology that puts us face-to-face with the mirror of this most intimate dimension of our person: the brain.
- -Barry Sterman-.
It is limited to the use of certain sensors connected to a computer. Simple engineering that allows us to create an idea in seconds of brain activity and connectivity. Thanks to this amazing brain analysis software (or QEEG brain mapping), it is possible to identify, for example, which areas are overstimulant or which areas do not coordinate their activity with the expected time.
It must be said that the neurofeedback technique is not new, it all started in the late 50s and early 60s, with Joe Kamiya (doctor at the University of Chicago) and Barry Sterman (doctor at the University of California). project for NASA and trained several astronauts with neurofeedback parameters to improve the adaptation of the brain to the outer atmosphere. Additionally, they used the same approach to reduce seizures by up to 60% in patients with epilepsy.
Currently there are more and more centers specialized in this type of therapy, it must be said, yes, this approach is not without criticism, however, one area in which very positive results have been obtained is the treatment of deficit disorders attention with or without hyperactivity.
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To understand what neurofeedback is, it should be noted that it is not a cure, it is not a drug capable of ending anxiety or that it can solve the aftermath associated with the impact of a stroke, it is much more a method of administering or controlling brain regimens to make it healthier.
Something like this is achieved through a minimum of 20 repetitive workouts using a computerized neurofeedback program. This program teaches the central nervous system how to rearrange and control the frequencies of brain waves.
To better understand this, let’s look at an example
Sara has been suffering from severe sleep problems for almost six months, has reached a point where she cannot concentrate or dare to take the car in the morning to go to work, and also realizes that she completely loses control. of his emotions.
After this first diagnosis, specialists develop a specific neurofeedback training plan for Sara, by connecting between the computer and the patient’s central nervous system, a training will be performed where, through a series of images, sounds, phrases, music and other stimuli, they will create a healthier, more relaxed and pleasant pattern of brain activity for their quality of life to improve.
Doesn’t it hurt, doesn’t bother, we don’t take anything, or do we feel some kind of tingling?Neurofeedback can be compared to the pleasant meditation sections where we are facing a mirror: one that reflects the activity of our mind. , of this fascinating entity, sometimes chaotic, on which we do not always fully control.
Neurofeedback allows us to have better control over our brain activity, to better manage cognitive processes and our emotional world.
Just sit in front of these screens to learn to think differently, to allow the flow of our brain waves to vary, thus creating a state of relaxation and deeper concentration, more skilful, more productive. There are those who need more sessions, but many patients who, after a simple 30-minute session of alpha-wave training, achieve better cognitive performance, completely reducing the effect of the erratic mind.
In this way, each person will need a different protocol depending on their situation and personal needs, so neurofeedback is very useful in patients suffering from depression, migraines, obsessive-compulsive disorder, insomnia, with dependence on certain substances and especially in children with ADHD.
With sessions of just over 20 minutes or half an hour once a week, many children have been able to improve their attention, concentration and working memory capacity. It is worth saying, no doubt, that this is not a “miracle”, and that in many chaos, such as those of depression or anxiety, what neurofeedback is able to reduce are the symptoms, but never the source of the problem.
However, according to experts in the field, this type of therapy is still in constant development and it is expected that in a short time and as the brain works more deeply, its effectiveness will improve much more.
We hope you understand what neurofeedback is and we will be waiting for news about new achievements in this very interesting area.