Introduction  

Do you feel that you lack focus or don’t get enough sleep? Do you feel anxious? If yes, you must have been wondering if there’s a way to control your mind so that you can train your brain to behave properly. And I must tell you that it is possible with neurofeedback therapy. Through neurofeedback therapy, people are able to control their minds naturally. But what is neurofeedback, and what is its link to mental health? What is making therapists and athletes show interest in it? 

The aim of this blog is to answer this very question- ‘What is neurofeedback therapy and how does it work?’ It will take you through an interesting journey where you will get answers to all the doubts regarding neurofeedback therapy.    

What is Neurofeedback?   

Neurofeedback therapy trains your brain by showing you results in real-time. Think of it as a medium where you can see how your mind operates. This way, you can help yourself develop a healthier way of thinking. 

It is a type of biofeedback wherein brainwaves are studied and used rather than heart rate or muscle tension. A lot of our mood, ability to concentrate, sleeping patterns, and stress are guided by these tiny electrical signals in the brain.   

As you go through the session, sensors are placed on your scalp to measure your brainwaves. After that, the computer shows visual or auditory signals, like video games or songs, that respond to your brain activity. Breathing correctly, like through your nose, the system eventually helps your brain learn and do it more often.  

That is, just like physical therapy makes your body move easier, neurofeedback supports your brain’s functions.  

What is Neurofeedback – A Scientific Perspective 

Knowing a little bit about brainwaves is helpful in understanding how neurofeedback functions. Depending on how you’re feeling, your brain generates various waves: 

• Delta, or deep sleep 

• Theta (slumbering, dreaming) 

• Alpha (calm, at ease) 

• Beta (concentrated, vigilant) 

• High-level thinking, or gamma 

Our brains sometimes get stuck in the wrong setting. When there is too much beta in the brain, anxiety can increase, and when there is too much theta, paying attention can get harder. Neurofeedback therapy offers the means to balance these patterns in the brain.   

Real-time tracking of brainwave activity is achieved through electroencephalography (EEG) in neurofeedback therapy. The system provides positive rewards when the brain activity shows it is working well, such as if a character in a game jumps higher or a movie plays without problems. If the brain loses focus, the feedback either stops or becomes different. This exercises your brain to maintain a certain state of mind for a long time.   

The idea is based on the flexibility of your brain, called neuroplasticity. Eventually, this training leads to improvements in mental functions, controlling emotions, and brain health. I hope this has given you a scientific perspective on understanding neurofeedback therapy.

How is Neurofeedback Actually Used?   

Let’s discuss what are the main parts of a neurofeedback session.   

Step 1: Use a brain mapping tool (qEEG)

A brain map, or quantitative EEG, is the first step in the process. This is like a snapshot of what is going on in your brain. Your brainwave activity is recorded by sensors applied to your scalp while you sleep or perform easy activities. To find areas that are imbalanced, overactive, or underactive, the data is analyzed.  

Step 2: Creating Training Goals  

Your brain map and what you want to achieve (for example, better sleep or less stress), are used to create your personal training plan. Because everyone’s brain is different, this step assures that your sessions are tailored for you. 

Step 3: The session for neurofeedback therapy

While you sit comfortably, EEG sensors will be attached to your head. You could engage in video gaming, listen to music, or watch a movie. The cool thing is that the media reacts in real-time to your brain activity. 

For instance, the movie runs smoothly if your mind enters a relaxed, focused state. The game slows down or the screen dims if it veers into a less ideal pattern. Moment-by-moment feedback pushes your brain to notice states that are enjoyable and spend more time in them.  

Step 4: Regularly Practicing the Skill   

Brain exercises, like strengthening muscles, take effort over a period of time. Many people achieve lasting results after 20–40 sessions, which last 30–60 minutes and happen once or twice a week.  

Practicing self-regulation regularly leads to benefits in your mood, how you deal with stress, your attention, and how well you sleep.  

Benefits of Neurofeedback   

Next, you should wonder what benefits neurofeedback might have for you.   

Enhancing brain function makes neurofeedback very beneficial. You may use neurofeedback to improve your concentration or take care of a mental health problem.  

Support for Mental Health 

Neurofeedback therapy has demonstrated efficacious outcomes in mitigating symptoms of: 

• Stress and anxiety: by reducing hyperactive brainwaves 

• Depression: by enhancing brain activity that regulates mood 

• ADHD: by improving concentration and decreasing impulsivity 

• PTSD: by enhancing resilience and regulating emotional reactivity 

It serves as a drug-free substitute for conventional therapy for a lot of people. 

Sleep Improvements 

Numerous clients of this therapy have conveyed that it has helped them to sleep better, longer, and feel rested.  

Peak Performance & Cognitive Development 

Professionals such as musicians, athletes, and businesspeople use neurofeedback therapy to:  

• Improve focus and reflexes. 

• Improve decision-making and memory. 

• Remain composed under duress. 

To put it simply, neurofeedback therapy helps maximize what is right rather than just fixing what is wrong. 

Long-Term Brain Health 

Because neurofeedback therapy trains the brain through learning rather than temporary stimulation, its benefits are often long-lasting. Because the brain can adapt so rapidly, many clients see progress occurring after they finish their therapy sessions.   

How Safe is Neurofeedback Therapy?  

For all stages of people, from children to adults. Neurofeedback therapy is a low-risk alternative compared to options like medication or surgery. In other words, its outstanding safety profile is a key reason that makes it so popular. 

The system merely reads your brainwaves during a normal session; nothing is sent into the brain. Your brain activity is the only basis for the feedback that is given, whether it be through games, sounds, or visuals. You’re not being artificially changed, shocked, or zapped. 

When administered by qualified providers, neurofeedback therapy is safe, according to neurologists and mental health specialists. After early sessions, some users may experience brief emotional changes or mild fatigue; this is your brain acclimating to the new patterns. These effects are frequent indicators that the training is effective and typically goes away quickly. 

Is It Something That Meets Your Needs?

From the overall discussion, it can be concluded that neurofeedback mainly aims to empower your brain to function at its best, without any pills, surgery, or side effects. It helps with mental health issues like anxiety, lack of sleep, lack of focus, etc., based on data-driven insights. However, the results of the therapy may vary for every individual. Besides, it should be administered by professionals so that the possibility of better results can be improved. 

Mind Brain Institute is one of the leading mental health service providers and clinics with neurofeedback facilities. So, if you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is neurofeedback, and could it help me?” Now you know. The next step? Contact us, get your brain mapped, and experience the change for yourself.