Brain Waves: what are they and why do they matter?
Brainwaves are the electrical activity produced by the brain's neurons as they communicate with each other. These brainwaves are grouped into different types based on their frequency, or how fast they cycle per second. There are five types of brain waves:
Delta waves: the slowest waves, which primarily impact sleep and healing.
Theta waves: most experienced in twilight states where you experience intuition, memory, and meditation.
Alpha waves: prevalent when you are in a state of calm focus and are also often present when you are in a creative state.
Beta waves: used for intense focus and learning.
Gamma waves: the fastest waves, which occur during moments of intense focus, complex problem-solving, or heightened awareness.
Brainwaves can become imbalanced when the different types aren't working together in the right way, leading to too much or too little of a certain brainwave. This can happen due to various factors, including stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, or mental health issues.
When any of these brain waves become too dominant or too weak, negative symptoms often result, such as those listed below.
Imbalances in Frequency Bands
Alpha Imbalance
Withdrawal Behavior
Anger
Excessive Self Concern
Irritability
Avoidance Behavior
Agitation
Depression
Rumination
Beta Imbalance
Insomnia
Migraine
Anxiety
Obsessive Thinking
Poor Emotional Self-awareness
Hyper-vigilant
Panic Attacks
Restless
Delta/Theta Imbalance
Impulsivity
Focus and Attention Issues
Disorganized
Dementia
Hyperactivity
Cognitive Impairment
Hyper-emotional
Learning Disorders
How can neurofeedback help?
Neurofeedback is a guided brain exercise regimen that retrains dysregulated brainwave patterns to move in a more orderly way. When you engage in neurofeedback training, your brain becomes more stable and is able to operate optimally and efficiently!
As you train (read more about that process HERE) the brain is creating new neural connections. The more those circuits are driven and used, the more neuroplastic changes take hold, and your brain will use those balanced circuits during the demands of everyday life.
Each neurofeedback protocol is designed based on the results of your specific qEEG brain map, so it is completely custom to your specific brain wave patterns.
Who can neurofeedback help?
Almost everyone can benefit from neurofeedback, but two particular groups often see particular benefits. The first is those who are struggling with any of the imbalance symptoms listed above. The second is high performers who need to be at the top of their mental game. Neurofeedback is used by NASA, Fortune 500 Executives, US Special Forces, and olympians to help them perform at their best.
The Science
Neurofeedback therapy is well researched, with much evidence to support its effectiveness as a treatment modality for a variety of symptoms that impact quality of life.
Below is a sampling of the scientific literature available, organized by therapeutic benefit:
For a general study of neurofeedback and its effects, click HERE.