Neurofeedback is a way to quantify and train brain activity. Brain activity generates electrical impulses which are detectable as brain waves. This brain activity through impulses represents the communication between a group of cells in the brain and that in return generates thoughts, sensations, actions and emotions.
Through neurofeedback, we train the brain to help improve its ability to regulate all bodily functions and to take care of itself. When the brain is not functioning well, evidence of this often shows up in the EEG (Electroencephalogram).
A better functioning brain can improve sleep patterns. When you sleep more efficiently, you are more alert during the day which helps with anxiety, depression, migraine or chronic pain. Secondly, it can be helpful in managing attention – how well you can persist even at a boring task. Thirdly, it can help you manage emotions. Emotions may feel like the real you, but your brain has a lot to say about how you feel and react. If the emotions are out of control, that’s trainable. If they aren’t there—as in lack of empathy, for example—that, too, is trainable.
When these communication patterns get eroded or re-routed, communication is inhibited or impaired. When this happens the brain no longer functions optimally and this is mirrored as changes in behaviour, temperament or illness, for instance, depression and anxiety after an accident or illness, or a life changing event.
As the brain governs your emotional health, psychological health and every system in your body, training it into better function has far-reaching benefits. Neurofeedback has an excellent track record for symptom resolution over a broad spectrum of emotional and brain-based conditions.