Neurofeedback has been around since the 1960s and because of increased computer power developed considerably in the last 10 years. The underlying concept is that the brain’s electrical activity – often called brainwaves (delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma) is linked at anyone moment to our state of mind and brain function. Certain brainwaves may create useful or positive states of mind (e.g. alpha brainwaves are good for relaxing, healing and learning) and certain brainwaves are associated with a range of dysfunction (e.g. 3HZ Theta activity.
Neurofeedback has an impressive history with outstanding results with conditions such as epilepsy, ADHD, depression, PTSD, addiction.
Traditional neurofeedback seeks to consciously train people’s brains to increase certain brainwaves and decrease others. This is often done on the inial basis of some kind of brain mapping and comparing to a norm, followed by entraining regions of the brain to specific frequencies.
NeurOptimal® is a giant step forward from the above simplistic model, which doesn’t take into account the non linear dynamical activity of the brain or the brain’s own self-regulating system. NeurOptimal® provides information to the brain via complex mathematical algorhitms so that it can regulate its own brainwaves and overall activity. Most neurofeedback is within the category of therapy and requires an experienced operator. NeurOptimal® is an advanced brain training which provides holistic brain regulation and because it is automated, very little training is needed.
In 2008, top USA journalist Jim Robbins wrote an excellent book charting the development of neurofeedback, called
“A symphony in the brain“
In recent years, a lot of research has been published about neurofeedback: