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The brain is a non linear dynamical system.
What does this mean? Essentially we can understand that the brain’s 100 billion cells are in a constant state of “movement” communicating on many levels and through many networks. It is not simply a cause and effect linear relationship. One connection starts off a chain reaction which can have far reaching consequences. This is similar to what is described in “chaos theory” with the “butterfly effect” whereby a butterfly flaps its wings and the consequences might show up at some stage on the other side of the world.
So the brain is in a state of constant flux and its inherent regulating system (e.g. excitatory and inhibitory neurons) is constantly bringing it back into some kind of state of balance. Against this, the brain is meeting all kinds of challenges including excitement, stress, shock etc. The degree to which the brain can succeed in harmonising and optimising itself is the degree to which the system will show signs of resilience, flexibility and efficient functioning.
Most neurofeedback systems to date have not taken this self regulation into account. They simply identify “bad” brain waves and seek, in a linear way, to change them, without a full appreciation for the larger knock-on effects. The brain may respond to such a move by getting rid of depression only to replace it with anxiety, or to reduce ADHD at the expense of creativity.
Genuine Non Linear Dynamical forms of neurofeedback, of which NeurOptimal is the primary one, don’t have this problem. This is because they never push the brain in any one direction. They are not seeking to increase or decrease any particular brainwave. Instead, they simply provide very accurate information to the brain about its own electrical activity. That information in NeurOptimal is delivered non invasively as interruptions in the soundtrack being listened to – that’s it! The brain recognises the correlations between interruptions and what it has just done, and consequently, the self regulating mechanism of the brain has received valuable information which it can use to better function. Such information enables brain tweaks to happen holistically and across the whole system without the backlash of most neurofeedback.
This is similar to holding up a mirror. When you look into a mirror, you automatically make adjustments to your self – e.g. your hair, posture, smile etc. Looking into a mirror and making self adjustments can not possibly be harmful! This is what NeurOptimal does. Through its advanced mathematical algorithms it is essentially speaking the same language as the brain. Feedback is given and adjustment takes place. Completely safe because the brain is in charge, not a human operator. And then, change just happens, often in miraculous ways.