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Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback training is a relaxing, non-invasive
process, lasting about 30 minutes. It's usually performed one to three
times per week. Therapeutic improvement is generally seen within five
sessions. The impact is observable, and often quite profound.
Neurofeedback is a technique in which 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). By challenging the
brain, much as you challenge your body in physical exercise, we can help
your brain learn to function better.
Neurofeedback uses sensors, computers and
proprietary software to amplify and process brain waves. Sensors are
positioned on the scalp and ears. Brain activity is displayed on two
separate monitors, one for the patient and another for the clinician.
Patients play a specialized video game, the object being to operate the
game by controlling specific brain wave activity. Real-time data is
displayed to the clinician as an electroencephalogram, or EEG. Over
several sessions, as the patient retrains his brain activity, he increases
his skill level, thereby controlling brain activity and effect.
A better functioning brain can improve sleep patterns. When you sleep more
efficiently, you are more alert during the day. It can help with anxiety
and depression, and with syndromes like 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 the
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.
Finally, there are some specific issues where the EEG neurofeedback
training can be helpful, such as in cases of seizures, traumatic brain
injury, stroke, and autism. In these instances the training does not so
much get rid of the problem as it simply organizes the brain to function
better in the context of whatever injury or loss exists.
Once you accept the possibility that this training might be effective for
you, the next question is: Will this training change who you are? If a
child known for his temper outbursts does the training and the rages fall
away, he is certainly different but the parents would say, we have our
real son now. Their worst features should not define a person. The
training brings you closer to who you really are. That is our experience.
And because this training really allows your true self to emerge, others
may notice the changes in you even before you do.
Is there a completion to the training? In order to reach a specific
objective, the training usually continues for a specific number of
sessions. If there is a loss of optimal training effect after completion,
due to stresses in your life, a few booster sessions may be recommended.
However, just as concert pianists practice more than the rest of us,
rather than less, Neurofeedback training can be used without limit to
enhance performance. This "peak performance training" may be of interest
to professional athletes, corporate executives, and performing artists.
Hanau Holistic now has the equipment and trained
professionals to provide this service.
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