EEG or Brainwave Neurofeedback
The EEG (or electroencephalogram) is an oscillating
electrical voltage measured on the scalp. Computer analysis
reveals component rhythms within the EEG, sometimes known as
brainwaves, which are associated with different styles of mental
processing. For example:
- Delta rhythm is normally only present in deep sleep, but can
be seen in some types of brain injury or depression cases.
- Alpha seems to be the brain's "idling rhythm", associated
with relaxed awareness
- Theta is associated with an intuitive or dreamy processing
style
- Beta is connected with awake thinking.
EEG is a complex phenomenon - these patterns are only loose
correlations. How the EEG varies across the scalp, and the relative
proportions of the rhythms, are significant factors. Read more in the
article, 'Electroencephalography
& Neurofeedback'.
There is no single ideal brain state - rather, the goal is flexibility and
balance. The brain needs to shift state easily to meet the needs of the situation -
whether it's alert, focused thinking at work, or getting to sleep at night.
Conversely, problem states such as depression are associated with a lack
of flexibility - the brain is "stuck".
Neurofeedback seems to work by stimulating the brain to better
regulate itself, and to recover its natural flexibility and responsiveness.
It can help a wide range of brain and nervous system problems.
York Mind-Body Health offers a form of EEG neurofeedback called
Low Energy Neurofeedback System or
LENS.
