Biofeedback & Neurofeedback Therapy Directory of Practitioners

What is Neurofeedback?

According to EEGInfo.com, neurofeedback is direct training of brain function, by which the brain learns to function more efficiently. We observe the brain in action from moment to moment. We show that information back to the person. And we reward the brain for changing its own activity to more appropriate patterns. This is a gradual learning process. It applies to any aspect of brain function that we can measure. Neurofeedback is also called EEG Biofeedback, because it is based on electrical brain activity, the electroencephalogram, or EEG. Neurofeedback is training in self-regulation. It is simply biofeedback applied to the brain directly. Self-regulation is a necessary part of good brain function. Self-regulation training allows the system (the central nervous system) to function better.

Neurofeedback addresses problems of brain dysregulation. These happen to be numerous. They include the:

• anxiety-depression spectrum,
• attention deficits,
• behavior disorders,
• various sleep disorders,
• headaches and migraines,
• PMS and emotional disturbances.

It is also useful for organic brain conditions such as seizures, the autism spectrum, and cerebral palsy.

What is Biofeedback?

According to the Mayo Clinic, biofeedback is a technique you can use to learn to control some of your body’s functions, such as your heart rate. During biofeedback, you’re connected to electrical sensors that help you receive information about your body.

This feedback helps you make subtle changes in your body, such as relaxing certain muscles, to achieve the results you want, such as reducing pain. In essence, biofeedback gives you the ability to practice new ways to control your body, often to improve a health condition or physical performance.

Biofeedback, sometimes called biofeedback training, is used to help manage many physical and mental health issues, including:

• Anxiety or stress
• Asthma
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Chemotherapy side effects
• Chronic pain
• Constipation
• Fecal incontinence
• Fibromyalgia
• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Raynaud’s disease
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Stroke
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• Urinary incontinence

Biofeedback appeals to people for a variety of reasons:

• It’s noninvasive.
• It might reduce or eliminate the need for medications.
• It might enhance the benefits of medications.
• It might help women who can’t take medication during pregnancy.
• It helps people feel more in control of their health.