Short version:
The process of improving the brain by directly rewarding it on a repeated basis for healthy activity. Neurofeedback is painless, non-invasive, and has no significant side effects.
Long version:
The process of using electroencephalographic (EEG) equipment to measure brain metabolic rates (brain waves) in order to repeatedly reward the brain for healthy shifts in brain activity. Based on the understanding that the brain is a learning organ, neurofeedback uses the principle of "operant conditioning" (think Pavlov's dog and the
bell) to reduce over- or underactivity in various neural pathways.
Thus a brain that has adapted to function in the face of various unhealthy stimuli (
e.g. excessive stress, toxic emotions, genetic predispositions, exposure to toxins, etc.) can, under the direction of the neurofeedback system, adapt to healthy levels of activity again.
Neurofeedback is used to work with a variety of conditions. However its most popular applications include ADD/
ADHD, chronic
depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder,
PTSD, and sleep disorders. It is especially effective in alleviating
chronic conditions that seem to have no known cause such as environmental illness. Recent medical studies are showing
promise in cutting edge applications such as
autism spectrum disorders, alzheimers disease, and schizophrenia.
Gus - Dude, I was just checking out the list of things neurofeedback helps on vanguardcenter.com. It goes on
forever!
Rich - Yeah, I heard the
Canadian Olympic ski team used it to increase their performance under
stress.
Sam - Yeah, but it's no panacea. Fixing the brain is fine, but you gotta fix the body, too.
Gus - Duh.
