BioNeuro Medical | Biofeedback Neurofeedback

Biofeedback - Neurofeedback - Lifestyle Medicine

What is Neurofeedback and how does it work?

Short explanation: Neurofeedback therapy/training, sometimes referred to as EEG-Biofeedback, is a non-invasive and non-drug treatment that falls under the biofeedback umbrella.

Neurofeedback is used to treat disorders that originate from brain dysregulation. Within the brain are intricate functional networks that can be measured through QEEG brain mapping. When these pathways are disrupted or damaged, abnormal brainwave activity can be detected and linked to symptoms. NF aims to improve brain network functioning.

What is the difference between Biofeedback and Neurofeedback?

Short explanation: While BF measures and records the physiological activity as indicators of dysregulation, NF utilizes brainwave activity to identify areas of dysregulation.

The role of relaxation in rehabilitation

The relaxation methods of biofeedback and neurofeedback devices play an important role in rehabilitation. The use of relaxation techniques is essential in the work of therapists, doctors, and mentors, especially those who work with adults. Stress management and relaxation help alleviate certain symptoms and illnesses. Based on objective feedback, biofeedback and neurofeedback tools can be used to teach the conscious reduction of stress, relaxation and a relaxed state.

With the help of modern biofeedback and neurofeedback devices, we can no longer only measure the parameters of the body, but with their help, we can also teach the body how to function optimally. There are different methods, depending on which physical parameters are reported back to the brain. With biofeedback training, we increase body awareness, cognitive abilities, and restore balance and health.

Standards for Performing Biofeedback - Definition and Explanation of Biofeedback

Source: Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB)

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Definition and Explanation of Biofeedback

In 2008, the Association for Applied Psychophysiology (AAPB), the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA), and the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) approved the following definition of biofeedback:

“Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately "feed back" information to the user. The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior — supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument.”

Biofeedback is a physiologically based learning tool to help people recognize how their physiologies are functioning under various circumstances. They can use this information to learn how to control those aspects that are not functioning optimally.

With proper training, biofeedback can be used by professionals in many fields. Biofeedback is NOT used as a treatment alone, nor can it be used alone to make a diagnosis. Rather it is an adjunctive tool to be combined with other standard interventions carried out by knowledgeable clinicians, educators, or coaches. Read More

What is neurofeedback and what are the potential side effects?

Source: Assoc. for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB)

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Neurofeedback therapy aims to help patients “shift” their brains into a healthier functioning pattern needed for concentration and focus.

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback focusing on brain activity, sometimes referred to as EEG Biofeedback. Electrodes are placed on the scalp to measure brainwaves and display this information on a computer screen in real-time.

Individuals use this feedback to learn how to better control brain activity and achieve a desired state, like relaxation or focus. Neurofeedback works on the principle of operant conditioning. When people produce the desired brainwave pattern, they receive positive feedback through a visual or auditory signal. Over time, they learn to associate this feedback with the desired state and can produce it more easily. It works by rewarding the brain for producing optimal brain wave activity, helping the individual to use optimal brain circuitry to rewire neural pathways.

There are several different types of neurofeedback, including EEG (Electroencephalogram), HEG (Hemoencephalography), fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and more. Each type uses a slightly different technology and measures different aspects of brain activity. Dysregulated brainwave patterns, where certain waves occur at the “wrong” times, can cause problems with memory, follow-through, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and sleep.

To understand how this works, consider each brainwave type that contributes to a person’s overall mental health:

• The fastest brainwaves are beta waves. The brain produces these waves during activities that require sustained focus, task completion, and executive functioning. An excess of beta waves can lead to anxiety and sleep disturbances.

• The next highest frequency waves are alpha waves, which are essential for relaxation. They occur at the highest amplitude at the posterior part of the brain during closed-eye meditation.

• Theta waves are lower frequency waves that show up when you are daydreaming or drifting off to sleep.

• Delta waves are the lowest frequency brainwave and occur predominantly during infancy and during deep sleep.

Credit AAPB

Neurofeedback Therapy Side Effects: Is Neurofeedback Safe?

Neurofeedback therapy is a tool for treating a myriad of disorders that have their roots in brainwave dysregulation. These conditions, including ADHD, autism, depression, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and more, occur when the patient’s brain activity is dysregulated.

Neurofeedback is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of neurophysical disorders, including ADHD, autism, anxiety, stress, insomnia, PTSD, depression, and more. If the neurofeedback therapy is conducted by a well-trained clinical professional, the treatment is safe. Essentially, neurofeedback negative side effects are very infrequent and typically transient.

Neurofeedback therapy is an effective, FDA-approved, safe, non-invasive, and non-pharmacological intervention that should be considered as a type of therapy for mental health struggles, in addition to therapy and medications.

While there are risks and downsides, no research suggests that neurofeedback can cause brain damage or other serious side effects.

BioNeuro Medical compiled the topics and structure of the courses based on the international (US, DE, ESP) training system. Our instructors, lecturers and consultants are internationally recognized professionals. With the help of our qualified instructors, in our courses you can also learn about neuroanatomy, physiology and the basics of psychology.

Each BioNeuro course ends with an exam. In case of a successful exam, students can deepen their knowledge on the practical side during supervisions. The courses launched by the BioNeuro Medical provide two free supervision sessions to all successful candidates. Additional paid individual and group supervisions are available upon request.

Our training courses are recommended for those, who wish to develop, improve and heal the mental balance essential for a healthy life, as well as for professionals who develop for higher performance or those who deal with the rehabilitation of patients on a daily basis and all those who want to work in the health and rehabilitation sector.

The BioNeuro courses are launched in English and in German languages!

Biofeedback - Neurofeedback - Lifestyle Medicine

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