The science behind Neurofeedback is simple. Essentially, for Neurofeedback to work we only need consistent positive and negative feedback, and time.

How Does It Actually Work?

I get the same question all the time when receiving clients for Neurofeedback Therapy, and even after providing an answer, they seem to feel confused. “How does Neurofeedback work?”

Neurofeedback’s main purpose is to change positively the way your brain is functioning and boost better behavior on your mind and body. The concept seems difficult to understand when applied to brain performance, but easy to understand once you think about it in a different way. Try applying it on any other type of learning experience and you will probably get it. In fact, you have probably done it yourself many times without even knowing, since these techniques are used all the time to modify behaviors. 

Hopefully, with this easy explanation, you will have a clear idea on the topic. It is all fantastic science! 

What is Operant Conditioning?

This subtle principle works hand in hand with Neurofeedback training tremendously.

Operant conditioning happens all the time in real life. When your behavior receives recognition, you will probably repeat it. When your behavior is punished or ignored, you will try to avoid it. In other words, it’s feedback the brain receives about its performance. With positive feedback, it learns to improve its processing speed. 

Neuroscience has proved that there is an optimal brain pattern. Being in “The Zone” means the brain is on perfect processing speed for thinking, staying calm and remaining focused.  

Two Examples

ADHD -Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder- commonly affecting kids, has been scientifically proven to be excessive use of slow brain processing speed in the frontal lobe of the brain. With Neurofeedback therapy, the patient’s brain is rewarded when it makes more of the perfect processing speed, all through positive feedback. The Neurofeedback system is in charge of reading the brain’s performance and impulsing a better pattern by ignoring the undesirable one.

Anxiety, on the other hand, has been discovered to be excessive use of extra fast processing speed across brain regions. In this case, when the brain is calm and relaxed on the Neurofeedback system, it is rewarded for using a slower processing speed. 

In case you are wondering, feedback is provided through visual and auditory modes. This occurs by brightening and dimming the screen, louder sounds or gathering points. 

Make it Work!

Try operant conditioning yourself by simply giving a friend a compliment on his shirt. You can train your friend’s brain by saying a specific color suits him and matches his eyes. Every time he wears this color, make positive comments. When he wears a different color, don’t comment on his clothes at all or imply that the color makes him look fat or pale. After consistently doing this, it is very likely he will be wearing more of this color.

Neurofeedback therapy can help you through consistent positive and negative feedback and time. Control your brain before it controls you. Check out all the technical details at Leigh Brain & Spine.