Why Does This Work?

Our brain is naturally incredibly flexible and resilient. It is always searching for the most efficient and optimal way to process reality. For instance, if we were to do the same task 10 times, the brain’s natural tendency for finding the most optimal variables will ensure that the task will be done slightly differently every single time, with the objective to have the task be completed more efficiently each time. However, depending on one’s life circumstances, actions, and environment, the brain can become stuck and dependent on using less than optimal neural pathway variables, therefore making the brain less flexible and less resilient.

The feedback loop from the skipping in the audio track acts as a real-time reflection for the brain to understand how it is functioning, creating a gentle yet clear interruption for the neural pathways, which gives the brain the option to make a new choice, therefore supporting the central nervous system in returning to its natural flexibility and resilience.

Neuroplasticity and It’s Role.

Neuroplasticity, put very simply, is the brains ability to adjust and adapt depending on one’s environment. An amazing thing about neruoplasticity is that its function supports us with surviving in very harsh conditions. Whether someone has faced emotional or physical trauma, injury, etc. the brains neuroplasticity function will rewire the brain to support the individual in coping with the trauma.

This function, though incredible in terms of survival, can negatively impact the way we operate in life, because once we are no longer in survival mode, the brain is still functioning with its new rewriting that was created during the traumatic experience. The exciting part about this though, is that neuroplasticity also works in the opposite way, and is the exact same function that allows our brain to rewire itself and grow back healthy neural structures. The growth and healing of our neural structures occurs through learning, being exposed to new environments, exercise, self-care, mindfulness, allowing our nervous systems to rest, and of course, training our brains. This is where neurofeedback training comes in.

Another Interesting Fact About The Brain.

Scientists were under the impression that synaptic pruning (the brains process of clearing and removing less optimal neural pathways) only happened in children. Though, modern science has now proved through recent studies that the brain is still in fact going through this synaptic pruning process in adulthood. On top of that, this pruning process is encouraged when the brain is being trained and rewired to develop new optimal neural pathways. The new optimal pathways are naturally strengthened and supported by the brain, and the more of them that are created, the more less optimal pathways are pruned away. However, if the brain is creating hardly any new optimal neural pathways, then it will keep using the less optimal neural pathways that it has adapted itself to. This research proves to us that no matter your age, your brain is always shifting, adapting, and growing to the best of its ability, which empowers us to realize that our brain is something we can always work with and develop to improve our lives.

How Often Is Neurofeedback Needed?

Everyone’s situation is completely unique. Depending on each person’s needs, and the state of their brain, the answer to this will vary. Since we are quite literally retraining our brain with neurofeedback, it is often best to have an average of 20 training sessions, and a minimum of 6 sessions fairly close together, in order to experience the most beneficial shift. It is no different than if you were going to a gym to train your muscles. For the most noticeable shift and growth of your muscles, you will need to train more often, in a shorter span of time. The difference between muscles and neural pathways though, is that when positive neural pathways are created, they are naturally ‘fed’ and strengthened by the brain, and will not breakdown in the same way as muscles in the body. Therefore, some clients may feel like 6-20 sessions is enough to transform their lives, and others may feel they would benefit from 20-40 sessions, as well as follow-up training months or years later.

This being said, the depth of meditation and self regulation that is possible from just one session alone is a wonderful act of self care. Now, even though one session will not necessarily have long lasting changes for your neural pathways, it is an amazing way to wind down after a stressful week, find your centre, and bring yourself back into a deep state of rest and restoration.