One of the main problems with having so much information at our fingertips is that a lot of it is ultimately false or misleading. We live in an age where incorrect information pushed by individuals can carry the same weight as professional institutions with mountains of research and data. If you do a search for neurofeedback, you will see a lot of positive and negative information. So how do you determine what is right and wrong? We hope to debunk a lot of the myths here.
#1. Neurofeedback can read or control your mind
This is blatantly false. Your brain produces electrical energy constantly, whether awake or asleep. This energy affects the 4 main brainwaves in your head. Neurofeedback uses sensors places on your scalp to monitor these brainwaves and the electrical energy they produce. It then uses that information to determine if brain activity is normal. If it is not, it can trigger changes in the video you are watching, the game you are playing, or the music you are listening to. These changes help you focus more, which over time can help normalize brainwave activity. There is no mind control, it is a one-way connection coming from the brain.
#2. Neurofeedback only requires one session
Many will claim instant results, but that is simply not true. You can’t teach a dog to sit on demand in one session. Neurofeedback is all about conditioning your brain to make healthy patterns by improving focus and concentration. Depending on the severity of the brain imbalance, this requires 10 sessions or more. One session can help, but it will not solve your issues.
#3. Neurofeedback fixes specific conditions
That’s not how neurofeedback works. It does not target any particular condition. Instead, it conditions and trains the brain to make healthy patterns and establish connections between neurons that are not connecting. When this happens, the brain starts to function better. As it does, the brain and body benefit and certain conditions can improve. Yes it can help many neurological conditions, but it does not target any particular ones.
#4. Neurofeedback works on every brain disorder
There are thousands of research papers and 5 decades of research that show neurofeedback can help in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. However, it is false to say that it can help every brain disorder. Therefore, if you’re considering starting neurofeedback, please make sure to read the research and consult with a professional to make sure it can help with what you’re looking for.
#5. Brain Training can only be done at a clinic
While neurofeedback is performed at our clinic under the supervision of a trained professional, there are also home brain trainers that can be used effectively while you relax or do activities. These portable home brain trainers are easy to use and can be used many times a day, one your own time and whenever you want. They can be purchased or rented by the month. For more information, ask your clinic about them
We hope this help dispel the myths surrounding neurofeedback. At Restoring Health in Altamonte Springs, we care as much about accurate information as we do your health. To learn more about neurofeedback, browse this site or call us at the number below.
