How Does Neurofeedback Work?
All neurofeedback methods include EEG sensors that monitor your brainwaves, and a computer to send feedback back to you. There are different ways to receive this feedback. It can involve playing a game, listening to music, or watching a video.
The stimuli (game, music, or video) only operates smoothly when your brainwaves are functioning within an optimal range. This acts as a reward for your brain. When your brainwaves fire at a rate that’s not optimal, you’ll receive negative feedback (your movie pauses, the music stops, etc.). This tells your brain that something is out of balance and causes it to “figure out” how to return to a seamless movie, music, or game.
Over the course of a neurofeedback training program, your brain learns from this feedback. This can promote lasting structural changes within your brain. The brain then consistently operates within a more optimal range outside of your training sessions, alleviating your symptoms.