Audra  Centre  Neurofeedback

Brain   Function  Training  & other  forms  of  Biofeedback for  Body - Mind  Regulation  &  Health

Applied   Neuroscience                 “Brain  Function  Training” Neurofeedback       Low Energy Neurofeedback (LENS) Near infra-red Haemoencephalography  (nirHEG.) Quantitative Electro-encephalography (QEEG) for assessment.    Applied   Psychophysiology         “Transforming  Stress  and  Improving  Well - Being” Heart-rate Variability Biofeedback + breathing       Muscle Biofeedback (EMG)       Temperature Biofeedback          Skin Response Biofeedback.

BIOFEEDBACK is a training technique in which people learn to improve their health and performance by using signals from their own bodies, enabling them to become active participants in their own health care. It is scientifically based and validated by studies and clinical practice. The word "biofeedback" was coined in the late 1960’s to describe laboratory procedures (developed in the 1940's) that trained research subjects to alter brain activity, blood pressure, level of muscle tension, heart rate and other bodily functions that are not normally controlled voluntarily. Equipment ranges from small stand-alone units monitoring a single channel of one physiological response, to equipment interfacing with a computer and providing multi-channel monitoring of many physiological responses. After training, people are able to repeat their training responses at will, or automatically when needed, without being attached to the sensors. Biofeedback integrates well with other therapies and treatments.   NEUROFEEDBACK is biofeedback of brain electrical activity for the purpose of aiding brain function.  The brain learns by practicing different states repeatedly so that these states become automatically available when needed.  It can be likened to taking your brain to a gym.  It becomes physiologically more fit with the exercise.  Particular brain areas are targeted as needed. The expected outcome is improvement in brain regulation, which results in improvements in troublesome symptoms and behaviours, and greater ease and flexibility in everyday living.  As with other learning, the brain usually retains what it has learned and there is often further improvement over time.    Other Forms of Neurofeedback  1)         LENS, or Low Energy Neurofeedback is often helpful too, and is utilised as an alternative to conventional neurofeedback or when additional therapeutic effect is needed.  2)         HEG –  (Haemoenchepahography) is also available and may be used in conjunction with conventional neurofeedback.  Infra red light attached to a headband is placed on the forehead and gives feedback for increased frontal brain bloodflow.  Increased bloodflow indicates increased activity, and is useful where there is decreased activity at the front of the brain.    Quantitative EEG (QEEG) helps guide the way neurofeedback is done, and monitors progress.  QEEG assesses brain function in terms of timing, using recordings of brain electrical activity from 19 channels - with eyes open, eyes closed and while doing tasks (reading and maths) to gain information about what the brain does when challenged.  The recorded data are then artifacted (eyeblinks and non EEG things are taken out) and compared to a database, for the purpose of determining where and how a particular brain differs in its function, from other brains.  These QEEG’s are not for diagnosis.  Diagnosing from a QEEG would need to done by a neurologist or other suitably qualified person, who is familiar with QEEG.     NEUROFEEDBACK  in conjunction with BIOFEEDBACK. More than one form of biofeedback may be used, to suit the individual and to speed and improve results.  Neurofeedback works synergistically with other biofeedback and other therapies, though in these circumstances, it can be difficult to tell which effect is due to which therapeutic intervention. e.g. Heart-Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback The usual regular heart rate has variability in the intervals between beats that is normal.  The intervals get shorter with breathing in and longer with breathing out, reflecting sympathetic and parasympathetic activation.  Reduced HRV occurs when this system is out of balance and is associated with negative health consequences. Stress and negative emotion make the pattern of variability chaotic, and exercise and positive emotion make the pattern more stable.  Heart Rate Variability biofeedback monitors these patterns and enables practicing improved variability at the individual’s resonant frequency.  With daily practice between sessions, people are able to live life with greater equanimity and improved health and well-being – plus long term benefits in cardiac health. and/or EMG (muscle) Biofeedback, Temperature and Skin Conductance (GSR).