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The LENS , or Low Energy Neurofeedback System,
(developed by Dr. Len Ochs in 1992), uses a very low power electromagnetic field, like the ones that surround digital watches and wires in the wall, to carry feedback to the person receiving it. The feedback travels down the same wires carrying the brain waves to the amplifier and computer. Although the feedback signal is weak, it produces a measurable change in the brainwaves without conscious effort from the individual receiving the feedback. In this way it is a little different from other neurofeedback in which the emphasis in on the brain gradually learning to improve its regulation. The LENS gradually nudges the brain toward more natural function.
The LENS software allows the EEG signals that are recorded at the scalp to control the feedback. LENS Neurofeedback uses a feedback frequency that is different from, but correlates with, the dominant brainwave frequency. When exposed to this feedback frequency, the EEG amplitude distribution changes in power. Most of the time the brain waves reduce in power; but at times they also increase in power. In either case the result is a changed brainwave state, and much greater ability for the brain to regulate itself.
While neuroscience has learned an enormous amount about the connection between brain trauma and personality changes, the methods proposed for resolving these difficulties are generally limited to drug therapy or surgeries.
Any kind of central nervous system (CNS) dysregulation may underly symptoms such as:
- Difficulty in concentration
- Mood swings that seem hard to control
- Sleep disturbance
- Low mental and emotional energy
- Memory problems
- Difficulty with organization
- Problems beginning and ending projects.
- Major Depression
- Anxiety or Panic Attacks
If a person has three or more of the above symptoms, there is a likelihood that CNS dysregulation is present, and that one would benefit from neurofeedback
The LENS provides an alternative to the more invasive therapies of electroshock and drugs. It is a much less invasive and highly effective technique for restoring brain function.
LENS neurofeedback (like all neurofeedback) works across a broad spectrum of human activity, increasing the brain’s abilities to adapt to the imbalances caused by physical trauma or emotional disorders--both on the basic level and in the more subtle areas of cognitive, affective, and the spiritual processes that make us truly human. While low energy neurofeedback has had remarkable results with individuals who have experienced severe physical trauma to the head and brain, it also as an important alternative, or adjunct to chemical approaches for such chronic behavioral disorders such as ADHD and monopolar and bipolar depression.
When our brains and nervous system are in balance, we can live our lives with clarity, flexibility, and joyful heart!
Questions.
How long does neurofeedback take?
It depends on the nature of the dysregulation. For problems of recent origin, in a fairly healthy nervous system, treatment may be short -- 10-20 sessions. For problems of longer duration, a longer course of treatment, 20-40 sessions. For deeply entrenched problems - still longer, commensurate with the amount of time the condition has existed. Serious disorders such as Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, and Paralysis, may require many sessions, but over time, there is usually a steady gradient of improvement, rather than decline.
Are there any dangers?
LENS and neurofeedback have never been known to cause any new problems. However, like homeopathy, and other subtle and energy-based healing methods, they may cause a temporary intensification of symptoms that have plagued the person in the past--as part of the process of the condition being resolved. The best preventative is to let your clinician know at each visit how you have fared in the 24 hours following each session, to enable finding an optimal level of stimulus intensity and duration that operates within your own level of comfort.
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