Neurofeedback EEG Therapy

In simple terms, EEG neurofeedback therapy is a method to retrain a person's brainwave pattern through the use of sophisticated biofeedback machines. In addition, trained and skilled biofeedback therapists help the client to learn and practice the techniques that will help them to manage and control their brain activity. This is done by showing the patient the displays on the biofeedback equipment, which is what translates the brainwave activity into charts and graphs, and in some instances light and sound feedback.

In many instances, a combination of neurofeedback EEG training and basic energy management tools give people the ability to see improvements in their health and to alleviate a variety of illnesses, to sharpen mental function, and to experience more joy and increased vitality overall. Biofeedback treatment is also able to help support a high degree of wellness and can boost immune function. It has also been used to reverse some illnesses and athletes often use it to enhance their performance levels.

Also called electroencephalographic biofeedback, it makes use of computerized electronic measurement devices, or electrodes, that are placed on the surface of the head in order to monitor brainwave activity. The computer then "feeds back" important information relevant to the activity of the brain and the condition that the person wants to improve.

Neurofeedback EEG electrotherapy can thereby restore homeostasis in the person's system in a relatively short period of time. Many people report that they notice changes after their first treatment. However, for some people it takes repeated biofeedback therapy sessions to detect the desired improvements. In all cases, in order to enjoy lasting changes, the person should expect to go through ten to twenty sessions. This usually provides a sufficient amount of time to properly receive neurofeedback training, under the supervision of a biofeedback therapist, so that eventually they can control and manipulate their brainwave activity, even when there is no biofeedback device available to rely on for the real-time feedback.

Throughout the sessions, information is gathered about the brainwave patterns and also about the efficiency of the communication that is going on between different parts of the brain. This measurement is done as the client sits with eyes open at first while doing one or two cognitive tasks, and then these tasks are repeated with eyes closed. The biofeedback training sessions generally occur one to five times per week, and normally the sessions last for one hour. When training is done less than one hour per week, the client can easily forget what has been learned and has difficulty learning to recognize and control the activity patterns of their brain. This can result in a need for more sessions over a longer period of time.

Specialists in biofeedback therapy draw a correlation between how brainwave training is accomplished through neurofeedback EEG and how muscles are trained through exercises. However, with biofeedback training, the muscles are not the focus of the training, but rather the patient's brainwave patterns. Through repetition and practice the person can develop and enhance important neural pathways and this will help them to experience improved focus and concentration, through better brainwave activity.

Traditional Healing in Modern Medicine

You've heard that it's takes a village to raise a child, but Dr. Mehl-Madrona believes that it often takes a community to heal someone who is ill. The indigenous ways have much to teach us. In his books and this interview he tells us stories that he's told to his patients to help in their healing process. These stories give us universal wisdom and strength.

• Discover how to use the community to help your friends and family heal
• See how to integrate contemporary medicine with traditional healing
• Learn the traditional meaning of the Four Directions
• See how you can use stories to enhance the healing process
• Discover the hidden meaning of the Native American Medicine Wheel
• Be Inspired to live in harmony with the seasons and nature
• Learn about the real meaning of “success” in healing
• Explore how to use our ancestors’ spirits in healing and story
• Find out what the benefits of ceremony can be in your life
• Learn to create your own ceremonies for daily living
• See how the Ravens Beak story relates to modern health issues

Lewis Mehl-Madrona holds an M.D. from Stanford University and has been a practicing doctor for over 20 years. An experienced healer who has led many Native American healing ceremonies, Dr. Mehl-Madrona has also headed traditional medical clinics, helping AIDS and cancer patients as well as researching the benefits of relaxation techniques to aid in the natural correction of breech positioned babies. He is currently an Associate Professor of Family Practice at the University Of Hawaii School Of Medicine. He has been studying and working in the field of Native American and indigenous healing for many years.