Biofeedback & Neurofeedback
Non-invasive Therapy to Optimize Brain Health
Biofeedback and Neurofeedback in Zürich and Switzerland
Biofeedback and Neurofeedback are scientifically proven technologies that provide an effective way to assess and optimize your stress physiology and overall brain health.
What is Biofeedback
To augment and improve your brain balancing and Functional Medicine treatments, we utilize Biofeedback to help assess and improve your body’s ‘stress state’.
By measuring metrics such as heart rate, temperature, respiration, skin conductance, and heart rate variability (HRV), we can get a clear picture of your autonomic nervous system, especially the balance between your sympathetic and parasympathetic system (how stressed you are).
The ultimate goal of biofeedback therapy is to gain more control over your physiological processes (think heart rate variability (HRV), etc.) and shift the body towards a relaxed (parasympathetic) state.
With time your body (and mind) will re-learn what it feels like to be relaxed and be able to stay more permanently in a more healing state.
What is Neurofeedback
Similar to any type of training that teaches a skill or behavior, neurofeedback therapy is real-time training for the brain, which assists the brain in functioning more efficiently.
Neurofeedback helps with brain dysregulation, which may lead to conditions such as ADD/ADHD, anxiety, insomnia, depression, migraines and more.
Think of your brain as an orchestra — when all of the musicians are playing in sync, the music is melodious. But if any one musician misses a note or goes out of tune, the end result does not sound pleasant.
This same principle applies to brainwaves. Brainwaves keep the body and mind in sync, and running seamlessly.
If any of the brainwaves are off or out of sync, this adversely impacts the entire body.
How it Works
Regulating brainwaves
By using a tailored audio and video program and repeating this process over some time, the brain will re-regulate itself to maintain healthy patterns without the need for further treatment. The result is brain regulation improvement, which can lessen or even eliminate most neurological symptoms. The process is actually really easy, and you can feel improvement just by watching a movie or listening to music or a podcast. Some patients feel different after their first session, while others will see improvement after some time, it’s different for each individual.
Correcting irregularities
The process itself is non-invasive, drug-free, and pain-free. It's important to note that neurofeedback therapy does not target any conditions or symptoms directly — it corrects the irregularities in the brainwaves and changes brainwave patterns, and the results are often permanent.
Measuring improvement
No matter what your age or background, neurofeedback can work for you. All that is required is your ability to focus on auditory or visual stimulation. Any neurological issue involving irregular brainwaves can be addressed and improved with neurofeedback. Frequent reassessments (brain maps) guarantee continued improvements and monitor your progress. Typical Neurofeedback programs require approximately 20 sessions, however sometimes more sessions may be needed.
Understanding Brain Waves
Delta Brainwaves
Delta brainwaves are the slowest of all brainwaves, and are linked to deep, dreamless sleep and renewal. They occur when you are sleeping and are responsible for regeneration and body healing. Adequate delta waves will make you feel completely rejuvenated when you wake up in the morning from a good night's rest.
- Too many — extreme ADHD, learning disorders, inability to form thoughts, concussions
- Too few — poor sleep, foggy brain, inability to rejuvenate the mind and body
- Optimal — good immunity and healing, deep restorative sleep
- Stimulants that increase delta waves — good night's sleep, depressants (reduce arousal or stimulation)
Theta Brainwaves
Theta brainwaves are related to light sleep, daydreaming or intense relaxation. You produce Theta brainwaves when your subconscious mind takes over. They can also be described as experiencing deep, raw emotions. Too many theta brainwaves can cause depression, and optimal amount leads to creativity, improved intuition and restorative sleep.
- Too many — depression, hyperactive behavior, ADHD, impulsive, inattentive
- Too few — stress, anxiety, inability to deal with emotions
- Optimal — emotional balance, relaxation, creativity, intuition
- Stimulants that increase theta waves — depressants (reduce arousal or stimulation)
Alpha Brainwaves
Alpha brainwaves occur when you are awake but relaxed and not processing much information. When you first get up and right before you fall asleep, you are generating Alpha waves, as well as when you close your eyes to rest. Alpha brain frequencies bridge the gap between our conscious and subconscious mind.
- Too many — over relaxed, poor focus, inattentive, daydreaming
- Too few — overly stressed, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), insomnia
- Optimal— feeling relaxed
- Stimulants that increase alpha waves — relaxants, alcohol, some types of antidepressants, marijuana
Beta Brainwaves
Beta brainwaves are associated with the mental state most people are in during the day and most of their waking lives. When you are alert and focused, you are producing Beta brainwaves. You need Beta brainwaves to read, write, and think logically. The right amount of beta waves allows you to complete school work or office tasks easily. Too many beta waves can lead to anxiety and stress.
- Too many — anxiety, stress, high adrenaline, arousal
- Too few — depression, ADHD, poor focus and cognition
- Optimal — good memory, concentration power, problem solving
- Stimulants that increase beta waves — energy drinks, caffeinated beverages like coffee, other stimulants