Neurofeedback and biofeedback are both processes used to inhibit or
produce certain types of behavior. Neurofeedback differs from biofeedback,
however, in several key ways. One of the most important is that neurofeedback
permanently affects the central nervous system (your brain); biofeedback
works with the autonomic nervous system or muscles and its effects
are more temporary. In fact, biofeedback may regress under stress.
This is, in part, because neurofeedback happens at a subconscious
level, while biofeedback is training at a conscious level. Neurofeedback
trains the brain to both stop producing 'bad' frequencies it is producing,
and produce 'good' frequencies which it is not producing.
How does the training work?
GreenLight Training involves the use of a specialized EEG monitoring
computer which is fed information by three gold-plated electrodes.
The process is on-invasive and completely painless.
Placement of the electrodes is in a standard bipolar '10-20' electrode
format: two electrodes on your scalp and one on your ear lobe. During
the evaluation the electrodes monitor the electrical activity occurring
on the surface of your skull. This is a measure of brain activity.
Via the computer, you and your GreenLight Trainer can see the brain's
waves at three distinct settings: the top line on the monitor is your
brain's total activity in an unfiltered state; the other two lines
are slow wave activity at either 4-7 Hertz or 2-7 Hertz (which GreenLight
will train you to inhibit); and fast wave activity at 15-18 Hertz
(which it's desirable to produce). Once the nature of the brain's
injury or deficit is mapped by the computer, your Trainer will design
a customized entertainment program to correct deficits. This may involve
inhibiting slow wave activity, enhancing fast wave activity, or a
combination of both. Whatever the case, your Trainer will make any
necessary adjustments at each session to optimize your individual
learning process.
What are 'bad' frequencies, or ones which the
brain should inhibit?
What we call the 'bad' frequencies are also known as 'slow wave activity'.
They are the frequencies between 2-7 Hertz (cycles per second). In
a normal waking state, when someone is alert and paying attention,
slow waves are not produced in any large quantity. However, if the
brain has been bruised or sustained damage, large, slow waves begin
to be produced during conscious, alert states. If slow waves are excessive
in your pattern, the GreenLight Training will teach you how to inhibit
them.
What are the 'good' frequencies, or ones which
the brain should produce?
'Good' frequencies, also known as 'fast wave activity,' occur between
15-18 Hertz. These are the waves that are consistently present during
normal, healthy waking states. If these waves are diminished or not
present in your pattern, GreenLight will train you to produce more
of them.
How long does the training take?
GreenLight Training programs are customized for each individual based
upon the extent and age of the injury, its location in the brain,
the individual's age, and a host of other variables. A complete course
of training for someone with a mild stroke or minor head injury, for
example, runs approximately 30-40 sessions. Severe strokes or head
injuries would benefit from 70-100 sessions or more. This means that
the myriad symptoms of brain injury-reduced memory capacity, small,
large or uncontrolled seizures, migraines, diminished attention span,
mood swings or any other symptoms- may no longer need interfere with
your life.
Will the training last, or will it go away?
Because of the frequencies which are trained at GreenLight Learning
Centers, this neurofeedback training is permanent and will not "go
away" after you have completed your training. The training is as permanent
as the brain's original healthy state -it's like having a brand new
engine put into your car. But, just like before the training, your
newly-trained brain is affected by damage or abuse. This means that
a new head injury, ingesting excessive or illegal drugs, or undergoing
deep anesthesia may reverse some of the training. If new injuries
are sustained, contact us to determine if new sessions will be necessary.
What can I do to make my training sessions as
rewarding as possible?
Eat a high-protein, low-sugar diet. Walk or swim as often as possible.
Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. Get plenty of sleep, especially
just before and just after your session. If possible, avoid refined
sugars and aspartame. If you like red meat, eat lean meat. If you
are a vegetarian, include whole proteins in your diet, particularly
Edamame beans. Take excellent nutritional supplements to maintain
a healthy body and brain. Remember, none of this is required! These
are just suggestions that have proven helpful for those who have successfully
completed this work.
If I am on prescription drugs, can I stop taking
them?
No, no, no!!! GreenLight Training is not a substitution for prescribed
drugs. Only your physician may prescribe drugs, reduce/increase dosages,
or eliminate a prescription for you. Never attempt changing your prescription,
or how you take it on your own because it may lead to severe problems
or even death! Instead, if you feel that your condition has improved,
work with your physician to appropriately change your medication or
dosage.
How much does this training cost?
The fee for the initial evaluation, which lasts approximately two
hours, is $250. Subsequent training sessions, which are approximately
30-60 minutes long, are $60 per half hour session. A sliding fee scale
is available to certain clients.
Who can benefit from GreenLight Training and what
type of relief have individuals found from this training?
Individuals who benefit from this work have usually experienced functional
loss or deterioration due to at least one brain injury previously
diagnosed as:
This is just a sample; there are hundreds of other brain injuries
or conditions too numerous to list. After training, many individuals
have reported varying degrees of recovery of previously lost or deteriorating
functions such as hearing, sight, and speech. Others report improved
walking (gait), arm/hand coordination, and increased attention both
at work and in school. Some clients experience dramatic, permanent
decreases in mood swings, anxiety, anger and depression; this is often
accompanied by a generally improved quality of life and heightened
sense of well-being. Many parents and educators have also reported
improvement in ADD/ADHD and LD children who have completed this work.
What types of problems cannot be relieved by this
training?
Degenerative central nervous system diseases such as Parkinson's Disease,
Alzheimer's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis are generally not improved
by this GreenLight Training. Some individuals, however, have improved
the overall quality of their lives in the early stages of the disease
by completing this training.
Where was this technique discovered, and who discovered
it?
Neurofeedback for specific frequencies, on which GreenLight Training
is based, is a product of decades of research by pioneers in the field.
These pioneering individuals include Drs. Alyce and Elmer Green and
Dr. Dale Walters from the Menninger Institute, Dr. Wanda Wyricka and
Dr. Barbara Brown in southern California. Specifically, Dr. Margaret
Ayers (ABD) laid the scientific foundation for the work which GreenLight
Learning Centers, Inc., continues to promote and develop today. GreenLight
Learning Centers performs established protocols while developing leading
edge protocols in the field.
