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Brainwave Balance

Over forty years of research has demonstrated that for any given circumstance there is an accepted normal pattern of brain wave activity. This healthy pattern is referred to as Neurological Regulation. A healthy, balanced, and properly regulated nervous system will produce the appropriate levels and at the appropriate times for any given situation.

Brainwave Imbalance

Neurological Dysregulation Syndrome (NDS) is the result of tension on the nervous system causing an imbalance of neurological function. For example, it is appropriate for the brain to produce beta waves when it is focused on a task. However, if focusing on a task results in the production of theta instead of beta, this is dysregulation. Outwardly this particular person would demonstrate symptoms of inattention and possible hyperactivity – much like we see in some cases of ADHD. This reversal is just one example of Neurological Dysregulation Syndrome.

Some of the conditions that may be the result of NDS include: ADHD, Headaches/Migraines, Learning Disorders, Memory Loss, Overeating/Binge Eating, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Anxiety Disorders, Insomnia, and Age Related Cognitive Disorders.

Causes of NDS include:

  • Unresolved Stress- Physical and/or Emotional
  • Poor Nutritional Stress
  • Drug and Chemical Stress
  • Postural/Alignment Stress
  • Trauma

If key parts of the brain, or the entire brain, are weakened by any of the factors listed above, it could have major effects on the entire body. A common denominator in everything from ADHD and Autism to headaches and chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia may be the brain.

It is important to note the removing the initial cause of NDS does NOT always correct the problem. The atypical pattern of brainwave activity becomes encoded in the circuitry of the nervous system. Over time, the tension on the nervous system creates neuroplastic changes that remain even after the cause of the tension is removed. This habituated pattern becomes self-perpetuating.

Removing the tension by correcting the spine or improving nutrition does not necessarily affect the encoded patterns within the brain. These patterns must be addresses directly with retraining exercises that create new, more appropriate patterns. Neurofeedback is designed specifically to address NDS with retraining exercises.

Brainwaves and Neurotransmitters

Faulty regulation of the brain waves may interfere with the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain which may cause neurological symptoms.  The medical approach is to use drugs that affect the levels of these neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, etc).  The more natural approach is to balance the brainwaves with BrainCore neurofeedback to help balance the amount of neurotransmitters.  This may be one of the reasons that neurofeedback is so effective.