Neurofeedback (brainwave biofeedback)

Several types of neurofeedback and biofeedback modalities are utilized that enable increased synergy and healing between aspects of mind / body / heart; between left and right hemispheres; and between neurons and their support network, called astrocyte (glial) cells.

A foundational type of neurofeedback used, is called ILF, Infra Low Frequency neurofeedback. This is often followed by another protocol, Alpha-Theta training. The ILF stabilizes and increases self-regulation of the whole system. The Alpha-Theta can then bring access to unconscious / subconscious material for healing and integration. Both of these facets are helpful.

Note that there are many different types of neurofeedback available in the tool-kit, and that the different types can complement each other. So it is not usually the case that one is 'newer' or better than the others. They just take different approaches and have different developmental methodologies behind them.

Infra Low Frequency (ILF) neurofeedback

The ILF neurofeedback is a unique type of biofeedback that increases the synergy in the brain between neurons and what are called glial cells or astrocytes. The glial cells make up about 85% of all the cells in the brain. Previously they were thought of as simply a support system for the neurons. But it is now known that they are much more than only this.

The astrocytes are intimately involved with creating and removing the synapses (electrical connections) between neurons, facilitating neuroplasticity. Thus they shape new abilities and patterns in the brain, and the resilience to stay calm in a sea of change.

The ILF gives the neurons more "breathing room" and spaciousness to de-stress and come back into natural balance. It increases self regulation. And opens channels of more perceptions. We combine it with biophotonic technology developed here that helps the energy body to repair and rewire.

The ILF technology was pioneered in the U.S. by Dr. Siegfried and Sue Othmer, in Southern California. This article gives background on how they use it with PTSD to develop more self-regulation and stabilization capabilities: Remediation of PTSD using Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback Training.

Next link is a recent introductory level science book on the glial network in the brain, which is in synergy with neuronal activity: The Other Brain by Dr. Douglas Fields, a research department head at the National Institutes of Health.

Here is a short video link with book author Douglas Fields and physicist Brian Greene at the New York City World Science Festival: titled Genius Cells in the Brain. It includes a segment showing glial cells fluorescing as they communicate. Neurons are more like point to point wires. Glia are like radio transmitters / receivers. Much more is going on than we thought; all the cells of the brain contain elements / building-blocks of 'consciousness', not just neurons. This even extends to what is being called mind-heart-body intelligence. A description of that video from the WSF page:

After his death in 1955, Albert Einstein's brain was studied by scientists worldwide—all wanting to gain insight into the anatomy of a genius. But it wasn't until the 1980s when Marian Diamond noticed that Einstein had more glial cells than average. Glia, stemming from Greek for 'glue', was previously thought to have performed a strictly support role for the neurons. Now it is clear that glia may play a more active, [but slow wave] electrical role in brain activity. Neurologist Douglas Fields explains how scientists had missed this glial connection, and how they are studying it.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution." -- A. Einstein.

Alpha-Theta training

Below is a succinct description of how the Alpha-Theta neurofeedback works to reframe unconscious belief systems and conditioning, by Dr. Dan Staso. Quote from that:

Neurofeedback training can be used for two separate purposes. The first is to stabilize the physiology of the brain. This usually results in a person having less dramatic reactions to stressors and returning to a calm, focused place after the stress is resolved. The brain becomes more stable, resilient, and flexible. The second purpose is to resolve deep psychological issues in the unconscious mind. It’s called Alpha-theta training and is commonly recommended after [a number of preliminary] sessions of neurofeedback for physiological stability.
...
Every person has had some trauma during their lifetime. Therefore, just about anyone can benefit from alpha theta training. We all have limitations that hold us back. Have you noticed how you stop yourself from achieving what you say you want? Even if a person believes they know what stops them, the real reason is buried in the unconscious. Common resistance include fear of failing, being abandoned, guilt over surpassing your parents or siblings, wanting to be taken care of by others, not wanting to grow up, etc. It’s pure fear and it has to do with early family dynamics, belief systems, and trauma. Alpha-theta training helps the non-conscious mind to reprocess these early experiences even if it never becomes conscious. The brain, while idling in 6-9 cycles per second, resolves the issues.

Other protocols used

Some of the other types of neurofeedback, biofeedback, neurotech protocols employed include:

  • Dr. Richard Soutar's QEEG guided NewMind protocols
  • Dr. Les Fehmi's Open Focus 5 channel alpha synchrony protocols and meditations
  • Gisburne Harr Beta Reset frequency sweep protocol
  • Cross frequency coupling protocols such as TAG Sync and related synchrony protocols
  • Pete Van Deusen's Brain-Trainer protocol suite
  • Sebern Fischer's Developmental Trauma protocols
  • Entrainment / disentrainment systems such as Chuck Davis' pRoshi and Dave Siever's MindAlive
  • Stimulation protocols using micro-tesla pEMF or tDCS
  • HRV heart rate variability / coherence training using HeartMath technology
  • Dominant frequency (or Spectral Centroid) offset disentrainment protocols via LED and pEMF
  • "Turbulence" detection protocols, inspired by Dr. Val Brown's work