What is Neurofeedback?

Originally developed in the 1970s for soldiers who experienced physical or emotional trauma, we now know neurofeedback benefits many types of people.

Our brain is an adaptable, living organ, always learning from our experiences, both for better and for worse. As a reaction to the world we live in, our brain may develop a “shortcut” or fall into a pattern rut: defaulting to anxiety, depression, succumbing to easy distraction or an array of other responses. Scientists used to believe that the brain and our neurons were developed through birth and stopped soon after infancy; you had a finished product that did not change. Then research in the 1960 began rolling back this idea and in the last 20 years we’ve learned that it is possible to change the brain throughout our lives. We now know its possible to retrain the brain and increase neuroplasticity our entire lives. With effort, we can get out of those pattern ruts. Neurofeedback (NFB) is one way to do this, as it is brain wave training, also called EEG biofeedback.

For any condition stemming from the central nervous system, neurofeedback can bring the brain back into balance. This includes symptoms on the anxiety-depression spectrum, attention deficits, low motivation, hyper-reactivity, behavior disorders, various sleep disorders, addictions or cravings, memory issues, headaches and migraines, PMS and emotional disturbances. It is also useful for organic brain conditions such as seizures, the autism spectrum, and cerebral palsy. It can heal our brain from trauma: both psychological trauma such as PTSD and physical head injury.

As one of the only certified practitioner of neurofeedback in Portland, Dr. Huffman uses a type called Low Emission Neurofeedback System (LENS). LENS is well known for being extremely gentle while procuring long lasting results. Sessions are much faster and shorter than traditional NFB, so it is ideal for young children or others who have difficulty sitting still, but all people appreciate the shorter sessions. The treatment portion of your visit will last about 3-5 minutes on average. At first, the changes are short-lived, but the changes gradually become more enduring as the brain remembers these new patterns. The process is much like exercising or doing physical therapy with the brain, enhancing cognitive flexibility and control. Most research suggests that significant improvements seem to occur 75 to 80% of the time. For an interesting meta-analysis of neurofeedback and its abilities, read this article here.

For more information contact Dr. J. Brooke Huffman, ND at brooke@2bwell.net or to make an appointment call 503-841-6828

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Jessica Brooke Huffman, ND

Dr. Huffman addresses the many aspects of health, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. She excels at helping patients cultivate their own joy and finding their personal passions and purpose, and provides high-quality care for people experiencing any health problem. She tends to a wide range of patients with different health issues, but some conditions that she is specially successful at treating are: anxiety, depression, fatigue, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, transgender care, auto-immune disease, allergies, menopausal complaints, infertility, stress-related issues, and smoking cessation. By working with Dr. Huffman, people experience increased energy, improved quality of sleep, regulation of hormone imbalance, decreased pain, and improved concentration and mood. Read more

Naturopathic Primary Care Physician

2BWell Group

brooke@2bwell.net

Watch a short video to learn more about Neurofeedback