Neurofeedback vs. Biofeedback Therapy: Understanding the Difference

Anxiety, lack of productivity, and attention problems are often obstacles to a calm and happy life. Do you struggle with ADD, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or similar symptoms? Consider trying neurofeedback therapy.

Neurofeedback therapy is a subset of biofeedback therapy, and many people confuse the two.

In this article, we’ll discuss biofeedback vs. neurofeedback. We’ll show how neurofeedback therapy can help you live a happier, less stressful life.

What Is Biofeedback Therapy?

Biofeedback therapy has been around since the late 1960s in Western medicine. Yet, its roots are in ancient medicine. Using electronic instruments for feedback, subjects gain better control over physiological processes.

Patients use biofeedback to reduce symptoms of chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and more. This is done with sensors attached to the body.

The sensors alert the patient to changes in their physiological functions. A physiological function is something like pulse rate or skin temperature.

The alert is in the form of a flashing light or a sound. The patient learns to take control of these autonomic functions of the body over time.

The Neurofeedback Therapy Protocol

What is neurofeedback therapy, and how does it work? Neurofeedback is a specific type of biofeedback. Neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback) improves brainwave activity and helps to treat neurological conditions.

Neurofeedback helps treat some of the same conditions that regular biofeedback treats. This includes anxiety and stress. But, neurofeedback also treats a variety of neurological or brain disorders.

These conditions include:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• PTSD
• Depression
• Mild memory loss
• Trauma
• ADHD and ADD

Neurofeedback only focuses on the brain itself. It does not focus on the entire autonomic nervous system. Unlike regular biofeedback, neurofeedback’s sole focus is on brain function.

In a neurofeedback session, patients get real-time feedback about their brain function. Using a reward system, patients learn to self-regulate their brainwave patterns. This self-regulation leads to real and lasting changes in their brainwaves.

Biofeedback vs. Neurofeedback

In comparing biofeedback vs. neurofeedback, biofeedback is any type of feedback training.

Neurofeedback is specific to the brain and brainwave functions. Thus, neurofeedback is biofeedback focused on brainwave function.

The Benefits of Neurofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback trains your brain and is a great way to make it stronger. Like an athlete training his body, patients can train their brains. This leads to a happier, more productive life.

Irregular brainwave patterns, such as increased Beta waves, cause disruptions in ordinary life. Panic attacks and anxiety are examples of symptoms caused by increased Beta waves. Through neurofeedback, regulating these brainwaves decreases anxiety and improves energy, mood, and confidence.

Neurofeedback therapy is safe, natural, and long-lasting.

Neurofeedback Therapy for a Happier Life

Are you considering biofeedback therapy for anxiety, panic attacks, or other neurological symptoms? Neurofeedback therapy is an excellent choice to help with these symptoms and more.

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