How to use Neurofeedback, Photobiomodulation and Virtual Reality for Better Brain Health

​In the consumer mental health space, we are seeing a shift in the way clients are treated. Gone are the days where it’s solely pharmacology or talking therapy.

The use of biofeedback, neurofeedback, photobiomodulation and virtual reality is growing because of the clinically measurable results and improvements in treatment benefits and outcomes where these technologies are used.

How technological breakthroughs are changing the future of mental health treatment.

Neurofeedback (NFB) and biofeedback (BFB) are two modern techniques for non-invasively influencing human physiological activity in combination with practical cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functions.
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The first appointment of neurofeedback

The first neurofeedback therapy treatment (also known as mapping) takes 20 weeks. Every session is conducted using a computer EEG machine placed on the scalp. The EEG machine analyses the brain signal for information on a variety of wave spectrums. This software provides feedback to your brain and nervous systems via a video game.
Improve mental health with technology.

These programs show your brain activity, which aids in regulating the brainwave frequencies and helps to improve your symptoms. Brain frequencies influence states of arousal. If someone has a lot of 8-11 Hz (alpha waves) in the right hemisphere, they are most likely to feel calm. They are more likely to feel alert if they generate 15-18 Hz (beta) amplitudes in the left hemisphere.

Brain-focused treatment that sets us apart

Neurofeedback is being used in a wide range of settings and may treat various conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Clinical applications for neurofeedback are effective treatments for conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, headaches/migraines, insomnia, stress, and tinnitus. Neurofeedback has proven to be an effective treatment for pain management.

Neurofeedback is a type of brain training that determines whether neurophysiological processes may help us live better lives. This approach has been accomplished using computer-based learning sessions that teach our central nervous systems to avoid neurodegeneration, which is the process of aging.

Neurofeedback assesses how well you manage your brain in order to enhance physical and psychological health. Neurofeedback provides the immediate client information on their brain’s electrical activity from various sites in the brain.

After receiving this data, the mind is forced to modify the brain waves it generates. The client is quick to improve the brain waves.

These modifications result in an improved brain wave condition. Following this shift in brain waves, there was a behavioural change and enhanced emotional self-control.

Tech Therapy for Psychological Health Issues

Anxiety is generally associated with racing thoughts, feeling “on edge,” and sleep disturbances.

This may be caused by an overabundance of fast-moving beta waves coupled with a deficit of alpha waves, typically associated with calm and concentration. Neurofeedback can aid in producing more beneficial brain wave activity and the reduction of fast-moving beta waves.

Neurofeedback may help with many issues because it corrects abnormalities in brainwave activity and returns it to optimal functioning.

Biofeedback aims to teach people how to detect physical indications and symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or hot skin, using visual or auditory feedback.

People who learn how to use biofeedback to manage both the physical and psychological effects of their condition may be able to relax their minds and bodies, as well as better cope with their symptoms.

The objective of biofeedback is to create subtle changes in the body that produce the desired result. by reducing:

• • Blood flow
  • Blood pressure
  • Heart rate
  • Muscle tension
  • Pain perception

Biofeedback is a process that allows the patients to reduce their level of stress and change how they feel. It provides information about the body’s functions and can improve health or performance.

This data is presented and supported by changes in thinking, emotions, and actions, which aid in the desired physiological adjustments.

These modifications may endure without the use of an instrument over time.
Every psychological treatment is based on the idea that mental illness is caused by something in the brain.

EEG biofeedback

This data is presented and supported by changes in thinking, emotions, and actions, which aid in the desired physiological adjustments.

These modifications may endure without the use of an instrument over time. For example, EEG biofeedback has been shown to decrease symptoms in patients with PTSD or OCD who are not responsive to medication or talk therapy alone.

The benefits of this treatment are measurable and long-lasting – it’s a scientifically proven way to treat mental illness.

Photobiomodulation uses light to change mental states. It effectively treats conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.

​How photobiomodulation works is still being studied, but it is thought that light stimulates cells in the brain and enhances cellular function. This therapy will be discussed along with some of its therapeutic uses for conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Photobiomodulation and Laser Therapy for Mental Disorders

The photobiomodulation laser therapy technique works by directing infrared and near-infrared light at targeted regions of the body, which then stimulates, protects, repairs, and energises the body on a cellular level.

Systemic Photobiomodulation Laser Therapy

A wrist laser is used in a systemic laser therapy treatment. The near-infrared light passes through your skin and targets circulation. It’s a delicate process since all you have to do is sit back and relax for a few moments. Many individuals report feeling lighter and happier following a systemically administered treatment.

Transcranial Photobiomodulation Laser Therapy

A transcranial laser therapy session is similar to a scalp massage, except that the laser is applied gently to your head. The infrared and near-infrared light penetrates the skin and skull of the head, targeting specific regions of brain tissue. After only 1-2 treatments, many individuals report an improvement in their psychological health.

Auricular Acupuncture Laser Therapy

Auricular acupuncture is a type of acupuncture that focuses on the ear’s acupuncture points. These spots are said to be linked to various body and brain sections as well as specific psychological conditions associated with trauma. The infrared and near-infrared lights enable the healing process for the impacted issues when targeted with a laser. Many individuals notice an improvement in their symptoms after 3-4 sessions.

Virtual reality is a mental health treatment that uses immersive, computer-generated simulations to produce the desired psychological state. This treatment is often used to treat anxiety, addiction and PTSD.

Virtual reality therapy can be done in groups or individually, depending on the therapist’s preference and the patient’s needs. The use of virtual reality treatment is still being studied, and it has yet to be approved by the FDA as a mental health therapy.

However, many therapists currently use it with good results. Virtual reality therapy, and its therapeutic uses for mental health issues such as anxiety, addiction and PTSD, will be discussed further.

Virtual Reality Treatment for Anxiety and PTSD

Virtual reality treatments allow the patient to interact safely while facing their fears or addictions (i.e., smoking cessation). VR treatment can help reprocess traumatic memories, practice new behaviours and skills in a safe environment, and manage emotions.

Virtual reality is showing great results in helping war veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Therapists around the world are starting to see the benefits of including VR in the changing landscape of mental health treatment.

Virtual reality treatment is an innovative way to provide care for those experiencing psychological problems. VR treatments are being used more and more with good results.

The benefits of VR for PTSD treatment:

• A patient can face their mental health issues in a safe place.
• Intervention trains patients to recognise and cope with emotions they might otherwise avoid.
• Treatment is personalised to the patient. No two people will receive the same treatment.
• Virtual reality treatments offer an added and innovative way of providing mental health care.

Innovation will be the leader in the mental health crisis 

These innovative treatment technologies are being used to address mental health issues more holistically. Using these treatment technologies in conjunction with one another allows for mental disorders to be addressed at a deeper level and for people to recover from mental disorders much quicker.

Neurofeedback is a relatively new and innovative way to provide mental health care. It’s been used in the treatment of patients suffering from DHD, TBI, depression and anxiety and many other mental health issues. If you’re looking for an effective alternative therapy that can help with your condition or if you know someone who may benefit from neurofeedback, then this blog post should be helpful. Subscribe to our blog to learn more about photobiomodulation treatments as well as virtual reality applications for mental health care.