Biofeedback is anything that monitors a person's bodily functions and feeds back information to the person about that functioning. For example, lets say that someone has carried tense pain in a shoulder since an injury. In a process called EMG training, sensors are attached to the tense muscles and computers begin a process of signaling the brain with a sound and a video display so it can relearn how to release that tension. For the problem of incontinence, when increased muscle tension occurs, it is rewarded with sights and sounds, thus retraining the brain, the process resulting in success rates ranging about 80%. Whether it’s a body's heart rate, breath, blood flow, skin conductance or EEG (brainwaves) themselves, all forms of regulation by biofeedback happen in this manner.

Biofeedback requires no conscious effort on the part of the individual in the way of active participation. In fact, the initial session or two are often used by individuals to learn how to let go of trying to affect outcome or intellectually participate, thereby reducing interference which can be caused by conscious efforts. The scientific term for this type of learning is called operant conditioning. Life overall functions as a big biofeedback system. Most abilities in life are developed naturally in this way, through feedback, even simple balance. Being that our ability to balance is developmental, we don’t forget how to ride a bike. However, prior to the technological evolution of biofeedback, our natural environments were more limited.

When it comes to determining biofeedback results, two variables are extremely important: environment and individual capacity. In addition to the incredible traits people inherit from their ancestors both genetically and socially, their individual abilities vary significantly in different areas. The primary job of social and genetic evolution is to retain the harmonious traits, disregard the undesirable, and develop some new positive traits for offspring and others influenced in the environment. EEG biofeedback trains the brain to increase its capacity to function in this regard. So, for example, if a person is depressed because they haven't practiced the confrontation of force, the use of EEG biofeedback alone won't remedy the depression. What usually affects this change, however, are specific EEG biofeedback protocols which, when applied, usually improve brain functioning with regard to one’s capacity for confrontation. So, when the capacity for confrontation is improved, individuals gain the willingness to start facing and handling things.

EEG are highly amplified electrical signals from the brain. They are detected via several electrodes held in place with gel on the scalp. Similarly to how some types of muscle tension are more desirable than other types, varying brainwaves can also reflect conditions, some of which include: a capacity for highly focused coordinated interactions, very cyclical uncoordinated and predictable Reactions, impulsivity, obsessiveness/self-doubt, calm creative introspection, increased body and self-awareness, spontaneous mental imagery, suggestibility, and sleep. An EEG biofeedback protocol is based upon an individual's goals. Rewards, i.e., pleasant visual and audio stimulus, are then given to those brainwave activities that have been identified as the ones which aid a person to be more effective in the environment, and less affected by it. EEG biofeedback protocols can play a major role in improving performance, whether the goal is to improve a golf game, have flashbacks go away, remain free from addictions or panic, or raise GPA (Grade Point Average). A half-hour talk portion of the sessions is used to compare progress to one's initial stated goals, evaluate progress and modify training as necessary toward expedient accomplishment. The context in which EEG training is performed is not therapy. It’s more like coaching. Those seeking traditional therapy can also significantly enhance it by coupling it with EEG biofeedback.

Watch a RealVideo clip of an actual EEG biofeedback session and listen to experts discuss its effectiveness on ADHD. Children and parents discuss their results. Dr. Jay Gordon shares his opinions on when to use EEG biofeedback. Watch a child undergo a session.