Neurofeedback is a brain self-regulation technique based on electroencephalography (EEG). By measuring the brain’s electrical activity, neurofeedback trains the nervous system to function more effectively.

✅ The brain produces different frequencies of brain waves, each associated with specific mental states.
❌ If a certain frequency is too high or too low, cognitive, emotional or physical disturbances can arise.

Neurofeedback helps to rebalance brain activity, increasing or reducing certain frequencies according to individual needs.

 

The five main brain waves and their effects

1️⃣ Delta Waves (0.5 – 4 Hz) – Sleep and Regeneration

✅ Balance:

• Deep relaxation

• Cell regeneration

• Restorative sleep

⬆️ Excess (too much Delta):

• Excessive drowsiness during the day

• Difficulty concentrating

• Altered states of consciousness (mental confusion)

• Associated with disorders such as ADHD and depression

⬇️ Deficiency (too little Delta):

• Sleep problems

• Insufficient physical and mental regeneration

• Brain hyperactivation states (chronic stress)

👉 Neurofeedback: can reduce the excess of Delta in people who have daytime drowsiness or cognitive difficulties or increase it in those who suffer from insomnia.

Theta Waves (4 – 8 Hz) – Creativity and Intuition

✅ Balance:

• Access to intuition and creativity

• Deep relaxation (like meditation)

• Connection with deep emotions and memories

⬆️ Excess (too much Theta):

• Excessive distraction

• Daydreaming (mental fog)

• Difficulty staying focused

• Associated with attention disorders and spontaneous hypnosis

⬇️ Deficiency (too little Theta):

• Difficulty relaxing

• Lack of connection with deep emotions

• Reduced creativity

👉 Neurofeedback: helps reduce Theta in those who suffer from attention deficit (ADHD) or increase Theta activity in those who struggle to relax and access creativity.

Alpha waves (8 – 12 Hz) – Relaxation and presence

✅ Balance:

• A state of calm alertness

• Mind-body connection

• Ease of access to creativity and concentration

⬆️ Excess (too much Alpha):

• Excessive passivity or mental slowness

• Tendency to procrastinate

• Sensation of detachment from reality

⬇️ Deficiency (too little Alpha):

• Difficulty relaxing

• Persistent hyperarousal and stress

• Anxiety, irritability and difficulty sleeping

👉 Neurofeedback: may reduce Alpha to increase mental reactivity or increase Alpha to improve relaxation and reduce anxiety.

Beta Waves (12 – 30 Hz) – Attention and problem solving

✅ Balance:

• Mental activation and optimal attention

• Problem-solving and concentration capacity

• Alertness and readiness

⬆️ Excess (too much Beta):

• Anxiety and hyperarousal

• Racing thoughts and difficulty relaxing

• Insomnia and mental agitation

⬇️ Deficiency (too little Beta):

• Difficulty sustaining attention and concentration

• Slowed mental state

• Apathy and low motivation

👉 Neurofeedback: reduces the excess of Beta in those suffering from anxiety or increases Beta activity to improve concentration.

Gamma Waves (30 – 100 Hz) – Global awareness and connection

✅ Balance:

• Maximum mental clarity

• Expanded perception and insight

• Ability to integrate complex information

⬆️ Excess (too much Gamma):

• Brain overstimulation

• Excessive sensitivity to external stimuli

• Stress and mental overload

⬇️ Deficiency (too little Gamma):

• Difficulty integrating complex ideas

• Sensation of a “blocked mind”

• Slowness in cognitive processes

👉 Neurofeedback: can increase Gamma to improve mental clarity or reduce Gamma activity to limit overstimulation.

Conclusion: Neurofeedback is training for the brain

Neurofeedback does not add or remove brain waves, but trains the brain to better regulate its electrical activity.

✅ If a wave is too high or too low, neurofeedback helps balance it, improving attention, relaxation, stress management and cognitive performance.

🧠 Each person has an ideal set point; therefore, neurofeedback must be customized according to the individual needs.