Neurofeedback and EEG courses: Are They Different?
Neurofeedback (EEG-biofeedback) and biofeedback are non-invasive treatments used to treat various disorders without medications involved. However, what is the difference between both? Neurofeedback is a biofeedback that provides brain activity feedback directly. While biofeedback encompasses various therapies used for helping patients leverage the connection of the mind and body to reach a deep state of relaxation.
Neurofeedback and EEG courses in Australia are offered to those who wanted to get their certificates in this field. In the state of biofeedback, the patient will learn better control of the body’s involuntary responses to stress, helping alleviate the symptoms along with an array of disorders and ailments, including:
- stress/anxiety
- depression
- PTSD
- irritable bowel syndrome
Both cases have their goal: to empower patients to relieve symptoms and achieve long-term relief without using prescription medications. In the previous, a particular institute pioneered the use of neurofeedback and biofeedback therapies and found new methods to use these treatment methods to boost the quality of life for patients suffering from a wide range of various debilitating illnesses and disorders.
To understand Neurofeedback and EEG courses, you must know the definitions of the two first before taking lessons and obtaining certificates in both fields.
What Is Biofeedback?
The non-invasive non-drug treatment biofeedback training is designed to help patients achieve symptom relief from stress-related disorders. By increasing the mind and body connection, the patients can control involuntary reactions of the body to stress, including:
- Blood flow to extremities
- Muscle tension
- Blood pressure
- Sweat gland activity
- Heart rate
- Pain perception
Biofeedback therapy reduces negative symptoms of numerous stress-related disorders, which include:
- Generalized anxiety
- PTSD
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Muscle tension/Muscle spasms
- High blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
- Addiction/Cravings
How does biofeedback perform?
There are no outside stimuli that will be used on the body during biofeedback, either drug is not administered. Instead, sensors will be placed on the body of the patient to record the involuntary functions, such as:
- hand temperature
- heart rate
- muscle tension
- sweat gland activity (at the fingertips)
The ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) will regulate all of these functions, to be considered as physiologic functions – can’t be intentionally controlled. But, the real-time measurement of these functions helps patients learn how to influence involuntary activity to achieve symptom relief and empower self-regulation. By monitoring the sweat gland activity (at the fingertips), patients learn to understand how stress affects the body, and with enough practice, patients can learn how to control stress from negatively impacting their bodies.
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is another type of biofeedback and is commonly referred to as EEG-Biofeedback. It measures and focuses the brain activity. The brain is a complex organ and is separated from biofeedback, yet the treatment process is similar. Neurofeedback is like biofeedback that is non-invasive and non-pharmacological. In neurofeedback therapy, it uses sensors placed on the patient’s head to monitor brain activity.
By understanding all these, you will have a brief understanding of these courses, for your preparation.
