Neurofeedback (also known as EEG Biofeedback and EEG Neurotherapy) is a well-researched applied neurosience process provided for purposes of relaxation, reducing stress and improving performance. As a form of biofeedback, Neurofeedback can enhance a relaxation response that may positively impact physiological functions such as muscle tension, heart rate, galvanic skin response, breathing rate, or EEG regulation. Most of all, Neurofeedback is a process that can induce state shifts to enable a more robust and ultimately more stable nervous system.
The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback and other major institutions of the field have all adopted a learning model as the primary theoretical basis for Neurofeedback application, (and not a medical or psychological model), thus the process is referred to as Neurofeedback “training”, the client is a "trainee", and the provider a "trainer". Beyond this central educational model, there is no consensus within the field about the working mechanisms of Neurofeedback, any more then there is a universally accepted scientific model of the mechanisms of the brain.
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is sometimes erroneously thought to be a form of psychotherapy. In fact, it is a purely physiological intervention. Just as it is not psychotherapy, it is also not behavior therapy; it is not cognitive therapy, nor is it a form of "talk therapy”. Neurofeedback is not a medical process either. While it may be indicated for relaxation training to reduce the stress response associated with emotional, mental and physical conditions, diseases and disorders, Neurofeedback will not cure these conditions, diseases or disorders. However, it may assist in reducing the stress caused by these conditions, and potentially any stress-induced symptoms as well.
Neurofeedback has been in practice for 50 years and, albeit still considered experimental for some applications, is considered to be a safe, effective and a natural approach to reducing stress. Brain function is thought to be at the heart of many stress-related disorders—when the brain is better able to self regulate, normal functioning of sleep, emotions, cognition, metabolism, behavior, etc. may be enhanced; thereby attention, concentration, and overall performance may improve.
Neurofeedback provides evidence-based practices on par with health care establishment demands (Gemon, Devon & Ramsey (2000), Sacket et al, (2000), where "Efficacy" determination for various conditions is derived from systematic evaluation in controlled clinical trials (La Vaque et al (2002) in which investigational treatment has been shown to be statistically superior to credible placebo, pill or alternative bona fide treatment in at least two independent researcher settings.
Neurofeedback Origins
In 1954, scientist W.R. Hess identified states of arousal in brainwaves and noted the impact on humans. In the late 1960s, lab researcher Barry Sterman measured the EEG of a cat and discovered it was generating a brainwave (he identified and named "Sensory Motor Rhythm" or SMR) that is associated with decreased muscle tension; an alert yet relaxed state. Sterman used SMR brainwaves to “train” cats to relax, reinforcing their behavior by providing a reward when they produced more activity in the SMR range.
In continued experiments, it was revealed that the cats were more resistant to seizures then cats that had not been trained. The idea of modulating EEG for operant conditioning purposes was applied to humans, leading to the discovery that the brain can “train” itself to improve many conditions.
How Does Neurofeedback Work?
Neurofeedback conditions and exercises the brain, much as one exercises muscles to feel better, or to reduce stress. The Neurofeedback trainer monitors a live recording of your brain activity, observable to you and the trainer via video and auditory representations. The trainer thus witnesses you learning to relax, as you observe your own physiological responses to your physiology. This is quite literally the feedback process; a loop of self-regulation that may assist the brain to maintain its' own optimum state of self-regulation. Improved performance may result by way of said learned response toward increased relaxation. It is self-perpetuating, self-reflexive, and as easy and as natural as breathing.
Your brain’s EEG is conducted through a few tiny sensors placed on the scalp that drive simple video imagery to engage and focus the brain. Because the brain is a self-regulating, “learning” organ, it continues to generate improved function, with the result of increased physiological relaxation. Typically, a minimum of 20 training sessions are necessary for clients to see more lasting functional improvement from reduced stress. Often, 40 sessions or more are necessary to ensure enduring changes.
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Neurofeedback (also known as EEG Biofeedback and EEG Neurotherapy) is a 
Neurofeedback conditions and exercises the brain, much as one exercises muscles to feel better, or to reduce stress. The Neurofeedback trainer monitors a live recording of your brain activity, observable to you and the trainer via video and auditory representations. The trainer thus witnesses you learning to relax, as you observe your own physiological responses to your physiology. This is quite literally the feedback process; a loop of self-regulation that may assist the brain to maintain its' own optimum state of self-regulation. Improved performance may result by way of said learned response toward increased relaxation. It is self-perpetuating, self-reflexive, and as easy and as natural as breathing. 