This booklet has been designed to provide you with
 
educational and interesting information about the
 

 
brain, brainmapping and the neurofeedback
 
training experience.                                                                            
                                                                           
 
   

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UNDERSTANDING THE BRAIN
T
he average human brain weighs about
3 pounds. We are born with 100
billion brain cells, or neurons. We
then proceed to lose about 100,000 neurons
each day for the rest of our lives, a rate that
increases when our brain is subjected to
toxins such as alcohol, drugs, chronic illness,
long-term medication, and sustained stress.
That adds up to 36.5 million neurons a year,
or 3.65 billion over 100 years. That sounds
like a lot… don’t worry, that still leaves about
96.35 billion neurons available to us at age
100.
Each neuron
is connected
to hundreds
of other
neurons,
anywhere
from 1,000 to
10,000
synapses. Information flows from one neuron
to another neuron. It has been estimated that
it would take 32 million years to count the
synapses (at the rate of 1 per second) in the
cerebral cortex alone.
Learning has been defined as the
establishment of new synapses. The density
of the brain is measured by the number of
synapses.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals secreted at
the synapse that affect the formation,
maintenance, activity and longevity of
synapses and neurons. Neurotransmitters
create two broad categories acting on the
synapse: excitation (activation of the synapse)
and inhibition (preventing the synapse from
connecting). For example, one
neurotransmitter will activate sleep and
another will inhibit it. Drinking milk will
trigger the release of melatonin, the
neurotransmitter that activates sleep, but
eating chocolate, which contains caffeine, will
interfere with sleep.
Neurons average about three
neurotransmitters apiece: some may contain
channels for only two neurotransmitters,
while others may have channels for five.
Each neurotransmitter can function in several
states… weak, medium and strong… so that
the types of information being transmitted in
one synapse can range from a dozen to a
thousand bits of information.
The transmission between neurons is both
electrical and chemical. Initially, a tiny
electrical discharge is transmitted along the
length of the
transmitter axon
until it arrives at
the synaptic
space. Then the
process of
information
transfer shifts from electrical to chemical. A
messenger chemical, the neurotransmitter, is
released from the transmitter neuron and sent
across the synapse where it links up with the
neuron at its special docking station called a
receptor site. After connecting with the
receptor site the neuron is now ready to go
into action (excitation) or prevent
transmission from happening (inhibition).
Neurofeedback training helps create changes
in the neuropathways in order to achieve a
more desired result from the training process.
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This brief explanation, although a little
complex, is necessary for you to understand
what is occurring in the brain as a person is
doing their neurofeedback training. When the
brain is not functioning well, evidence of this
often shows up in the brainwave patterns.
Neurofeedback training changes the
brainwave patterns by repeatedly rewarding it
for producing more of the desired brainwave
rhythms and less of the "erroneous" firing
rhythms. Neurofeedback training provides an
enhanced sense of self-mastery through
increased ability for self-regulation. A better
functioning brain can improve sleep patterns.
When you sleep more efficiently, you are
more alert during the day. It can help with
anxiety and depression, and with syndromes
like migraine or chronic pain. It can be
helpful in managing attention - how well you
can persist even at a boring task. It can also
help you manage your emotions and promote
a deeper sense of well-being. ●●
THE IMPORTANCE OF
BRAINMAPPING
Electrical activity created by the heart is
recorded as an electrocardiogram (EKG) and
electrical activity generated by muscles are
recorded as electromyogram (EMG).
Electrical activity generated by the brain is
measured and recorded as an
electroencephalogram (EEG). Over the past
20 years, we have witnessed a rapid growth in
the use of techniques used in a clinical setting
to measure brainwave activity. Many times it
is referred to as tomography. Technically,
topographical brain mapping refers to the
analysis of the distribution of EEG
waveforms generated by the brain.
In our office, we begin our evaluation with a
quantitative encephalogram (QEEG)
brainmap. The QEEG uses computer
algorithms that transform the raw EEG into
different tomography of the brainwave
activity.
This non-invasive procedure is typically done
3-5 times during the course of training. Each
brainmap can be compared to the previous
period and is used as a guide for the
development of the training protocol. The
procedure typically takes about 45 minutes to
complete. In most cases, we will take three
readings: eyes open, eyes closed and one with
the brain on task. When preparing for a
brainmap it is best to consider the following:
1) clean hair with a mild shampoo. 2) eat a
good meal, include protein, no caffine. 3) Get
a good nights sleep. 4) be prepared to sit
quietly for about 30 minutes. 5) your hair will
get “gooey” from the gel, you will probably
want to wash it out before you leave the
office. Facilities to wash your hair before
leaving the office are provided.
Once the brain map has been completed, you
will set another appointment to return for the
results, a protocol will be set up and training
begins. ●●
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 will continue to occur. In other words, rewarding
THE MYSTERY OF a sequence of neurophysiological occurrences
NEUROFEEDBACK, effects the brainwave activity. Shaping brainwave
TRAINING YOUR BRAIN! activity is done through a process known as
operant conditioning. This term means that
behaviors being trained results in a series of
learned responses or operations, seen as action on
the environment. Research explains that external
rewards (visual and auditory) influences
physiological changes in the body. A simple
example of this might be a child learning to ride a
bike. When he puts the bike away for the winter,
the neuropathways are formed, even if he does not
ride all winter long, the child will not have to
relearn how to ride a bike in the spring. ●●

 
WHAT ARE BRAINWAVES?
 

 In neurofeedback training, we measure the

N
frequency and amplitude of different
brainwaves. These are recorded by means of
eurofeedback is based on two basic
small electrodes (sensors) placed on the head
principles: (1) the brain produces electrical using a highly conductive electrode paste.
activity, (2) and that electrical activity can be
altered through a process known as operant Our brains produce electrical charges. These
conditioning. charges create a rhythm known as brainwave
patterns. When measured, these patterns are
Electrical activity from the brain is evaluated observable through electroencephalograph
through computer technology and displayed in (EEG) instruments. EEGs record and
some graphic form on a computer screen. As the
measure large amounts of neurons firing in
person training alters their own mental state it
unison. Brainwave patterns are commonly
changes the amplitudes of various brainwave
frequencies. The person training recognizes the
grouped into four different categories: Delta,
changes from either visual information on the Theta, Alpha and Beta. These brainwave
computer screen or sounds associated with the
training process. Over time, the person learns to
self-regulate and normalize the electrical
brainwave activity.

There is a well-established principle in science

known as Edward Thorndike’s Law of Effect.
This law indicates that by providing a reward for
positive behavior… it is likely that the behavior patterns are associated with different states of

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mind.
Delta Waves: This rhythm is observed in our
sleep state. As we fall asleep, the dominant
natural brainwave pattern presented is Delta.
Delta waves are very slow spanning from 1 to
3 Hertz (Hz).
Theta Waves: This is commonly referred to
as the dream or “twilight” state. Associated
with hypnogogic states, REM sleep and
dreaming. Memory development is enhanced
in this state, particularly long-term memory,
access to unconscious material, sudden
insights and creative ideas. Theta waves are
between 4 and 8 Hz.
Alpha Waves: These waves occur during
sensorial rest (e.g. when eyes are closed),
intellectual relaxation, deep relaxation,
meditation or quieting of the mind. Alpha
waves are the desired results of meditators.
Alpha brainwaves produce:
1. peaceful feelings
2. warm hands and feet
3. a sense of well-being
4. improved sleep
5. improved academics
6. increased productivity
7. reduced anxiety
8. improved immune function
It is believed that many creative geniuses,
such as Albert Einstein, were in a semi-
permanent Alpha state. Most insightful
people, like Einstein, had poor grades in
school and were thought to be slow learners.
Alpha waves are between 8 and 13Hz.
Beta Waves: These patterns are generated
naturally when in an awake, alert state of
consciousness 13-30Hz. This type of pattern
correlates with active problem solving and
normal thinking activity. It requires more
beta activity when you are learning a task
than when it is mastered.
Training the brain really means that you are
gaining command of these brainwave patterns
in order to self-regulate various mental states.
This is accomplished through the operant
conditioning process.
Operant conditioning occurs frequently in
everyday life. For example, if a child is
working on math problems and the child
considers math very boring, if an external
reward is given each time they finish a
problem it helps to enhance the desire to do
math. If the rewards are abruptly stopped, the
math behavior may quickly fade. Therefore,
if the brain is given a reward the child finds
that they finish the homework more quickly
and get to go out to play. Soon the child may
finish the work quickly and correctly just with
the knowledge that they will then have earned
free time. This may turn into what parents
consider a good habit as they grow older. The
essential factor in operant conditioning is that
when you reward the behavior you want…
you increase the likelihood that the behavior
will reoccur. ●●
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NEUROFEEDBACK: THE PROCESS
Neurofeedback training involves placing
electrodes at specific locations on the scalp
using a harmless paste to keep them in place.
The location is determined by the clinician,
in accordance with the brainmap. The
protocol, or conditions for training, are set up
for each person before training begins.
Typically, we are either trying to increase
activity where the brain is deficient or
decrease where there is too much activity.
This is the stage where operant conditioning
comes in to play. A threshold is established.
This is the point where brainwave pattern
being measured peaks out.
The person training will hear a tone in the
earphones when the brain is doing what it is
being asked to do, either increase (go above
threshold) or decrease (stay below threshold).
The brain considers the tone as a reward for
accomplishing what was asked of it. A visual
reward can also be given. That is to say that
motion occurs when the brain accomplishes
what it was asked to do.
Operant conditioning is the process of doing
this over and over, causing the new
neuropathways to form. Most people train
two to three times per week. Similar to
working out in the gym, a muscle needs time
to regenerate, so it is with neurons in the
brain. They need time for the dendrites to
form and the pathways to lengthen. It is good
to have a day in between training sessions.
A protocol file is usually issued for 10
sessions at a time. The person training can
review their progress each session to see how
it compares with the other training sessions.
At the end of 10 sessions a review takes place
to determine if a new location and/or new
protocol should be created and implemented.
●●
Successful
Training Requires:
● Being consistent with your training: 2-3
times per week
● Focus on the task...viewer, reading… or
meditation. The viewers are NOT video
games, remember operant conditioning is
what works.
● Avoid caffeine and sugar before training.
It’s best to have some protein about a 1/2 hour
before training.
● Apply healthy eating and exercising habits
to your everyday life.
● It’s not helpful to train when you are sick
or on cold/allergy medications.
● Do not be disruptive in the training room.
Let the technicians handle the equipment.
Ask questions if you don’t understand
something.
● Take notice of the changes you see. Feel
free to discuss your training with the Doctor
or clinician.
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 Keep up-to-date with
“Neuroscience You Can Use” at
www.enhancyourbrain.com

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