HEG Neurofeedback

Psychologist in Sonoma County

Hemoencephalography Neurofeedback (HEG) is a form of neurofeedback that trains blood flow in the brain. Whereas other form of neurofeedback, such as LENS and ILF, train the brain’s electrical activity, HEG neurofeedback teaches the brain to increase and/or decrease the oxygenation and metabolic activity of the prefrontal cortex. Increased blood flow to the prefrontal cortex is associated with increased activity in that region of the brain, just as decreased blood flow is associated decreased activity. With HEG neurofeedback we can increase and/or decrease activity by teaching the brain to direct its flow of blood to and/or away from the prefrontal cortex.

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Increasing blood flow to the prefrontal cortex helps the brain improve concentration, focus, impulse control, executive function, decision-making, emotional regulation, and social engagement.

Decreasing blood flow to the prefrontal cortex helps to reduce obsessive thinking and anxiety, and improves mindful awareness.

In some cases, the client has symptoms associated with both too much and too little activity in the prefrontal cortex. Here the brain is trained to both increase and decrease activity in the prefrontal cortex, so that it can move blood flow more efficiently based on the current demands.

HEG Training

From an HEG perspective, symptoms are caused by the brain’s inability to efficiently move blood to meet the brain's metabolic needs. By using a headband that contains an infrared sensor on the forehead that measures levels of cerebral blood flow, the client can learn, with the therapist's coaching, to increase and/or decrease activity in their prefrontal cortex using a simple animated game.

After an HEG session, while in deep sleep, the client’s brain works to increase and/or decrease the number of capillaries in the prefrontal cortex which, in turn, causes permanent changes in activity.

What Can HEG Address?

HEG Neurofeedback can be helpful for a wide range of issues, including:

Migraine Headaches
ADD & ADHD
Depression
Anxiety
Autism Spectrum Issues
Impulsivity
Emotional Dysregulation
Obsessive Thoughts & Worries
Stress

Benefits of HEG Neurofeedback

Safe

HEG is considered a very safe, non-invasive form of neurofeedback

Easy

Engaging in HEG neurofeedback is easy with the guidance of a skilled clinician

Broad Benefits

By training the brain's executive center, HEG can provide many benefits

Advantages of HEG Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback in Sonoma County

HEG neurofeedback is a specialized form of neurofeedback focused on improving blood flow and oxygenation to specific areas of the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. This region is crucial for executive functions such as attention, emotional regulation, and decision-making. By training individuals to increase blood flow to these areas, HEG neurofeedback enhances brain functioning, which can lead to significant improvements in concentration, impulse control, and mood regulation. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD, anxiety, and depression, as it promotes better control over cognitive and emotional responses, helping them manage symptoms more effectively.

One of the major advantages of HEG neurofeedback is its non-intrusive nature, as it doesn’t require brainwave monitoring but rather measures brain activity through blood flow and oxygen levels. This is beneficial for people who might be sensitive to traditional neurofeedback or who experience discomfort with electrode-based approaches. In HEG neurofeedback, individuals are guided to visualize or perform tasks that increase activity in specific areas of the brain, which in turn enhances blood flow and oxygenation. Over time, this process helps build new neural pathways and increases mental stamina, allowing individuals to focus more effectively and maintain mental clarity throughout the day.

Additionally, HEG neurofeedback can have long-lasting positive effects on emotional well-being and stress management. By strengthening prefrontal cortex activity, individuals gain better control over stress responses, reducing symptoms of anxiety and enhancing resilience. This improvement in emotional regulation allows people to respond more calmly and rationally to life’s challenges, cultivating greater self-awareness and inner stability. With regular HEG neurofeedback sessions, many individuals find that they experience a greater sense of balance and an improved quality of life, as the training supports a healthier, more adaptable brain state that promotes overall mental health and cognitive function.