ILF Neurofeedback

Infralow Frequency (ILF) neurofeedback trains the slowest brain frequencies generated in the brain. These slow rhythms are believed to underpin all higher frequency activity of the brain and, as such, determine the overall level of arousal and stability in the central nervous system. Early in the ILF training process, an optimal training frequency is established. The brain’s activity in reference to this frequency is mirrored to the brain through visual, auditory, and tactile feedback. The brain then uses this information to organize itself and its ability to shift from state to state with stability and calm. Benefits are specific to the training, which is guided by protocols that have been developed and refined over the last 30 years by Sue and Siegfried Othmer at EEG Institute. Clients usually notice improvements within the first few sessions, though as with any form of neurofeedback, repetition is required for the gains to be maintained. ILF is often combined with Alpha-Theta and Synchrony Neurofeedback training to further enhance the benefits.

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The Tidal Rhythms of the Brain

Most forms of neurofeedback focus on the “fast waves” of the brain – those that are above 1 hertz. With ILF neurofeedback, we focus on training the very slowest, infralow waves of the brain below 0.1 hertz. Fast waves can be likened to the waves at the surface of the ocean that you can see while standing on the shore. Infralow waves are similar to the rhythms of the tide. The tide has a powerful influence on the surface waves and, in much the same way, the infralow frequencies exercise a great deal of influence on the faster frequencies of the brain.

By training key sites on the brain at the infralow level, we are affecting core brain structures and systems, such as the Default Mode Network and the Salience Network, that organize the brain’s functioning and our core sense of ourselves. The result is a powerful shift in the brain’s ability to regulate itself, and the various branches of the nervous system (i.e., central, autonomic, enteric), so that they can move from state to state with ease.

For more information on how ILF works, see this article written by the Othmers of EEG Info, where ILF was developed.

Arousal, the most basic component of brain state regulation, refers to the general tone of the nervous system, ranging from low arousal to emergency mode. Low arousal is necessary for relaxation and sleep. High arousal is needed for emergency situations. In the middle of this spectrum is the range of normal arousal, where the nervous system is activated enough to be able to perform the task at hand, without being so aroused that it is agitated. Arousal is controlled by the brain stem and when the brain stem is unable to flexibly and stably move from one level of arousal to the next, we see symptoms of hyper-arousal, such as difficulty falling asleep, anxiety, anger management problems, oppositional behavior, or symptoms of under-arousal, such as depression, poor motivation, lack of interest and engagement, emotional sensitivity, and more.

When the brain lacks proper inhibitory control, hyper-excitability of the nervous system results. Hyper-excitability is at the root of brain instabilities, which can result in a host of symptoms that tend to come “out of the blue,” such as panic attacks, seizures, migraine headaches, dissociation, IBS, difficulty staying asleep, and more. ILF neurofeedback helps the brain to regain control and balance its systems, such as the balance between parasympathetic functioning (i.e., relaxation response) and sympathetic functioning (i.e., fight/flight).

Disinhibition is similar to instabilities; however, it specifically refers to the inhibitory relationship betweeen higher cortical brain regions (i.e., pre-frontal and frontal) and lower lower regions below the cortex. Disinhibition results in underdeveloped, primitive, and immature reactions such as impulsivity, tics, OCD, emotional reactivity, and more. ILF neurofeedback works to strengthen the inhibitory networks of the brain so they can do their job to manage the impulses of lower brain regions, while still allowing the lower brain regions to carry out their vital functions as well.

Localized dysfunctions refer to problems with specific cortical functions associated with specific parts of the brain. Neurofeedback training targeting localized dysfunctions strengthens brain regions associated with the symptoms. By strengthening these regions, the neurofeedback process can address issues such as sensory processing issues, visual problems, auditory problems, difficulties with movement, reading and math problems, and more.

Types of Brain Dysregulation

Instead of relying on diagnostic categories, in all forms of neurofeedback, clinicians utilize the patterns of symptoms reported by the client to assess dysfunction in the brain and central nervous system. In ILF neurofeedback, we think in terms of four patterns of dysregulation. These are described here.

What Can ILF Address?

Because of its far reaching effects in the central, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems of the body, research suggests that ILF Neurofeedback may be helpful for symptoms associated with a broad range of mental health, neurodevelopmental, neurocognitive, and physiological concerns, all of which can be understood in terms of the above mentioned modes of dysregulation.

Mental Health & Emotional Issues

Anxiety

Panic

Depression

Trauma & Neglect

Behavioral Problems

Emotional Reactivity

Anger Problems

Eating Disorders

Relationship & Attachment Issues

Dissociation

Self-Injury & Suicidality

Addiction

Peak Performance

Neurodevelopmental & Neurocognitive Issues

ADD & ADHD

Sensory Processing Issues

Cognitive Issues

Tics

Tremor

Autism Spectrum Issues

Developmental Disorders

Brain Injury & Concussion

Neurological Lyme

Reading Problems

Verbal Problems

Cognitive Deficits

Balance Problems

Mind-Body & Physiological Issues

Insomnia

Restless Leg Syndrome

Chronic Pain

Fibromyalgia & Autoimmune

Chronic Fatigue

Chemical Sensitivity

IBS

PMS & Menopausal Issues

Migraine Headaches

Tension Headaches

Bruxism (i.e., teeth grinding)

Vertigo

Muscle Tension

The Power of ILF

Core Regulatory Networks

The training sites on the head used in ILF Neurofeedback correspond to key centers of the brain’s Default Mode and Salience Networks. These brain systems are responsible for the core functions of the brain and, by training at the infralow frequencies at these sites, we can affect a wide range of emotional, cognitive, developmental, and physiological issues.

Rapid Relief

We typically improvements within the first few sessions of ILF training. Because neurofeedback is a process of learning, though, repetition is vital for lasting results, so clients usually complete somewhere between 20 – 60 sessions.

Effective

Clinical research on ILF and reports from the widespread network of ILF providers indicates that ILF is effective at providing at least some improvements to over 85-90% of clients.

What is the Science Behind Neurofeedback?

With well over 2,000 published studies confirming its benefits for a wide range of mental health and physical conditions, neurofeedback is an evidence-supported approach for mind-body health and wellness. For more information, see this Comprehensive Neurofeedback Bibliography published in the Journal of Neurotherapy.

Comprehensive Neuorfeedback Bibliography