Anxiety: Why Neurofeedback Works So Well
- Do you have panic attacks for seemingly no reason?
- Are you so worried about being judged by others or embarrassed that it stops you from engaging in social situations?
- Are you so scared of heights, flying, or something else that it causes you to avoid things in your daily life?
- Does stress cause you to not be able to function normally?
If worry, fear and apprehension are normal human emotions. Anxiety can be described as an extreme version of them. While these emotions come and go in most people, anxiety sufferers live with them constantly, often limiting their ability to perform simple daily tasks.
Imagine being robbed at gunpoint. The rush of adrenaline and fear can be paralyzing, affecting one’s ability to make rational or smart decisions. This is the same feeling that many experience in the midst of an anxiety or panic attack.
What Causes Anxiety?
Despite what people think, anxiety and panic attacks are not caused by fear and insecurities. Decades of research on the human brain have determined that a poorly regulated brain can results in a release of chemicals in the body that trigger anxiety symptoms. And a poorly regulated brain is the results of irregular brainwaves.
Why Do Brainwaves Matter?
Beta brainwaves are strongest when we are alert and making conscious decisions. But if these waves are too fast, it can increase levels of stress and uneasiness. Think of a car engine revving much faster than it needs to. The increased energy output is wasted and can tax the engine (the brain), leading to stress.
Theta brainwaves are strongest when we are daydreaming or in a state of extreme relaxation. During this time we produce GABA, an amino acid responsible for calming nervous activity. This is part of what allows us to recover after a stressful day. But when theta brainwaves are running too slow, we are not able to calm our minds and recover.
Most conditions can be easily identified in our Glen Allen office with a Brain Map. Call (804) 672-7050 to make an appointment today!
How Can Neurofeedback Help Anxiety?
Neurofeedback is a safe and non-invasive process that does one thing: it guides irregular brainwaves back into normal ranges using a computer. All the patient does is watch a movie or listen to music for 30 minutes at a time, the computer does the rest. It really is that simple!
Neurofeedback does not target specific brain disorders, but instead teaches your brain how to self-regulate and make healthy brainwave patterns. And when the brain is making healthy patterns, the symptoms of many neurological problems like anxiety dissipate. This process is completely safe, uses no drugs, is non-invasive and does not require any radiation.
There are 6 decades of research behind the science of neurofeedback, with countless research papers that have validated its effectiveness. Neurofeedback helps balance brain waves, and eliminates or diminishes problem behaviors without the use of medication. Unlike medications, neurofeedback has no physical side effects, and the benefits of neurofeedback have been scientifically proven to be long lasting.
Find Out More!
To find out more about this revolutionary, non-invasive process and how it can help you with your anxiety issues, please call our offices at 970-282-1173 to schedule an appointment today.