Neurofeedback and biofeedback are both non-invasive techniques used to help individuals gain control over physiological functions, but they focus on different aspects of the body and serve different purposes.

In a nutshell, neurofeedback focuses on regulating brain activity to improve mental and emotional health, while biofeedback targets bodily functions to help manage physical conditions and stress. Both can complement each other in a holistic approach to wellness and performance.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between neurofeedback and biofeedback.

Focus 

Neurofeedback focuses exclusively on the brain. It measures and provides feedback on brainwave activity (using electroencephalography or EEG) to help individuals regulate their brain function. The goal is to improve cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and mental health conditions.

Biofeedback focuses on the body’s physiological processes, such as heart rate, muscle tension, skin temperature, respiration, and galvanic skin response (sweat gland activity). It provides feedback on bodily functions to help individuals manage stress, pain, and other physical health issues.

Primary Uses

Neurofeedback is primarily used to address mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and other disorders involving brainwave dysregulation. It can also be used to boost cognitive performance, improve attention, and support emotional regulation.

Biofeedback is used for managing physical health conditions, such as chronic pain, hypertension, migraines, muscle tension, and stress-related illnesses. It helps individuals improve autonomic functions like breathing, muscle relaxation, and heart rate variability (HRV).

Measuring

Neurofeedback uses EEG (electroencephalography) to measure brainwave activity. Electrodes are placed on the scalp to monitor electrical patterns in the brain. The feedback often comes in the form of visual or auditory signals to help users regulate their brainwaves.

Biofeedback uses various sensors to measure bodily functions. For example:

• Electromyography (EMG) for muscle tension.
• Electrocardiography (ECG) for heart rate.
• Skin conductance sensors for sweat response.
• Temperature sensors to monitor skin temperature.

The feedback helps users adjust their breathing, muscle relaxation, or other physiological responses.

General Applications

Neurofeedback applications are mostly mental and cognitive. It’s commonly used for:

• Mental health (anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD).
• Cognitive enhancement (improving focus, memory, and performance).
• Sleep regulation (treating insomnia or sleep disorders).
• Brainwave optimization for emotional regulation and stress management.

Biofeedback applications are more physical and often related to stress and tension management. It’s used for:

• Pain management (chronic pain, migraines).
• Stress reduction (improving heart rate variability and relaxation).
• Muscle rehabilitation (after injury or surgery).
• Management of physical conditions like high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or asthma.

Mechanism of Action

Neurofeedback trains the brain by reinforcing optimal brainwave patterns. When the brain produces desirable brainwave activity, the individual receives positive feedback (e.g., a sound, visual cue, or game reward). Over time, the brain learns to replicate these patterns, improving mental health or cognitive function.

Biofeedback trains the body to regulate physiological processes by providing real-time data on those processes. For example, an individual may use feedback on their heart rate or muscle tension to practice relaxation techniques, eventually learning to control these functions without conscious effort.

Training

Neurofeedback typically involves longer sessions and treatment duration, often over several weeks or months. It requires the individual to train their brain continuously to achieve noticeable improvements in mental states or performance.

Biofeedback can sometimes show quicker results, particularly for stress management or pain reduction. Individuals can often learn relaxation or stress-reduction techniques within a few sessions.

Neurofeedback Training at NHA

Here at Neurohealth Associates, we specialize in Neurofeedback training. Neurofeedback may be helpful for training your mind, especially if you are unsure about putting yourself or your child on medication. This easy, noninvasive training can painlessly improve your mental health condition and outlook on life. Schedule a consultation with NeuroHealth Associates today and find out how we can help you.