Let’s take a look at possible future uses of neurofeedback technologies and how they may impact our lives. Please note that this article is not referring to services or research conducted by NHA, it is simply a fun look into potential future uses of neurofeedback.

Neurofeedback, in a nutshell, is a tool for training yourself to regulate your brain waves. Neurofeedback began gaining popularity years ago in clinical contexts, as research showed it had the potential to help people struggling with conditions like ADHD and PTSD. But what about the future?

Researchers started out skeptical of most modern neurofeedback technologies but grew fascinated as they began exploring big questions: Can we use tech to provoke experiences that will make people lastingly more compassionate and altruistic? Is an experience of enlightenment that’s induced by technology “authentic” (and does that matter)? If we democratize spiritual insights so they become accessible faster to lots more people?

These questions, and the shifting answers to them, hint at the strange new terrain we are wandering onto, as neuroscience, self-optimization tech, and mindfulness collide. The future of the brain may hold many opportunities for self-improvement and neurofeedback is a potential gateway.

The Tip of the Neurofeedback Iceberg

Some scientific research indicates that neurofeedback can modestly improve attention and subjective well-being. But it’s important to note that this kind of tech can, at most, help people get to an “entry-level” state of meditation — what you might call, simply, concentration. Researchers do not claim to have figured out how to lead people into more advanced meditative states yet.

If neurofeedback devices only aim to “read” what’s happening in your brain and give you cues that reflect it, then another technique, brain stimulation, aims to “write” to the brain — that is, to directly change what your neurons are up to. While this technology is not on the immediate horizon, it gives us a lot to think about.

Scientific evidence on brain stimulation is currently mixed. Safety-wise, it’s not required to have FDA approval since they’re not marketed as medical devices, but they’re generally considered low-risk for short-term use given that a number of stimulation methods are already approved for clinical use in treating conditions like depression. However, we lack data on the long-term effects of using neurostimulation devices continually.

Current Neurofeedback & Brainwave technologies are focusing on:

• Meditation
• Simulating Brainwaves
• Controlling feelings & emotions
• Connecting to one’s self
• Brain Mapping

Technologies looking at these issues are still in their infancy and in development.

Neurofeedback Therapy at NHA

Here at Neurohealth Associates, we specialize in Neurofeedback treatments. Neurofeedback may be helpful for treating your mind, especially if you are unsure about putting yourself or your child on medication. The easy, noninvasive treatments 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.

Original article posted by Sigal Samuel, Vox News.