The last post described the Electrical functions of the brain but the chemical functions are very important also. The chemical reactions in the brain are very powerful and are what makeup our mood, hunger, pain, and other feelings we experience. The electron in each brain neuron releases a signal to other brain neurons (which creates the brain wave, like we talked about before) and when the corrected signals are sent, the next neuron sends messages to the neurons that house the chemicals and tell the chemicals to release.
Most people are familiar with the idea that their brain chemistry is unbalanced or not producing enough Serotonin, or other chemicals. What most people don’t realize is that the body has the ability to make all of the chemicals that it needs, but it requires the neuron to send the correct signal in order for the brain to produce and release the right chemicals. The chemicals are only produced under specific conditions, proper brain wave signals and functioning is only one aspect.
The other aspects of proper chemical balance in the brain is determined by the overall health of the brain. Brain health is a whole other topic, but it includes things like adequate hydration, exercise, and nutrition.
I know all this brain talk can be confusing. Most of the information available to clients has to do with brain chemistry and how one medication or another can help balance the brain chemicals. Many people don’t realize the connection the brain chemistry has to the brain waves that are formed in the brain. Here is a basic video about the brain, electric and chemical interactions: brain explanation.
Neurofeedback is not a quick fix to brain chemical imbalances. Most prescriptions are not a quick fix either; doctors will tell you that it will take as long as 6 weeks to feel the full effects of an anti-depressant. Just as you would be patient with a new prescription, we hope that you will be patient with therapy and neurofeedback to correct your brainwave imbalances.
Neurofeeedback is not a replacement for medication, although some clients are able to go off of medication. We never advise clients to discontinue medication and always suggest that you seek the help of a psychiatrist or medical professional when considering medication choices or changes.
Call us for a free consultation about how Neurofeedback can help reduce your stress and improve your brains functioning.