Neurofeedback | Hemoencephalography

How Does pIR-HEG Neurofeedback Work?

Blood flow is increased at the prefrontal cortex with attentional brain activity. By acheiving focused attention with a relaxed body and mind, the neurofeedback participant is able manipulate the computer sensor output that is measuring blood flow. The trainee learns how to increase activation of important brain activities and eventually can retrain the brain to perform better. The process is simple to learn and often enjoyable.

Neurofeedback - Passive Infrared Hemoencephalography

What is Hemoencephalography (HEG) Neurofeedback?

Hemoencephalography (HEG) is a type of functional near-infrared measuring of neuronal activity in the brain, based on blood flow. The original HEG neurofeedback system was developed by Dr. Toomlin. Unlike traditional neurofeedback (electroencphalography-EEG) which measures activity of the brain's electrical patterns, HEG measures changes in blood flow and oxygen, which indirectly measures brain activity. Via computer technology, HEG neurofeedback allows you to monitor your brain activity, and hence learn to manipulate and control flow for better brain functioning. BACK TO TOP

Neurofeedback May Help You

Reduce the intensity and duration of migraines

Improve your attention

Reduce your impulsivity

Improve your mood

What is pIR-HEG Used For?HEG is used to train the brain to alleviate a problem with functioning or to improve performance. It has shown promise in treating attentional problems by regulating the prefrontal cortex during concentration. PIR-HEG training has also been show to significantly alleviate migraine pain, most likely by increasing the prefrontal cortex’s ability to regulate the brain. There is also future promise in using HEG to treat depression and anxiety by stimulating regulatory parts of the brain. BACK TO TOP

What is Passive Infrared (pIR) HEG? Passive Infrared HEG is one of two HEG neurofeedback systems currently available. It was was developed by Dr. Jeffery Carmen. This system measures brain activity as a function of the heat generated from brain activity and bloodflow, directly over the prefrontal cortex. It is a passive system, reading information from the brain without imputing anything into the brain. As such, it is even safe during pregnancy, usually requiring fewer sessions than traditional EEG.BACK TO TOP

Brain blood flow, before and after HEG training

How does blood flow relate to brain activity?

When the brain focuses on a task, the part of the brain engaged in that task needs more energy, which uses more oxygen. This increased need for oxygen is met by more oxygen-rich blood being carried to that part of the brain. Thus there is a relationship between metabolic activity of the brain (e.g., attention and concentration) and blood flow. Blood flow can be detected using infrared imagery, as seen in the before and after pictures to the left. BACK TO TOP

Training on pIR HEG equipment.