A brain that is not producing healthy brainwaves can impact everything from learning disabilities, to ADHD, behavioral issues, psychological disorders and physical problems. Medical events and trauma are among the things that can disrupt the brain’s natural creation of healthy waves. Fortunately, there is a safe and effective way to teach the brain to improve without the use of medication.

Neurotherapy can correct or improve anomalies in brain functioning that are responsible for disordered brain wave activity. The process is designed to increase or reinforce normal or favorable brain activity and decrease or inhibit abnormal activity. The overall goal of neurotherapy is to help people live healthier, happier and more productive lives by retraining the brain to naturally create healthy brainwaves.

The process is quite simple for the patient. It begins with a quantitative EEG, also known as a brain map, to determine where the brain is struggling. Because every brain is different, this step is crucial to developing customized brain training protocols. The brain wave data is detected and electronically recorded at nineteen locations on the scalp. While this data is being gathered, the patient is asked to close and open their eyes and perform various tasks that are appropriate for their age and ability, such as video watching, reading and math.

Next, the patient’s brain wave data is analyzed and displayed in various ways with the purpose of determining how it differs from typical brain waves of other individuals of the same age, performing the same tasks. The information can then be used to develop brain training protocol that is unique to the individual.

After the initial brain mapping, the neurotherapy process begins, using a reward system to encourage the brain to operate at its best. At first, the client sits in front of a blank screen with sensors attached to the scalp. For every quarter of a second that the brain is producing better brain waves, a portion of a greater image appears on the screen, similar to a puzzle piece. These puzzle pieces appear randomly, and are accompanied by an audible tone. After 10 puzzle pieces appear, the entire image is revealed, acting as a reward because of the satisfaction derived from receiving the complete image.

As this reward process continues and repeats, it teaches the brain to make better waves, resulting in better function. The brain does all of the work, without the patient even realizing that changes are being made. Neurotherapy is advantageous because it is noninvasive and self-regulated, with no known side effects or systemic or pharmacological interactions. Research shows that it’s also effective across a wide range of conditions and age groups.

Neurotherapy is becoming a primary-care choice for many patients that want safe and natural methods for dealing with medical and psychological disorders. Rather than take a medication, clients correct the source of the problem by gaining control over brain functioning. In addition, some patients use neurotherapy to improve their performance in school, work or sports. The better the brain functions, the better the person functions. With such an easy and effective method of improving brain function, everyone is capable of reaching their highest potential.

Dr. Jolene Ross is the founder and director of Advanced Neurotherapy, located at 145 Rosemary St., in Needham. For more information, call 781-444-9115 or visit AdvancedNeurotherapy.com.