Brain Training Frequently Asked Questions

What does Brainwave Optimization consist of?

Brainwave Optimization consists of two steps:

First Step: BRAINWAVE ASSESSMENT- During your first visit, we will conduct an introductory review where you can choose to discuss your goals and the areas of life where you would like to see improvement. A brainwave assessment is performed on the initial visit to gather brainwave data from different parts of your brain. Our proprietary software processes the assessment and goal data to produce an individualized training plan just for you!

Second Step: BRAINWAVE OPTIMIZATION- Consists of 10 sessions during a period of 5-10 days. The brainwave optimization sessions involve computer translation of brain waves into sounds that represent optimum patterns for YOUR individual brain. These sounds vary, allowing your brain a means of observing itself at optimum levels. You relax in a zero gravity chair and are led through detailed visualizations to assist your brain to find a more balanced state.  A Brainwave Optimization with RTB™ (Real Time Balancing) session usually lasts about 1 1/2 - 2 hours.

How soon will I realize positive results and will all improvements be permanent?

Benefits may begin to be recognized in the first few sessions, with 10-30 sessions generally required for lasting permanent results.

How can I make my Brainwave Optimization experience the best it can be?

To get the most from your Brainwave Optimization and to maintain a comfort level for you and your trainer, we suggest the following:

1. Brainwave Optimization with RTB™ uses a lot of energy. Plan to eat small amounts of food often, especially in the day or two after training sessions. Drink lots of water and consume plenty of protein. Meat, fish, nuts, dairy products, legumes and protein bars are all good options. In general, a balanced diet that also includes fresh fruits and vegetables and reduced fat intake is positive.
2. Dress comfortably. If you are sensitive to temperature, consider bringing a sweater so you remain comfortable. Blankets are available in our office, too.
3. Freshly washed hair, loosely styled and devoid of any product, works best for ease of electrode placement.
4. If you carry a cell phone, we will ask you to turn it off during your training sessions.

Is there anything that would interfere with the effectiveness of the program?

The following are some activities which will interfere with the neuro networks in the brain:

• drinking alcohol
• taking recreational drugs
• receiving cranial sacral work
• chiropractor treatments
• any form of energy work such as raki
• some prescription drugs

These activities should be avoided during the training period AND for the following three weeks.

How Are We Different?
Brain Training of the Northwoods LLC and the Brain State Technologies’ System for Brainwave Optimization with RTB (RealTime Balancing™) is based on many aspects of science in Biofeedback and in Neurofeedback which historically have been used to assist people to overcome pathologies. However, Brainwave Optimization should be differentiated from Neurofeedback and Biofeedback.

The basic differentiation of these modalities is based on the following:

1. Biofeedback - is a type of learning used to lessen negative reactions for the individual, based on increasing the awareness of the biological process in order to off-set or stop the pathology as it begins to happen biologically and is applicable during the occurrence of the pathology. For example; panic attacks have biological indicators before the attacks hit, if you can learn the biological indicators you can lessen the panic attack by either degree and/or duration. Biofeedback is oriented to solve diagnosed problems in the client.
2. Neurofeedback - is a type of learning used to lessen negative reactions for the individual, based on increasing the awareness of the neurological process in order to off-set or stop the pathology as it begins to happen neurologically. For example; training sensory-motor neurological frequencies to be more dominant for some athletic events. Neurofeedback is oriented to solve problems defined by a normative data base or model along with those problems and symptoms diagnosed by practitioner and client. Neurofeedback will usually be provided to clients in a medical model and will require 30 to multiple hundreds of sessions to achieve desired results.
3. Brainwave Optimization with RTB – is based on brain observance. It is based on a Quantum Physics vs.a Newtonian Physics understanding of the individual, and this philosophical difference cannot be too heavily stressed. Brainwave Optimization with RTB seeks to show the brain itself – be a mirror for the brain in its ever more optimized state. The client is not trained with learned behavior. In fact, while not optimal, a client may sleep through a session and still realize results because the brain can view itself without direct client participation. Though it is always more efficacious to have the client participate, it is not mandatory.

For example, clients adversarial to the Brainwave Optimization process, such as those with adolescent misbehavior or antisocial behavior issues, can still be assisted to balance and harmonize their brain and achieve a greater homeostasis.

Brainwave Optimization with RTB™ is oriented to solve problems having to do with the balance and harmony of the brain energy and is not based on comparison of the client with a normative data base. It is not based on a diagnosis or the symptoms which are presented. Brainwave Optimization with RTB™ is based on the degree of balance and harmony the brain contains and seeks to increase this balance and harmony. 

Client Testimonial

After my 1st session of training, following my assessment, I experienced a feeling of calmness, slept well that night, and did not wake up with a headache.  I have been experiencing headaches on and off on a daily basis for as long as I can remember.  Being frustrated with these headaches, the only relief I found to get was by taking Tylenol 1's (Tylenol with 8 mg of codeine) anywhere from 2 tablets to 8 daily.  Since my 2nd training session (June 1), the headaches have been non-existent.  What a great relief for me. 

Other things that I have noticed since doing this training is that I feel a sense of maturity, self-confidence, or maybe it can be described as an empowerment of my thought process.  I have found myself to be more assertive, in a positive way, when it comes to something that is important to me.  Prior to this, I wouldn't say a thing and let it ride.

I have been able to work through situations that have been challenging to me with a lot less anxiety and with much greater ease.  One other thing that has come to light since starting this training is that the severity of my hot flashes has been reduced significantly.

This whole training process is so exciting to me and I look forward to continuing on with it, as I know that I have only experienced the tim pof the iceberg.