What is Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback?

By Rustam Yumash

The brain is a complex organ, capable of change and self-regulation in response to external stimuli, enabling us to adapt to our environment. Sometimes situations call for problem-solving skills, while other situations are inviting to rest and relaxation. Imbalances in the brain activity may lead to becoming unable to adapt to these situations. Before dwelling further into what Infra Low Frequency is and how it affects us, it is important to understand some facts about the brain’s complex work.

Brain Function Basic Facts

·      Our brainwaves change according to what we are experiencing. For example, slower brainwaves are dominant when we are tired, relaxed, dreamy or sleeping, while the higher frequencies become dominant when we are active and alert, engaged in the thought process.

·      The brain lobes have different functions such as memory, behaviour, executive function, language processing, and visual perception to mention a few.

·      Different brainwaves are produced and affect each of these areas of the brain as we go about our daily activities, facing different situations thorough the day. These waves are called Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta. They can be thought of as the waves in the ocean.

·      Underlying processes of the brain functioning include very slow fluctuations in the brain that aim to preserve homeostasis -the state of physical and chemical balance necessary for a body to survive and function properly. These very slow fluctuations are called Infra Low Frequency (ILF), and they are akin to the tides in the ocean.

·      The brain self-regulates and constantly changes, in a process called neuroplasticity. This means that the brain adapts to the environment by activating certain networks as well as epigenetic and genetic resources. This activity occurs through the combination of both the “waves” (Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta), and the underlying “tide” (ILF) in the brain.

ILF brain waves (not featured in the table) have frequencies that are less than 0.5 Hz. They play major role in brain timing and neural network function.

Why are brain waves important, and why change them?

In order to understand and address where an individual is at in terms of feelings, behaviour, or cognitive ability, psychology has traditionally relied on questionnaires and talk therapy. Psychotherapy offers great tools for developing coping strategies, but it is not always enough when problems are persistent. In contrast, qEEG Brain Mapping and Neuromodulation are science-based processes focused on the physiology of the brain, by exploring and addressing  imbalances in its brain wave activity.

Research has revealed that distinct brainwave patterns are linked to a wide range of psychological and neurological conditions. Increased activity in certain brain regions is associated with anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, nightmares, hyper-vigilance, impulsivity, and anger or aggression. Conversely, decreased activity in other areas of the brain can contribute to conditions like depression, attention deficit, chronic pain, and insomnia. Many disorders, including anxiety, depression and ADHD, show a combination of both heightened and reduced brain activity.

Moreover, irregularities in brain waves have been linked to a variety of disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, aggressive behaviour, PTSD, ASD, substance use disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, migraines, narcolepsy, epilepsy, sleep apnea and sleep disorders, vertigo, tinnitus, and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.

The use of brain imaging such as QEEG can identify specific brainwave patterns associated with these conditions and self-reports of symptoms to provide highly targeted training protocols.

These brainwaves, however, can change through the creation of new neurological paths, which is a process called Neuroplasticity. This is where Neurofeedback is relevant.

How does Neurofeedback work?

Neurofeedback -often called biofeedback or neurotherapy- is the technique used to show the brain how to find and reinforce its own new path. Neurofeedback has existed and evolved over decades, with rapid technological advances improving our understanding of the brain functioning.

This therapy gives moment-to-moment feedback about the body’s physiological properties such as heart rate, skin conductance, respiration, temperature, muscle tension, and brain waves. Neurofeedback works via a rewarding system, with the help of break-through technology. During this process, an individual will sit down comfortably while watching a movie or listening to music. When the person produces the desired brainwaves under the guidance of a clinician, the brain gets rewarded with a clearer image or better sound.

Typically Neurofeedback protocols concentrate on the higher-frequency brainwave bands like Alpha, Beta, Theta, Delta or Gamma. ILF neurofeedback focuses on the very slow frequencies of the brain that underly these frequency bands. This helps to relax and stabilise the brain, central nervous system and autonomic nervous system to allow better functioning.

How is Infra Low Frequency Neurofeedback different?

Infra-low frequency neurofeedback (ILF neurofeedback) is a type of neurofeedback training that targets the brain's extremely low-frequency oscillations, typically in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 Hz or even lower. Brain activity in this frequency range helps to regulate and modulate higher brain wave activity and the resources it demands such as blood, oxygen, and glucose (or metabolic demands).

It involves monitoring and modulating these infra-low frequency brainwaves to potentially improve brain function and address specific conditions or symptoms. ILF neurofeedback focuses on the slowest oscillations of the brain, which are generally not accessible through conventional neurofeedback protocols. Through modulating this brain activity, higher frequencies and their functions are also influenced and become more adaptive.

During an ILF neurofeedback session, sensors are placed on the scalp to measure the infra-low frequency brainwaves. The brainwave activity is then fed into a computer system that analyses and provides real-time feedback to the individual, typically in the form of visual or auditory cues. – not sure if this is repeated from the previous section?

ILF neurofeedback protocols may vary depending on the goals and needs of the individual. The feedback provided can be designed to encourage or modulate specific patterns of infra-low frequency brainwave activity. The intention is to promote self-regulation and optimise brain functioning.

Potential Benefits of Infra Low Frequency Neurofeedback

Proponents of ILF neurofeedback suggest that it may have applications in various areas, including promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, improving sleep, enhancing cognitive performance, and supporting emotional regulation. Improvement of these areas is often the first step in the path to recovery, especially in individuals that face challenges related to trauma and PTSD.

If you or your loved one is experiencing mental health difficulties and are ready to get support, contact our psychology clinic in Tweed Heads, where counselling is available for children, teens, adults, couples and families. Often the first step is the hardest, but Brain Care is here to support you through the rest of your journey.

Written by Rustam Yumash, QEEG specialist and Neurocoach.