Infra-Low Neurofeedback

Psychological interventions are often oriented towards addressinging where an individual is at in terms of feelings, behaviour, or cognitive ability through talk therapy. Neurofeedback, on the other hand, is an intervention focused on the physiology of the brain, by addressing imbalances in its activity. For example, problems in the areas that control functions like language and memory may be linked to the diagnosis of ADHD, Autism Spectrum, or Learning Difficulties, to name a few.

Put simply, neuroplasticity is the capacity of the brain to heal itself by finding new neurological paths. 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 for decades, with rapid technological advances improving our understanding of the brain functioning.

Core Concept: Neuroplasticity

The brain functions through complex electrical connections, which create different types of brainwaves that can be read in an Electroencephalogram (EEG). These brainwaves, however, can change through the creation of new neurological paths, which is a process called Neuroplasticity:

What is Infra-Low (IFL) Neurofeedback?

Infra-Low (ILF) Neurofeedback is a specialized form of brain training that focuses on extremely low brainwave frequencies (below 0.5 Hz). Think of it as a mirror for your brain – it shows your brain its own activity in real-time, allowing it to optimize its performance naturally. Unlike traditional treatments that might force changes, ILF Neurofeedback gently guides your brain toward better self-regulation.

How Does It Work?

During a session, sensors are placed on your scalp to monitor your brain activity in real-time. Your brain's activity is then translated into visual or auditory feedback, creating a kind of conversation between you and your brain. The best part? You don't have to do anything active – your brain does all the work automatically, responding to the feedback while you relax.

The Science Behind It

ILF Neurofeedback works by targeting the brain's Default Mode Network (DMN) and other crucial neural networks responsible for emotional regulation, focus, and overall brain stability. This helps explain why it can be effective for such a wide range of conditions – it's working at a fundamental level of brain organization.

Who Can Benefit?

The beauty of ILF Neurofeedback lies in its versatility.

Here are 10 key benefits of Infra-Low Frequency (ILF) Neurofeedback for health and well-being:

Improves Emotional Regulation: ILF Neurofeedback helps balance brain activity, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood swings by promoting emotional stability.
Enhances Focus and Attention: It can improve concentration and attention, making it beneficial for individuals with ADHD or attention-related challenges.
Supports Trauma Recovery: ILF Neurofeedback is effective in calming hyperarousal and dissociation, making it a valuable tool for individuals recovering from trauma or PTSD.
Promotes Better Sleep: By optimizing brainwave activity, ILF Neurofeedback can improve sleep quality and address issues like insomnia.
Reduces Stress and Tension: It calms the nervous system, decreasing chronic stress and its associated physical and emotional symptoms.
Improves Cognitive Function: Regular sessions can boost memory, processing speed, and overall cognitive flexibility.
Aids in Chronic Pain Management: ILF Neurofeedback can help regulate the brain’s perception of pain, providing relief for individuals with chronic pain conditions.
Supports Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): It can help improve social communication, reduce sensory sensitivities, and enhance emotional self-regulation in individuals with ASD.
Addresses Migraines and Headaches: Neurofeedback can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines by stabilizing brainwave patterns.
Promotes Overall Resilience: By improving brain flexibility and self-regulation, ILF Neurofeedback helps individuals better adapt to life’s challenges, improving overall well-being.

What makes IFL Neurofeedback special?

Gentle and Natural: There's no need for medication or invasive procedures. The method works with your brain's natural ability to self-regulate.

Personalized Care: Every brain is unique, and treatment is tailored to each individual's needs and responses.
Integrated Approach: Combining ILF Neurofeedback with insights from meditation, breathwork, and modern neuroscience for comprehensive care.
Evidence-Based: This approach is supported by both scientific research and extensive clinical experience from thousands of practitioners worldwide.

Real Stories of Transformation

The impact of ILF Neurofeedback is best understood through the experiences of those who've tried it:

Ben, a stroke survivor, shares: "This training saved my marriage. My wife was very happy with my calmness. Before that, since my stroke and brain surgery, I had difficulties controlling my anger and irritability. The weekly training session keeps me calm for the whole week."

Kerry, suffering from childhood neglect trauma, noticed: "After the third session, I felt so calm the whole week. My husband and I were at odds for a while and are really in a good place now."

Mary, another parent, reports: "My daughter made amazing progress. She was diagnosed with autism and emotional reactivity. Her brain assessment identified epileptic activity we didn't know about. She just became a school captain. Incredible progress."

Is IFL Neurofeedback right for you?

This approach might be particularly valuable if you:

Prefer natural approaches to health
Haven't found success with traditional treatments
Are looking for a gentle, non-invasive option
Want to improve your overall brain function and emotional regulation

What to Expect in a Session

Your session will take place in a comfortable, calming environment. While sensors monitor your brain activity, you'll simply relax as your brain responds to the feedback, which might come through changes in a video or sound. Most people need between 10-20 sessions to see significant results, though this can vary depending on individual needs and goals.

About Your Practitioner: Rustam Yumash

When choosing a neurofeedback practitioner, experience and expertise matter. Rustam Yumash brings over 14 years of specialized experience in ILF Neurofeedback to his practice. With a background in neurology (B. Med) and as a Fellow of the Applied Neuroscience Society of Australasia, Rustam combines medical knowledge with a deep understanding of holistic healing approaches.

Rustam's journey to neurofeedback began with his own health challenges. After experiencing a cerebral vascular inflammatory condition with intense headaches from stress and burnout, he developed a profound understanding of the healing journey. This personal experience shapes his compassionate approach, recognizing that health conditions need addressing from multiple angles – social, psychological, and biological.

What makes Rustam's approach unique is his direct training with Sue Othmer, the pioneer and developer of ILF Neurofeedback. This mentorship provided him with deep insights into the method's subtleties and applications. He combines this scientific expertise with his knowledge of meditation and breathwork, offering a truly integrated approach to brain health.

When not helping clients, Rustam can be found walking in nature or practicing Buddhist insight meditation, focusing on mindfulness and loving kindness – practices that inform his therapeutic approach and understanding of the human condition. Learn more about his approach here.

Taking the Next Step

While ILF Neurofeedback isn't a magic solution, it offers a promising path for many seeking to improve their mental health and brain function. As Rustam often says, "Everything we put into our brain health always pays off for years to come."

Ready to explore how ILF Neurofeedback might help you? Contact us for a consultation where we can discuss your specific needs and create a personalized training plan. The journey to better brain health begins with a single step, and we're here to guide you along the way.

The path to a calmer, more balanced brain might be closer than you think – and it starts with showing your brain its own reflection through the gentle mirror of ILF Neurofeedback.

Other Neuromodulation Therapies

As the brain improves so does the ability to learn. When the brain is able to learn more effectively, it can then catch up with things it has missed in the past. Speech therapists and OT’s tell us it makes their work a lot easier once their clients have finished Neurofeedback training. We often combine different Neuromodulation modalities, including Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, (TDCS), Audio Visual Entrainment (AVE), and Sound Therapy. These can be further combined with EMDR, Family Counselling, and support in the home and at school. Programs are designed and tailored for the individual and the family.

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