Neurofeedback: what is it?

I started looking into Neurofeedback after I heard the highly regarded and smart as a whip Thom Hartmann, talking about it on his radio show. Thom has written extensively on ADD/ADHD and had very good things to say about Neurofeedback.

Recently, I heard him interview Nora Gedgaudas from Northwest Neurofeedback about her new book, Primal Body-Primal Mind: Empower Your Total Health The Way Evolution Intended (...And Didn't) and just had to dig a little deeper.

"Neurofeedback is direct training of brain function, by which the brain learns to function more efficiently. We observe the brain in action from moment to moment. We show that information back to the person. And we reward the brain for changing its own activity to more appropriate patterns. This is a gradual learning process. It applies to any aspect of brain function that we can measure. Neurofeedback is also called EEG Biofeedback, because it is based on electrical brain activity, the electroencephalogram, or EEG. Neurofeedback is training in self-regulation. It is simply biofeedback applied to the brain directly. Self-regulation is a necessary part of good brain function. Self-regulation training allows the system (the central nervous system) to function better." As defined by EEGinfo.com

When I first began my research I was interested in autism treatments but found out quickly that Neurofeedback has been known to be helpful in treating many different issues as wide ranging as sleep problems to chronic pain, Post traumatic Stress Disorder to Menopause, anxiety to bi-polar disorders.

"Neurofeedback addresses problems of brain disregulation. These happen to be numerous. They include the anxiety-depression spectrum, attention deficits, behavior disorders, various sleep disorders, headaches and migraines, PMS and emotional disturbances. It is also useful for organic brain conditions such as seizures, the autism spectrum, and cerebral palsy."

I was surprised at how non-invasive this treatment is and the testimonials are riveting. After everything I have read, I am very intrigued.

Have you or a family member had a first hand experience with Neurofeedback? Let me know, I am really curious to hear what you have to say about it.