What is LENS Neurofeedback
The Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) is a form of direct neurofeedback that allows the brain to reset itself for optimal performance.
In its most basic sense, LENS is training in self-regulation, a necessary part of optimal brain performance and function which allows the nervous system to function more adaptively.
The LENS is a specific kind of Neurofeedback that operates much more rapidly than traditional systems. Using a very low power electromagnetic field, like the ones that surround digital watches, the LENS facilitates tiny feedback stimulation which results in brainwave changes.
The result is greater relaxation, sense of ease and improved emotional resilience. LENS neurofeedback is not diagnosis specific. It is not a treatment for any specific condition. It is a generalized process that optimizes brain function.
Benefits of LENS
The LENS works well with problems of the Central Nervous System, which can be numerous.
These include:
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Brain generated pain (mis mapping the origins and qualities of signals), and vascular pain, headaches and migraines.
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Lack of clarity about emotions and self-comforting, defensiveness, argumentativeness and cynicism.
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Increases in functioning in the above areas in absence of any diagnosis.
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Seizures, ADD, ADHD, the autism spectrum, and cerebral palsy. (These are all signs of Central Nervous System dysfunction which result in the body’s difficulty regulating itself)
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The LENS works extremely well with the symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury, no matter how long ago the incident occurred. The trauma can be from a physical blow, a concussive injury, a psychological incident (PTSD), or any other incident(s) which results in a decrease in cognitive ability.
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Problems sequencing, memory, providing and maintaining attention, concentration, clarity and organization.
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Anger, depression, sadness, explosiveness, PMS, PTSD and Trauma, Birth Trauma, Symptoms and emotional disturbances.
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Lack of grace, problems of eye-hand coordination, balance and tremor.
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Problems initiating tasks, shifting from one activity to another, and/or completing tasks, attention deficits.
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Problems of anxiety system activity (too much uncomfortably-contained energy), persistent "anxiety", restlessness, hyper-vigilance, rumination, agitation, distractibility, difficulty breathing, palpitations, tremor exacerbation, and sleep interruption/ nightmares.
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Fatigue & various sleep disorders.
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Hyper-reactivity, hypersensitivity, multiple chemical sensitivities, Reactive Attachment and Bipolar Disorders.
Frequent Questions
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Biofeedback systems are used to train the brain to behave in a certain way utilizing operant conditioning, not unlike teaching a dog to sit by repetition. Training the brain in this way requires many lengthy sessions, several times a week over the span of months.
The LENS, however, utilizes a system based upon resetting the brain’s own neural-connectivity, which works faster and requires much less session time than attempting to train a dysfunctional brain.
Alternatively, the LENS resets the neural-connectivity of the brain, allowing the brain to communicate better with itself, and in doing so optimizing it’s own function.
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LENS is safe and medication-free. During the session, a technician attaches sensors to the client’s head in order to record their brainwaves (EEG waves). For only a few seconds, LENS mirrors back the brain’s faint electromagnetic impulses. This brain-mirroring allows dysfunctional patterns in the brain to reorganize and optimize functions. The information signal is far weaker than the electromagnetic field around a wrist watch, yet it typically triggers the brain to make profound, lasting changes.
In the first session, 86%, notice improvements and nearly every client experience improvement by the fourth session. Depending on the symptoms and disorder, the average amount of sessions per client is around 11 with each session lasting between 15 to 45 minutes. Positive changes endure months and even years after the final session. Improvements with autism, recovery from stroke or traumatic brain injuries, or genetic predisposed conditions generally take longer for resolution of symptoms.
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LENS is a safe and effective for children, adolescents, and adults.
LENS is an FDA-certified Class II device; it is 510K exempt. The Class II 510K exempt medical device classification is a less restrictive certification than a 510K, meaning that LENS is considered by the FDA as safer than 510K devices - which includes most other biofeedback and neurofeedback devices.
LENS Neurofeedback is a non-invasive treatment during which people often report feeling comfortable and calm. In over a million sessions, there have been no significant side effects. Because the brain responds to LENS by reorganizing itself, there may be a new awareness of existing symptoms, such as feeling fatigued, wired, or light-headed. These short-term feelings tend to correct themselves quickly.
It is not necessary to be off medications, drugs, or alcohol before LENS treatment. Please communicate with your prescribing physician about your changing needs for medication. Many people report decreasing their use of medication, and feeling less interested in recreational drugs and alcohol after treatment with LENS.
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A controlled study of 100 subjects with diagnosis of ADD, traumatic brain injury and bipolar disorder showed that 90% of them did better after LENS (Larsen, Harrington, & Hicks, 2006)
Improvement has been reported in most of the subjects (N = 2500, in approximately 90,000 sessions as of 2005) who have been treated with the LENS. When the subjects of this research and treatment have fallen within the areas that are known to be particularly treatable, such as mild Traumatic Brain Injury, fibromyalgia, and explosive autism, the success rate has reached over 80%
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In the case of organic brain disorders, it can only be a matter of getting the brain to function better rather than of curing the condition. When it comes to problems of dysregulation, we would say that there is not a disease to be cured. Where dysregulation is the problem, self-regulation may very well be the remedy. But again, the word cure would not apply.
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Clients usually report feeling clear, calm, and fully present immediately after neurofeedback. The progression of states experienced by clients follows a predictable pattern that parallels traditional meditation benefits.
These benefits include letting go of sticky emotional states like malice and wanting, balancing energy between emotional and behavioral extremes, and knowing what can and can’t be done.
When this initial centering has cleared the big distractions away from being fully present, clients progress through increased awareness, clarity, energy, joy, calm, focus, and contentment.
LENS Neurofeedback Research
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