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Training Types

Peak Brain uses several different types of neurofeedback and biofeedback training, each serving different purposes. This section explains what each type does and when it's used.

Neurofeedback Training Types

🎮 Standard Neurofeedback

The most common type of training: single-channel or segmented protocols.

Characteristics: - Uses 1-2 electrodes on scalp + ear references - Rewards specific brainwave frequencies - Inhibits other frequencies - Visual (video game) or auditory (tones) feedback - Eyes open, actively watching/listening

Common protocols: - C4-A1 (right sensorimotor, regulation) - Cz-A1 (center sensorimotor, calm focus) - Fz-Pz (front-back alpha, relaxation) - C3-A1 (left sensorimotor, activation)

When used: Foundation training, building resources, specific symptom targeting

🌊 Alpha-Theta Training

Deep state training for relaxation, creativity, and processing.

Characteristics: - Eyes closed, reclining position - Rewards both Alpha (8-11 Hz) and Theta (4-7 Hz) - Audio tones only (brook = alpha, ocean = theta) - Promotes deep relaxation, hypnagogic states - Often feels meditative or dreamlike

When used: - After foundation is built (usually 15+ sessions) - PTSD and trauma processing - Peak performance / flow states - Creativity enhancement - Deep relaxation needs

Important: Can feel "spacey" for 1-2 hours after. Don't schedule demanding activities immediately after.

🔀 DUAL Training

Two-channel simultaneous training for bilateral effects.

Characteristics: - Uses 4 scalp electrodes + ear references - Trains both hemispheres simultaneously - 8 traces displayed (vs. 4 in single-channel) - Often feels more challenging / slower game movement - Builds on single-channel foundation

Common DUAL protocols: - C3-C4 (bilateral sensorimotor) - F3-F4 (bilateral frontal, attention) - P3-P4 (bilateral parietal, processing) - T3-T4 (bilateral temporal, regulation)

When used: After comfort with standard training, for broader brain network effects

Biofeedback Modalities

🔴 HEG Training

Hemoencephalography - training brain blood oxygenation.

What it measures: - Blood oxygenation in prefrontal cortex - Uses infrared light sensor on forehead - Rewards increased blood flow / oxygenation

Characteristics: - Passive infrared (pIR) sensor on Fpz - Video game feedback - Builds prefrontal cortex metabolism - Can be combined with neurofeedback

When used: - Migraines (primary indication) - ADHD / executive function - Brain injury or concussion history - Autism spectrum - Cognitive enhancement

❤️ HRV Training

Heart Rate Variability training for stress resilience and autonomic balance.

What it measures: - Beat-to-beat variation in heart rate - Coherence (smooth rhythmic pattern) - Breath-heart synchronization

Characteristics: - Ear or finger sensor - Breath pacer guides breathing (usually 6 breaths/min) - Trains coherence state - Can train daily

When used: - Stress and anxiety - Before neurofeedback (calms arousal) - Autonomic dysregulation - Performance / flow states - Heart health and resilience

Tool: emWave Pro device

Choosing Training Types

Typical Training Progression

Sessions 1-15: Foundation - Standard neurofeedback only - Build regulation and stability - Single-channel protocols - Establish baseline response

Sessions 15-30: Expansion - Continue standard training - Add Alpha-Theta if appropriate - Consider HEG or HRV if indicated - May introduce DUAL training

Sessions 30+: Advanced - Combination approaches - Complex protocols - Multiple modalities - Refinement and maintenance

How We Decide

Your coach selects training types based on:

  1. Your QEEG - Brain map patterns
  2. Your goals - What you want to improve
  3. Your response - What's working
  4. Session count - Building foundation first
  5. Symptoms - Specific indications (e.g., HEG for migraines)

You Don't Choose

While it's good to understand different training types, your coach will guide protocol selection. This is based on: - Clinical expertise - Your brain data - Your reported effects - Training progression logic

Your role: Report what you notice, and we'll adjust your training accordingly.

What Training Feels Like

Standard Neurofeedback (Eyes Open)

  • Watching a video game or visual display
  • Game speeds up / slows down / pauses based on your brainwaves
  • May notice subtle mental state shifts
  • Often feels like "not much is happening" (this is normal!)

Alpha-Theta (Eyes Closed)

  • Hearing water sounds (brook/ocean) and tones (chimes/gong)
  • May drift toward sleep but usually stay awake
  • Often deeply relaxing
  • May have dreamlike imagery or thoughts
  • Time can feel distorted

DUAL Training

  • Similar to standard, but may feel more challenging
  • Game may move slower or be less responsive
  • More electrodes = more to manage for your brain
  • Effects may feel broader or more pronounced

HEG

  • Watching a video game or movie
  • Brightness or movement responds to blood flow
  • May feel "brain working harder" or forehead warmth
  • Often energizing / activating

HRV

  • Following a breath pacer (visual or audio)
  • Watching coherence score
  • Feels like breathwork or meditation
  • Calming, centering effect

Training Combinations

Same Session

Can combine in a single session: - ✅ HRV before neurofeedback (settles arousal) - ✅ Neurofeedback then HEG - ✅ Alpha-Theta then Standard training (if time allows - AT first on combo days)

Different Days

Rotate between types: - Standard neurofeedback (3-4x/week) - Alpha-Theta (1-2x/week, after foundation built) - HEG (as prescribed by coach) - HRV (can be daily if helpful)

Your Coach Will Guide

Don't worry about planning combinations—your coach will assign protocols each session based on your progress and goals.

Common Questions

Will I do all of these types?

Not necessarily. Many clients do only standard neurofeedback. Others add Alpha-Theta. HEG and HRV are added when specifically indicated.

Which type is most effective?

Depends entirely on your brain, goals, and what you're working on. Standard neurofeedback is the foundation for most people.

Can I request a specific type?

You can ask! But your coach will make the final decision based on your training progression and clinical indicators.

Why does my training type change?

We iterate based on your response. If one approach is working well, we continue. If progress stalls, we adjust.

How do I know which type I'm doing?

Your coach will tell you! In remote training, check your portal for the session protocol and type.

Next Steps

Learn More About Each Type

Understanding Your Training

Questions? Check the FAQ or ask your coach.