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HEG Training (Brain Blood Flow)

HEG (Hemoencephalography) trains blood flow and oxygenation in your prefrontal cortex. It's a different type of biofeedback that complements EEG neurofeedback.

🔴 What is HEG?

The Basics

HEG measures: - Blood oxygenation in your prefrontal cortex (forehead) - Uses infrared light sensor (passive - nothing goes into your brain) - Rewards increased blood flow and oxygenation

Different from EEG neurofeedback: - Measures blood flow, not brainwaves - Sensor on forehead only (not multiple sites) - Less sensitive to movement (great for kids!) - No conductive paste needed

Think of it as: Exercise for your prefrontal cortex metabolism

🎯 What HEG Helps

Primary Uses

HEG is particularly effective for:

Condition How HEG Helps
Migraines #1 use case - reduces frequency and intensity
Brain Fog Improves mental clarity (especially after concussion/COVID)
Executive Function Concentration, planning, decision-making
Autism Spectrum Eye contact, social engagement, language timing
TBI/Concussion Recovery from brain injury

Secondary Benefits

  • Focus and attention (ADHD)
  • Processing speed
  • Cognitive performance
  • Reaction time

🎮 What HEG Looks Like

Equipment

HEG headband: - Lightweight band worn on forehead - Infrared sensor at Fpz position (center forehead) - Connects to amplifier (Neurobit Optima+ recommended) - No paste or skin prep needed!

Much simpler setup than EEG - just put on the band and go.

The Training

What you see: - Continuous signal trace showing blood flow changes - Visual feedback (moving line/graph showing vasomotion) - Audio feedback (pitch or volume changes with blood flow) - More blood flow = higher trace/different sound

How it works: - Similar to traditional biofeedback - Focus on the moving trace and audio - Train vascular dynamics through continuous feedback - Not videogames or movies - you're watching physiological signals change

What it feels like: - Often energizing or activating - May feel "brain working harder" - Sometimes feel warmth in forehead - More active focus than standard neurofeedback

⏱️ Session Structure

Duration

Typical HEG session: 10-20 minutes

When used: - Before or after neurofeedback (not during) - As standalone session - 2-3x per week (or as coached recommends)

Training Frequency

For migraines: - Often 3-4x per week initially - Reduce frequency as migraines improve

For other goals: - 2-3x per week - Can be daily for short periods if helpful

🧠 How HEG Works

The Mechanism

  1. Sensor measures blood oxygenation at forehead
  2. Software provides feedback (brightness, movement in game)
  3. Your brain learns to increase blood flow voluntarily
  4. Prefrontal cortex gets better at metabolizing and functioning

Result: Better executive function, reduced migraines, improved mental clarity

Passive vs. Active HEG

Passive (recommended): - Just watch the game - Don't try to control anything - Let your brain learn naturally - Similar to neurofeedback approach

Active (sometimes): - Trying strategies (think happy thoughts, visualize, etc.) - More effortful - Can be useful for some people

Your coach will guide which approach to use.

📋 When HEG is Added

Prerequisites

Before adding HEG: - Comfortable with neurofeedback basics - Stable protocols established - Usually 10-20+ EEG sessions first

Exception: Severe migraines may warrant earlier introduction

Your Coach Recommends HEG If:

✅ You have migraines (primary indication)
✅ History of concussion/TBI
✅ Autism spectrum with executive function goals
✅ Severe brain fog not improving with EEG alone
✅ Peak performance goals (cognitive optimization)

💡 What to Expect

During HEG

Common experiences: - Feeling forehead warm or "brain working" - More alert and energized - Game responding to your mental state - Sometimes frustrating (hard to control at first)

Learning curve: - First few sessions: Exploring what affects blood flow - Sessions 5-10: Starting to get a feel for it - Sessions 10+: More control, better results

After HEG

Immediate effects (0-4 hours): - Often feel energized or activated - Mental clarity - Better focus - Sometimes mild headache (rare, tells coach too much)

Next day: - Sustained energy improvements - Better executive function - For migraines: Reduction in frequency/intensity

Long-term: - Prefrontal cortex functioning better - Sustained improvements in target areas - Can maintain with less frequent training

⏰ Timing Recommendations

Best Time of Day

Morning or early afternoon (before 3pm)

Why: HEG is often activating - avoid late evening

Exception: If HEG relaxes YOU specifically (rare), evening is OK

Combining with Neurofeedback

Same day combinations: - ✅ HRV → Neurofeedback → HEG (good order) - ✅ HEG → Beta neurofeedback (both activating) - ✅ Neurofeedback → HEG (most common) - ❌ HEG → Alpha/relaxation protocols (conflicting) - ❌ Alpha-Theta same day as HEG (definitely avoid)

Your coach will structure your combined sessions.

🤔 Common Questions

Does the sensor hurt or go into my brain?

No! It's passive infrared - it only reads infrared radiation from your forehead. Nothing goes into your brain. Completely safe.

Do I need to do anything during HEG?

Passive approach (usual): - Just watch the game - Let your brain figure it out - Don't try to control

Active approach (sometimes): - Try strategies (happy thoughts, visualization, concentration) - See what affects blood flow - More effortful but can be useful

Your coach will tell you which approach to use.

How long until HEG helps migraines?

Varies widely: - Some people: Relief after 3-5 sessions - Most people: Noticeable reduction by 10-15 sessions - Severe migraines: May take 20-30 sessions

Very individual!

Can I do HEG without neurofeedback?

Yes, but combination is usually better.

HEG addresses one area (prefrontal blood flow), neurofeedback addresses electrical patterns throughout the brain. Together = more comprehensive.

Will I always need to do HEG?

No. Many people: - Train HEG for 3-6 months - Reduce frequency as symptoms improve - Maintain with occasional sessions (weekly or monthly) - Eventually discontinue as brain maintains better blood flow

⚠️ Important Notes

HEG is Activating

For most people, HEG: - Increases energy - Supports beta activity - Can be stimulating

Therefore: - Don't train late evening (may interfere with sleep) - Don't combine with alpha/theta same day - May feel "wired" after initially (decreases with practice)

When to Report Concerns

Contact coach if: - Feeling too activated or wired - Headaches after HEG - Not improving after 15-20 sessions - HEG interfering with sleep

We can adjust frequency, duration, or discontinue if not helping.

HEG is a powerful complement to neurofeedback, especially for migraines and executive function. Your coach will recommend it when appropriate for your goals. Setup is simple, and many clients find it a helpful addition to their training! 🔴🧠