​Modulating Brain Function: The Difference between Traditional EEG Neurofeedback and Bellabee

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Bellabee:

Bellabee simply directs your brain oscillations in the desired direction without training, effort, or supervision. You just put the Bellabee headband on, connect it to your mobile device and select the desired mode then Bellabee will start working in the background, leaving you free to continue your daily activities. That’s right! Bellabee can be used at home or on the go (that is why it is called “Your Daily Assistant”) and does not require specialist supervision or appointments. Most people start switching to the desired frequency within 3-5 minutes.
Over time, with continued use, your brain will begin to resonate with the frequency generated by Bellabee so you won’t need to use the device as often. Think of it like riding an autonomous self-driving bicycle that trains you to ride the correct way right from the start. Soon you will be able to ride on your own due to the frequency following response, neuroplasticity and neuromodulation principles of neuroscience. And when you feel the need, you can restart using Bellabee.
NFB:
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On the other hand, NFB specialists try to teach you how to push your brain in the desired direction using audio-visual games and other tools. A specialist needs to be present to provide the training. EEG electrodes are connected to your brain in order to monitor the brainwave frequency and try to move it to the right frequency with the help of audio-video programs that reward you for producing the desired frequency and penalize you for producing the incorrect brainwave frequency (operant conditioning).
Ultimately Bellabee is more affordable, convenient, and easier to use.

Bellabee Vs Traditional EEG NFBBellabeeTraditional EEG NFBUses electromagnetic waves to modulate brainTrain person to modulate brain through audio-visual and tactile feedback.

Passive method, individual is not involved in intensive training.Active and concentrated effort required for certain protocols (activation training) while relaxation training is passive (though the client must be still with their eyes closed).

Can be performed anywhere, anytime.While it does require expensive hardware and software, people can train at home with a remote or home training system. A  clinical setup is preferred.

Non-intrusive, can perform other tasks while using.Tasks like academic bridge and other activities can be performed together, and with wireless devices, movement tasks can be performed. However, these are not as “free” as with Bellabee.
It is portable, a headband connected to a mobile device.Not portable, needs an elaborate setup.
Easy customization.Time consuming Customization is true for previous generations of equipment. Modern systems allow for “point and click” changing of protocols.

Can be used at home without professional supervision.Needs professional input for every session. Lately, however, several systems are automated and allow laypersons to train themselves using pre-made protocols.
Can be used as a stand-alone therapeutic tool and can also be combined with other modalities, like NFB, pharmaceutical treatment, psychological treatment.Many systems include biofeedback (GSR, HRV, respiration, temperature, etc.) with neurofeedback, such as the BrainMaster and Nexus (BioTrace) systems. Others use HRV with every session via programs like emWave. Most practitioners use at least one other biofeedback method when training neurofeedback.

Totally wearable, a headband connected to your mobile. You can jog, read, or do other chores.Wearable but usually used in a clinical setting. There are a number of wireless devices that communicate with the computer via Bluetooth (Cognionics and Wearable Sensing for example), but they are VERY expensive, costing between $16,000 and $24,000 each.

Validated by NASA.NASA, the US Navy and the Air Force have all endorsed neurofeedback. In fact, some developers of neurofeedback systems worked for NASA before going work on his own after having used neurofeedback while at NASA. The studies were with pilots and the work that they validated was the concentration – relaxation cycle.

Can be used on your own, without supervision.Needs supervision and interaction with a professional trained in NFB.
Compact, can be carried anywhere.Cannot carry it around easily. The newer systems are portable, and some are even app based.
Bellabee app can be downloaded from Google play store or Apple store to your mobile device.Not an option.
Silent, no audio, video, light, or vibration signals.Accompanied audio, visual, and tactile signals.

NASA used it for well-being of astronauts in space.There have been dozens of EEG studies in space by both NASA and Russia.
Change in brainwave to the desired frequency can be seen even during the first session, in some cases.Usually takes some number of sessions to see this change. sLORETA and swLORETA neurofeedback elicit changes within minutes and these are visible in the EEG during the session, often in the first few minutes.

No electrode attachment with messy gels, and wires going to and from the equipment.Electrode attachment needs with gel/ paste and wires connect it to a machine. There are dry systems that do not use past or gel.

Works at different parts of brain like cerebrum and cerebellum.Usually aims at a specific portion of brain. Some NFB devices and software can train the cerebrum, cerebellum, red nucleus, vermis, habenula, amygdala, hippocampus, and thalamus.
Works at multiple levels:

a.      Brain, cerebrum and cerebellum.
b.      Neural pathways going to and from the brain.
c.       Body, particularly the heart, through the neural pathways.
d.      At cellular level.

Neurofeedback works through synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, increased regional cerebral blood flow, and improvements in connectivity metrics in the cerebrum, cerebellum, red nucleus, vermis, habenula, amygdala, hippocampus, and thalamus. Thus, NFB works on populations of pyramidal neurons (population dynamics) and the surrounding support cells (glia) and can influence the microglia as well.

1. Bellabee is like autopilot used in planes, and now available in other vehicles too. You just put Bellabee on, connect to the mobile device, click on the desired mode and it starts working.

In the 1950s – 1980s this is how amplitude training was done: you connect EEG electrodes to the scalp, see the existing brainwave frequency and tries to move it to the right frequency with the help of an audio-video program that awards for the right frequency and penalizes when not moving towards the desired brainwave frequency. However, since the 1990s and even more so in this century, NFB has moved away from amplitude training in favor of Brodmann Area training in multiple metrics (amplitude, relative power, power asymmetry, power ratios, coherence, phase, phase shift, phase lock, phase lock duration). Since the early 2000s, the focus has been on normalizing the EEG via Z score training, and in the past 10 years, normalization of the Z scores within a given brain region or networks has become common. There is no penalizing the brain in operant conditioning – only rewards for movement toward the thresholds.

Electromagnetic therapy has been in use for many centuries in one form or another.It is a new concept originating in the last century.

Magnetic waves are a natural phenomenon, like in:

a.   Earth magnetic field, used by birds for navigation during migration.
b.   Schumann Resonance (If we are out of sync with Earth’s Frequency (Schumann Resonance) we begin to exhibit signs of discomfort that can range from anxiety, insomnia, illness, suppressed immune etc.)

No such equivalent. nevertheless, there is nothing more natural than the EEG and the operant conditioning training method in which
NFB predicates how the brain learns best.

Inexpensive, less than US$ 200.Expensive, costs in thousands. Good equipment cost starts from US$ 5,000 and goes up.

It is very simple to set up and use:

a.      Download Bellabee apps from google play or apple store.
b.      Connect headband to mobile device earphone jack.
c.       Put on Bellabee band around your head as instructed.
d.      Run the desire app program from the mobile device.

Elaborate arrangement and professional setting required.

Bellabee uses PEMF, that is also used to treat non-union of fractures, other musculoskeletal problems/ associated pain syndromes, and even cancer.No such musculoskeletal or cancer treatment possibilities.
Acts through cerebellum, (which is now scientifically proven to act as a moderator of brain cognitive and higher executive functions, in addition to motor functions). Cerebellum has abundant connections to cerebrum, other parts of brain and through them to the body, particularly the heart. That is why that Bellabee, placed against cerebellum can have far-reaching effects, beyond its area of placement on the brain.Neurofeedback works through synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, increased regional cerebral blood flow, and improvements in connectivity metrics in the cerebrum, cerebellum, red nucleus, vermis, habenula, amygdala, hippocampus, and thalamus. NFB works on populations of pyramidal neurons (population dynamics) and the surrounding support cells (glia) and can influence the microglia as well.

The mechanism of action is based upon Frequency Following Response (FFR). Through this the brainwave frequency starts resonating with the frequency produced by Bellabee.It is based on operant conditioning principle.

(Both have been in use to modulate the frequencies of the brainwaves.)

It is a futuristic neuro-wearable device. Neuroscience equipment is advancing in the direction of AI (artificial intelligence) and BMI (brain machine interface). Bellabee is exactly on this path.Usually it is not wearable, though there are wearable systems. The greatest advances in neuroimaging in the past five years have been in qEEG and neurofeedback. qEEG (which is also used for Bellabee) is superior in the time domain and is getting very accurate in the spatial domain (5 mm3)
Bellabee future is optimistic. It is moving in the right direction, is based on latest technology and is under process of constant improvement and addition of features to treat more and more brain disorders.Latest technical advancement are being incorporated at the desired pace.

Bellabee simply directs your brain oscillations in the desired direction. No questions asked, no training, no effort to come to the desired level, even you do not have to come to practice, rather can do it at your home, or anywhere else.Training and effort required from the person undergoing NFB therapy.

Autonomous in nature. It is akin to, teaching a student how to drive a bike, only that with Bellabee it is like riding an ’autonomous self-driving bike’, which trains the person to start riding the bike right from the start with its help.The individual learns to push his brain in desired direction, using audio-visual and tactile feedback. The purpose of NFB is to teach the brain options, thereby improving flexibility and increased self-regulation. These are the enabling objectives for personal autonomy.

No active supervision, teaching required.It requires some sort of guidance/ training to work.How does Bellabee accomplish similar results as NFB without targeting a specific frequency for a specific brain site or side?
Though the brain has different areas and parts, they are all connected through networks and work in synchronization to achieve a goal or execute a task. For example, when you look at an object the Occipital lobe gets involved. When you compare it to another object the Temporal lobe gets involved since this is where memory is stored. If you reach for the object the Sensory-Motor cortex gets involved since it controls your motor functions. If you touch the object the sensory perception activates to fine-tune your movement and associated senses to help you reach the goal at hand. Meanwhile, the Cerebellum regulates the entire process.

Since the cerebellum fine tunes every action of the brain (higher mental functions, cognitive, emotions, sensory, motor) to accomplish a task in the most efficient manner, a device placed against the cerebellum, while emitting electromagnetic pulses within the natural frequency range of brainwaves, will help the cerebellum modulate the brain towards the correct frequency. As the cerebellum is connected to all other parts of the brain through nerve tracts, it can send and receive signals to and from (those parts) and influence the required part/s of the brain. It can even influence the body using the same neural pathways.

Bellabee uses a neuroscience phenomenon called “Brain Entrainment (BWE)” in this regard. Also known as “Brainwave Synchronization” and “Neural Entrainment”, it refers to the capacity of the brain to naturally synchronize its brainwave frequencies with the rhythm of periodic external stimuli. Brainwave Entrainment causes brainwave frequencies to synchronize with a periodic stimulus such as the frequency produced by Bellabee corresponding to the intended brain-state. The brainwave entrainment effectively “pushes the entire brain into a certain state”. Brainwave entrainment works for almost everyone. It is a great way to guide your mind into states that you might usually have difficulty achieving.

By focusing the pulse at back of head where cerebellum is located, Bellabee conveys the modulated frequencies to reach other parts of the brain. This generated pulse acts maximally where the said frequency correction is required, just like when we take medicine, it absorbs through the blood and reaches every part of the body but works at the place where it is needed.

How does Bellabee achieve long-lasting results with PEMF technology?
The brain, like any other organ, requires a state of ideal equilibrium to function at an optimal level. This equilibrium is what our internal regulatory mechanisms work to maintain. When any system in the brain or body is out of equilibrium to the point where internal regulatory mechanisms fail, symptoms appear and you need to give external input to correct it.
As you apply an external input, (electromagnetic, chemical or otherwise), the mind and body naturally moves toward the equilibrium state. Over time this (minimal amount of) outside help is all that is required for the internal balancing mechanisms to take up the job and start functioning on their own without external help.

Bellabee uses “Frequency Following Response (FFR)” to help the brain move towards the specific state and, after time, start working on its own, decreasing dependency on the device. This is possible because of the characteristic properties of FFR and Neuromodulation (NM), as well as the regenerative and new connectivity features of the brain‘s neuroplasticity (NP) capability. This can happen at a swift pace and can be verified by recording the EEG.

​Once the brain is in equilibrium state, it tends to remain in this state as it is natural. As symptoms decrease or disappear entirely, it becomes a reward for the brain since the symptoms become an undesirable feature to avoid.

One study at Harvard Medical School found that a PEMF device could improve the mood by over %10 after just one 20-minute treatment in patients with bipolar disorder and in patients with major depressive disorder (Rohan, et al).

• By: Bellabee


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Human brainwave frequencies range from 0.5 – 135 Hz. Combinations of these frequencies are always present in various amplitudes and symmetries, with a dominant “leader” frequency or frequency band that is considered normal for each state. Deviation from the normal frequency can cause problems and disorders. Achieving equilibrium between the brainwaves in the right and left side of the brain (inter-hemispherical symmetry) is also important for the brain to function properly.) Natural brain frequencies are as follows: alpha: 8-12 Hz; beta, 12-30; theta: 4.0-8.0 Hz; delta: 0.5-4.0 Hz, and gamma: 30 Hz and above.
Reference Values:
Alpha: 8-12 Hz

Beta: 13-30 Hz
Theta: 4.0-8.0 Hz
Delta: 0.5-4.0 Hz
Gamma: above 30 Hz


The natural human brainwave frequencies for each band are shown below. These frequencies can be picked up by an EEG (Electroencephalogram) from the surface of the brain after amplification, as they are in the range of micro-volts (which are very low voltages, so low that they can only be seen after amplification by an EEG machine. A mixture of these frequencies is present at any given time.




Normal Brain Waves


Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG)/Brain Mapping is a procedure that processes the recorded EEG activity from a multi-electrode recording using a computer and converts it into a brain map showing different brainwaves. QEEG can combine signals from many areas of the brain and represent it in the shape of a map showing different features. For example, some maps show all the frequency bands in different parts of the brain, others show a single frequency band across the brain, while others show comparisons of the brain areas. This in-depth computerized analysis of the digital EEG can assist and even augment our understanding of the EEG and brain function as seen below:


QEEG Brain Mapping




EEG and QEEG Brain Mapping


There are several conditions that can lead to brain wave deviations, including:

• Hereditary
• Neurological
• Psychiatric
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Brain Tumors

Over recent years, scientific literature has begun to associate abnormalities of the brainwaves with a growing number of conditions, even to the extent that most recent literature has been able to use these brainwave abnormalities as biomarkers for certain conditions.
Brain WavesWhen certain areas of brain are in an over-arousal state, individuals can experience:

• Anxiety
• Nightmares and other sleep problems
• Impulsivity
• Aggression

Under-arousal of the brain is related to:

• Depression
• Chronic pain
• Insomnia

Unstable brainwaves are seen in:

• Obsessive-Convulsive Disorders (OCD)
• Epilepsy
• Panic Attacks

Gamma brain waves cause hyperactivity; and when there is excess of hyperactive brain waves, it can lead to:

• Schizophrenia
• Delusions
• Hallucinations

Electromagnetic therapy can change brain activity to help people who are experiencing symptoms of certain mental health conditions.
EEG Frequency Bands in Psychiatric Disorders: A Review of Resting State StudiesDeviations in frequency bands, from a normal population data-set, are presented across a spectrum of psychiatric disorders, including:

• Depression
• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism
• Addiction
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Schizophrenia

Dominant results for each individual disorder and band. (A) Differences in absolute power for each disorder (relative to control) for eyes closed condition (top), eyes open (middle) and eyes open and closed combined (bottom). White boxes indicate no change, black indicates an increase, and gray indicates a decrease. Opposing results are shown by hashed boxes. (B) Difference in results between absolute power and relative power for the same disorders. White indicates no difference, gray indicates a significant increase or decrease in one but no significant difference in the other, while a hashed box indicates opposite results.

Changes of the brain’s bioelectrical activity in cognition, consciousness, and some mental disorders
The raw EEG and QEEG images show that slow brain waves are seen in conditions such as:

• Sleep
• Coma
• Brain death
• Depression
• Autism
• Brain tumors
• Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Encephalitis

While rapid waves are generally reported in conditions like:

• Epilepsy
• Anxiety
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Drug abuse

QEEG Brain Mapping changes in ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)



QEEG Brain Mapping changes OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)




QEEG Brain Mapping comparison in ADHD, Depression, Anxiety and Migraine.


Unsurprisingly, research into these brainwave abnormalities has led to intervention procedures where, using neurofeedback and other methods, the brain is coaxed to bring abnormal frequencies to the normative state. This helps lessen symptoms associated with specific conditions. These modalities have been so successful in helping mitigate many conditions that in certain cases the dosage of drugs used for the condition can be reduced, minimizing associated adverse side-effects.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is one example where, by application of very mild electromagnetic pulses in the desired frequency band, many conditions can be improved without accompanying adverse-effects that can occur with pharmacological therapy. With wearable neuro-tech now a reality, PEMF devices can be used anywhere and anytime for a nominal cost, whether you intend to use it as a stand-alone device for home use or in combination with other types of therapy.

• By: Bellabee


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STRESS FACTS

• Stress and stress related problems are on the rise due to our lifestyle choices and other causes.
• Stress is the feeling of emotional or physical pressure. It can come from any incident or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is your body’s reaction to a challenge or demand.
• In short bursts, stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline.
• Stress is unhealthy when it becomes severe and prolonged.
• More than 70% of people experience physical or psychological symptoms of stress.
• 33% of people feel they are living with extreme stress.
• Nearly half of Americans feel that their stress has increased over the last 5 years.
• Prolonged stress has short and long-term effects.

TYPES OF STRESS

• Acute – Acute stress is the most common form of stress. It comes from demands and pressures of the recent past and anticipated demands and pressures of the near future.
• Acute Episodic – There are people who suffer acute stress frequently, whose lives are so disordered that they feel they are in constant chaos and crisis. They seem perpetually in the clutches of acute stress.
• Chronic – This is the grinding stress that wears people away day after day, year after year. Chronic stress destroys bodies, minds and lives. It wreaks havoc through long-term excessive wear and tear.

TOP 10 CAUSES OF STRESS:

1. Death of a loved one.
2. Divorce
3. Loss of job.
4. Increased financial obligations.
5. Getting married.
6. Moving to a new home.
7. Chronic illness or injury.
8. Emotional problems (depression, anxiety, anger, grief, guilt, low self-esteem).
9. Taking care of an elderly or sick family member.
10. A traumatic event such as a natural disaster, theft, rape, or violence against you or a loved one.

Causes of work-related stress:

• • Being unhappy with your job.
  • Having a heavy workload or too much responsibility.
  • Working long hours.
  • Having poor management, unclear expectations of your work, or little say in decision-making processes.
  • Working under dangerous conditions.
  • Being insecure about your chance for advancement or risk of termination.
  • Having to give speeches in front of colleagues.
  • Facing discrimination or harassment at work, especially if the company isn’t supportive.

Causes of stress from inside rather from outside

• • Fear and uncertainty.
  • Attitudes and perceptions.
  • Unrealistic expectations.
  • Change.

The World Health Organization says STRESS has become a
‘Worldwide Epidemic’



SYMPTOMS OF STRESS
Effects of unhealthy stress on the human bodyShort Term Stress

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Upset stomach
• Irritability

Long Term Stress

• Depression
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
• Heart disease
• Heart attack
• Heartburn, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome
• Upset stomach — cramps, constipation, and diarrhea
• Weight gain or loss
• Changes in sex drive
• Fertility problems
• Flare-ups of asthma or arthritis
• Skin problems such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis

DIAGNOSIS OF STRESS:A thorough stress-oriented face-to-face medical interview is currently the most practicable way to diagnose stress and its effects.
There is no specific test to diagnose stress. Typically, your healthcare professional conducts a variety of tests (which may include a personal and family health history, blood and urine tests and other assessments) to rule out various medical conditions.
You can observe the following behavioural signs in yourself or people around you in stress:

• No time for relaxation or pleasurable activities.
• Prone to accidents, forgetfulness.
• Increased reliance on alcohol, smoking, caffeine, recreational or illegal drugs.
• Becoming a workaholic.
• Poor time management and/or poor standards of work.
• Absenteeism.
• Self-neglect/change in appearance.
• Social withdrawal.
• Relationship problems.
• Uncharacteristically lying.
• Insomnia or waking tired.
• Reckless.
• Nervous.
• Aggressive/anger outbursts.

EEG (ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY) AND QEEG FINDINGS IN STRESSNumerous studies and research papers are conducted on this topic. Some of the relevant ones are:
QEEG Biomarkers: Assessment and Selection of Special Operators and Improving Individual Performance
A quantitative EEG Normative Database (qEND) will function as the benchmark for screening, assessment, selection and even training of targeted individuals [who are] required to work effectively as operators under extreme stresses and for extended periods of time.
EEG Signals to Measure Mental Stress
EEG signals are rich in temporal resolution and [can] successfully be used to measure mental stress. This survey supplies information on EEG signals used in psychological studies to measure mental stress.
Table 2: EEG waveforms representation
SignalFrequencyAmplitudeActivity
DeltaLess than 4 Hz20 – 200 microVoltIncreased power during difficult conditions
Theta4 – 8 HzAround 20 microVoltPower increases during the stress
Alpha8 – 12 Hz20 – 200 microVoltPower suppresses during the stress
Beta13 – 30 Hz5 – 10 microVoltPower varies according to task difficulty
Analysis of EEG signals during relaxation and mental stress condition using AR modeling techniques
Electroencephalography (EEG) is the most important tool to study brain behavior. This paper presents an integrated system that detects brain changes during relax and mental stress condition.




THERAPY FOR STRESSTreatment OptionsStress disorders are treatable, and the vast majority of people with a stress disorder can be helped with professional care. Several standard approaches have proved effective:
Pharmacological

• • Antidepressants.
  • Buspirone.
  • Benzodiazepines.
  • Beta-Blockers (Propranolol)

Psychotherapy
Sessions with a therapist to lessen symptoms of stress.
Neurofeedback (NFB)
NFB trains the brain to change the brainwave frequencies to get the desired result. Usually, NFB sessions are conducted 2-5 times a week for a total of 40-50 sessions. Each session lasts 30-60 minutes. This seems like a lengthy procedure, but the results are long-lasting. NFB is becoming increasingly popular as a stand-alone therapy or used in combination by a specialist to help wean the patient off pharmacological agents that tend to produce undesirable side-effects.
Biofeedback Intervention for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression among Graduate Students in Public Health Nursing
Results indicated that biofeedback intervention is effective in significantly reducing the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression over the 4-week period.
Waking QEEG to assess psychophysiological stress and alertness during simulated on-call conditions
Our aim was to determine whether quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) would reflect changes in cortical activity in on-call conditions, predicting that the high-stress condition would display faster QEEG frequencies compared to the control and low-stress condition.

Decrease in Anxiety after PEMF treatment. The above is a representation of the electrical activity of the brain by frequency after 20 minutes of use of Alpha-Stim® CES at 0.5 Hz. The EEG of 30 research volunteers was averaged and analyzed by computer to generate the average of brain changes in brain activity after 20 minutes of Alpha-Stim®. This is a difference brain map, where a decrease in activity after the use of Alpha-Stim® is shown in shades of blue and an increase in activity is seen in shades of yellow and red (green indicates no change). The above map shows that there is a decrease in delta, the 1, 2, and 3 Hz frequencies associated in waking individuals with impaired cognitive functioning. Significant increases are seen in alpha frequencies with peak activity at 9 Hz. Increases were also seen in activity at 12, 13 and 14 Hz, with 13 and 14 Hz activity centring on C3.QEEG Analysis of Cranial Electrotherapy: A Pilot Study
After a single 20-minute treatment with CES there is a significant increase in alpha frequency activity and a significant decrease in delta and theta activity. The post treatment maps indicate the effect of single session cranial electrotherapy treatment (CES) on QEEG is congruent with the reports of the research volunteers of decreased anxiety and increased relaxation.
Electromagnetic Therapy
Some of the recent, modern electromagnetic techniques are TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy. The use of electromagnetic therapy to alleviate many conditions have been used for over hundreds of years till the end of 19th century/ start of 20th century. Interest in it was subdued in the middle period of 20th century, but now the interest has again increased, as evidenced by increase in research and clinical studies in this field.
PEMF Therapy
TMS equipment is costly, needs a clinical set-up and treats with current in the range of 1-2 Tesla. On the other hand, PEMF costs tremendously less, can be performed anywhere and anytime and the current used is in the range of  100-200 micro-tesla, significantly lower than TMS. This has led to popularity and preference for PEMF therapy, which is also used for other conditions like SLEEP (sleep disturbance), anxiety, depression, sleep improvement, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and meditation. The beneficial effects of PEMF are increasingly growing and gaining popularity because it is simple to use.
Mental Health: Stress, Anxiety, Depression and PEMF
PEMF has been found to be a very effective in the treatment of stress, anxiety and depression without the side effects that medications can cause. Rather than introducing foreign substances into the brain, PEMF electrically excites the neurons to dispense their own natural chemicals, helping to balance out deficiencies and restore normal brain function.
Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) on Stress
Long term use of weak PEMFs may be able to remodel tissues that are hyper-reactive to chronic or acute stress so that over time they will be less reactive.
Alleviating Stress with PEMF
Research has shown that daily use of PEMF therapy can alter stress responses by acting directly on the nervous system, glands, cells, tissues, and organs.


The FDA (USA) accepted the use of PEMF devices
for the healing of depression and anxiety
(two major consequences of unhealthy stress) in 2006


HOW TO USE BELLABEE PEMF THERAPY FOR STRESSYou can select “Anti-Stress” mode or use “Create Therapy” mode to customize therapy for Stress on Bellabee software. This software can be used with any android or IOS device.

Meditation with Bellabee

• By: Bellabee


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What is Meditation?Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing their mind on a particular object, thought or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state. When we meditate, we inject far-reaching and long-lasting benefits into our lives. We lower our stress levels, we get to know our pain, we connect better, we improve our focus, and we’re kinder to ourselves. Roughly 200 and 500 million people practice meditation around the world. Different groups of people meditate in different ways.


Types of Meditation There are many different ways to reach a meditative state. Some common ones are:

1. Metta meditation
   While breathing deeply, practitioners open their minds to receiving loving kindness.

1. Progressive relaxation
   Encourages people to scan their bodies for areas of tension. The goal is to notice tension and to allow it to release.

1. Mindfulness meditation
   Rather than dwelling on the past or dreading the future, mindfulness encourages awareness of a person’s existing surroundings.

1. Breath awareness meditation
   Practitioners breathe slowly and deeply, counting their breaths or otherwise focusing on their breaths.

1. Yoga
   Practicing a series of postures and breathing exercises to achieve control of the body and mind. For example, Kundalini yoga blends movements with deep breathing and mantras.

1. Zen meditation
   Many Zen practitioners study under a teacher because this kind of meditation involves specific steps and postures.

1. Transcendental Meditation
   The goal is to transcend or rise above the person’s current state of being.

Who invented meditation?Written evidence of any form of meditation was first seen in the Vedas around 1500 BCE. In India, the tradition of Guru and Shishya (teacher and disciple) has been around for ages, where students were sent to Gurukuls (schools) mostly in the forests to live and learn under a learned teacher.
What does meditation do for the brain?Research into how meditation effects the brain has been rolling in steadily for a number of years now, with new studies emerging almost monthly to confirm additional benefits – including benefits from ancient times which are now being confirmed with fMRI or EEG. The practice appears to have an amazing variety of neurological benefits. Meditation:

1. Helps preserve the aging brain
2. Reduces activity in the brain’s “Me Centre”
3. Acts as a natural anti-depressant
4. May lead to volume changes in key areas of the brain
5. Improves concentration and attention
6. Reduces anxiety — and social anxiety
7. Can help with addiction

Scientific evidence confirms that meditation helps relieve anxiety and depression, and improve attention, concentration and overall psychological well-being.

Science-Based Benefits of MeditationMeditation is becoming increasingly popular as more people discover its benefits.
Meditation is a habitual process of training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts.
You can use it to increase awareness of yourself and your surroundings. Many people think of it as a way to reduce stress and develop concentration.
People also use the practice to develop other beneficial habits and feelings, such as a positive mood and outlook, self-discipline, healthy sleep patterns and even increased pain tolerance.

1. Reduces Stress
2. Controls Anxiety
3. Promotes Emotional Health
4. Enhances Self-Awareness
5. Lengthens Attention Span
6. May Reduce Age-Related Memory Loss
7. Can Generate Kindness
8. May Help Fight Addictions
9. Improves Sleep
10. Helps Control Pain
11. Can Decrease Blood Pressure

How to MeditateThere are many different ways and techniques to meditate. One common method involves the following steps:

1. Get comfortable and prepare to sit still for a few minutes. After you stop reading this, you’re going to simply focus on your own natural inhaling and exhaling of breath.
2. Focus on your breath. Where do you feel your breath most? In your belly? In your nose? Try to keep your attention on your inhale and exhale.
3. Follow your breath for two minutes. You can use the breath ball—inhaling as the ball expands, exhaling when the ball contracts.

EEG (ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY) AND QEEG FINDINGS IN MEDITATION
Increased Theta and Alpha EEG Activity During Nondirective Meditation
Significantly increased theta power was found for the meditation condition when averaged across all brain regions. There was also a significant increase in alpha power in the meditation condition compared to the rest condition, when averaged across all brain regions.


Increased Gamma Brainwave Amplitude Compared to Control in Three Different Meditation Traditions
Meditation practice is correlated to changes in the EEG gamma frequency range that are common to a variety of meditation practices.




WAYS TO ACHIEVE MEDITATION STATEThere are many ways to meditate. In addition to types of meditation discussed above, the following can be used:
NEUROFEEDBACK (NFB)
NFB trains the brain to change the brainwave frequencies to get the desired result. Usually, NFB sessions are conducted 2-5 times a week for a total of 40-50 sessions. Each session lasts 30-60 minutes. Although this seems like a lengthy procedure, the results are more long-lasting. NFB is getting extremely popular and used as a stand-alone therapy or in combination.
EEG-Guided Meditation: A Personalized Approach
Using QEEG screening can aid developing a meditation training program that maximizes results and minimizes risk of potential negative effects.


Quantitative EEG Study on Zen Meditation (Zazen)
The present EEG changes occurring during meditation may reflect intrinsic changes induced by Zazen, namely a mental state in which despite the attainment of relaxation the quality of consciousness is heightened.
Electromagnetic Therapy
Some of the recent, modern electromagnetic techniques are TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy. The use of electromagnetic therapy to alleviate many conditions have been used for over hundreds of years till the end of 19th century/ start of 20th century. Interest in it subdued in the middle period of 20th century, but now the interest has again increased, as evidenced by increase in research and clinical studies in this field.
PEMF Therapy
TMS equipment is costly, needs a clinical set-up and treats with current in the range of 1-2 Tesla. On the other hand, PEMF cost in tremendously less, can be performed anywhere and anytime and the current used is in the range of  100-200 micro-tesla, significantly lower than TMS. This has led to popularity and preference for PEMF therapy, which is also used for other conditions like SLEEP (sleep disturbance), anxiety, depression, sleep improvement, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and meditation. The beneficial effects of PEMF are increasingly growing and gaining popularity because of ease of use and simplicity of the apparatus.


HOW TO USE BELLABEE PEMF FOR MEDITATIONOpen the Bellabee app on your mobile device and select “Meditate” mode to use the pre-set protocol for MEDITATION or use “Create Therapy” mode to customize therapy for MEDITATION on Bellabee software. This software can be used with any IOS or Android device.

OUR BODY

Our mind reacts to every color, voice, sound, loved one, dissatisfaction. In fact, each of these external stimuli leads to a sense of rippling in the brain. In the past, people used extremely low frequencies to achieve altered states of consciousness (that’s what ELF stands for—extremely low frequency). Meditation along with the rhythmic sound of drums, gong therapy, steady flashing lights all transport you into a state of thoughtfulness and transcendence. Even the sound of rolling wheels when riding a train can put us to sleep. Different rhythms of music, a ticking clock, they all have their effects on us. The brain adapts to these external frequencies. We are now able to do this on-command, with a little help from Bellabee.

Our brains and bodies run at different speeds, depending on what we are doing: while we sleep, the frequency is low, as it is when we are relaxed. When concentrating, or when prepped for study or creative thinking, this frequency is higher. Problems arise when, because of upper impact interferences, your brain frequency is not aligned with what you are trying to do or to achieve. We have all experienced how fear and stress inhibit you from thinking clearly and concentrating. Don’t forget what happens to our concentration when we are in love! We may feel great, but we’re in big trouble if we have to concentrate on something other than the object of our affections. In the same way, external electrical frequencies, not aligned with our mind’s frequencies, can disrupt our ability to function as we might like.

When the brain is presented with a rhythmic stimulus, such as a drum beat, for example, the rhythm is reproduced in the brain in the form of these electrical impulses. If the rhythm becomes fast and consistent enough, it can start to resemble the natural internal rhythms of the brain, called brainwaves. When this happens, the brain responds by synchronizing its own electric cycles to the same rhythm. This is commonly called the Frequency Following Response (or FFR).

AREA OF INFLUENCE

The cerebellum is a region that plays an important role in motor control, and is also involved in cognitive functions, such as attention and language, and in regulating fear and pleasure responses, though its movement-related functions are the most solidly-established. The cerebellum is the link between our brains and our hearts, influencing the rhythm of the performance of both organs – their frequencies, depending on the situation we are in. 

This is where our mind tells our body: slow down, there is no danger, calm down...or hurry up, we need to be concentrated! Brain frequencies are produced by masses of neurons communicating with each other, changing according to what we are doing or feeling. Different brain frequencies result in different states of mind.

The essence of our product is the incredible implementation of pulsed electro-magnetic stimulation in wearable med-tech gadgetry which allows us imitation of natural rythmic stimulus, converted into pure electro-magnetic pulses.

All external stimuli (sound, light, electricity, touch) are on the end converted into electromagnetic impulses that are “read” by the body. They are basic information our bodies are driven with. 

You can take  Bellabee as your personal trainer,  digital metronome, suggesting your mind and heart speed performance. Safely, non-invasively, effectively.

When it comes to research studies  and using knowledge to build a product,  it does not get any better than NASA and clinical tests published on Science Direct, PubMed and  National Center for Biotechnology Information of more than 10,000 research papers and 2000 plus double blind studies on PEMF therapy; 

Well known and proven pulsed electro-magnetic field stimulation is a reparative technique in which low frequencies electro-magnetic pulses  are directed through tissue restoring  bodies natural abilities.

Using the same Neurofeedback technology, but wearable and affordable,   that is used to treat ADHD, Autism, Anxiety,  improve creativity and train NASA astronauts, is now accessible to you.
Our mission is to let you master your mind. We’re starting with improving your concentration and making it easier to reach a state of flow.

Now more than ever, we can be in control of monitoring our bodies and our health. There are wearables that track everything from our heart rates to digital scales that measure, not just weight, but body fat. Consumers use their fitness trackers to monitor how many steps they’ve taken, miles they’ve run, and even how many hours they have slept.

There’s no denying that the popularity of wearables is gaining momentum. It’s a new beginning of Wearables in Healthcare.

Recently, several companies, like MUSE, MELON, MINDSET, NEROON, NEUROSKY  and EMOTIV INSIGHT have offered devices for monitoring the brain. But only Bellabee offers the opposite possibility—that is, to actively stimulate the body and the mind’s performance, not only suggesting the type of music you should listen to, breathing techniques you need to perform.

It is time to make a difference, beyond  just sleep tracking and brain monitoring to actually influence your state of mind and body. It is all about suggesting your body a speed performance.

Brainwave entrainment (BWE) technology, which uses rhythmic stimuli to alter brainwave frequency and thus brain states, has been investigated and used since the late 1800s, yet many clinicians and scientists are unaware of its existence.

OUR ELECTRIC BRAIN
If you can control brain waves, you can control your levels of alertness. 
But to understand how that works, you have to know two important things: First, our brains are electric. Second, certain brain wave frequencies have actually been linked with various states of alertness. 
Today, we know that most of the electrical activity from the scalp falls in a range of roughly 1 to 30 Hertz (Hz). Neuroscientists typically divide this activity into 4 specific ranges, or bands. Each level corresponds to a specific type of alertness — at the lowest, called delta, you're literally asleep; at the highest, called beta, you're focused and attentive. 
It breaks down like this: 

• Delta: 1-4 Hz — activity your brain emits while you're asleep 
  
• Theta: 4-8 Hz — what your brain waves might look like when you're "zoning off" or not really paying attention 
  
• Alpha: 8-12 Hz — your relaxed but wakeful state 
  
• Beta: 12-30 Hz — the the brain waves your noggin tends to emit when you're sharply focused 
  

WHY ELECTRO-MAGNETIC PULSES

We think this is the best way - to use electro-magnetic pulses, because all external stimuli, such as electricity, sound, light therapy are always converted to them and are “read” by the body. Otherwise the stimulus would not be able to travel through the nerve to the brain to transmit information. We do it without intermediaries. They are basic information our bodies are driven with. 

BELLABEE

Belabee’s  programs will shift your brainwaves in desired activity while you use the device, and for a little bit longer. 

Bellabee in combination with a smartphone creates pulses in different frequencies and   simply takes into account medical knowledge about the frequencies that our brains are working at in different states of mind and starts suggesting them to function at those exact frequencies.

For generating electro-magnetic pulses in our Bellabee headband, Bellabee uses energy from  smartphone or tablet, with the same power that goes to headphones when we listen to the music. So if you feel comfortable and safe using headphones, you’ll be fine using ELF emmit.

HOW OUR BODY OPERATES

Our brains and bodies run at different speeds, depending on what we are doing: while we sleep, the frequency is low, as it is when we are relaxed. When concentrating, or when prepped for study or creative thinking, this frequency is higher.

When the brain is presented with a rhythmic stimulus, such as a drum beat, for example, the rhythm is reproduced in the brain in the form of these electrical impulses. If the rhythm becomes fast and consistent enough, it can start to resemble the natural internal rhythms of the brain, called brainwaves. When this happens, the brain responds by synchronizing its own electric cycles to the same rhythm. 

In the past, people used extremely low frequencies to achieve altered states of consciousness (that’s what ELF stands for—extremely low frequency). Meditation along with the rhythmic sound of drums, gong therapy, steady flashing lights all transport you into a state of thoughtfulness and transcendence. Even the sound of rolling wheels when riding a train can put us to sleep. Different rhythms of music, a ticking clock, they all have their effects on us. The brain adapts to these external frequencies. We are now able to do this on-command, with a little help from Bellabee.

External stimuli (sound, light, electricity, touch) are converted into electromagnetic impulses that are “read” by the body. 


INFLUENCING 

The cerebellum is a region that plays an important role in motor control, rhythm, force and accuracy of movements,  also involved in cognitive functions, such as attention and language, and in regulating fear and pleasure responses, though its movement-related functions are the most solidly-established. The cerebellum is the link between our brains and our hearts, influencing the rhythm of the performance of both organs – their frequencies, depending on the situation we are in. 

This is where our mind tells our body: slow down, there is no danger, calm down...or hurry up, we need to be concentrated! 

These are very exciting times to be researching the cerebellum. The latest reports about the potential role that the cerebellum plays in our cognitive function, psychiatric disorders and emotional regulation represent the cutting edge of neuroscience and could be revolutionary.

Giving the cerebellum the credit it deserves will lead to breakthroughs in our understanding of the human mind. Advances in our understanding of the cerebellum could lead to better treatments for anyone who suffers from psychological disorders including: autism spectrum disorders (ASD), bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, etc.
Bellabee   is such a device, tested and used worldwide, an active digital metronome which you control, choosing your preferred state of mind and allowing the device to suggest how your mind should behave and the rhythm at which it operates. It’s a personal assistant which coaxes your mind and body to work in tandem as you would like them to.