: need physiological explanation

[Guest guest]

Sharrie,Well as one who uses HEG with most, if not all, his clients and who has never done  tDCS, I'm probably not the best responder to your question.HEG appears to work a lot like aerobic exercise. 

By providing information about the pulse rate of the cardiopulmonary system as a measure of metabolic activity, aerobic exercise programs create a demand for blood to be channeled to the heart and lungs (and various large muscle groups). When this new level of demand begins to occur with regularity over a period of time, the body improves its distribution system for oxygenated blood in the target areas.  That makes it easier for the body to ramp up its metabolic level more quickly and smoothly and to sustain it over an increasing period of time.  Result: the trainee is in better shape.

By encouraging the brain to increase infrared temperature in the prefrontal cortex as a measure of metabolic activity, HEG sessions create a demand for more blood (O2, glucose and waste disposal) in the prefrontal neuron pools. When this new level of demand begins to occur more regularly--during and outside of training sessions--the brain appears to extend and densify capillary beds in the target areas.  That makes it easier for executive center neurons, among the brain's most active, to sustain higher levels of response. Result: improved executive and regulatory functions.

Just as one would have little hope for effective aerobic training sitting on the couch and monitoring heart rate, so I believe that simply staring out a window while monitoring HEG isn't particularly useful.  I ask the client to practice relaxed single-pointed focus.  Most people think they know what that is, but when they begin HEG training, many find they do not.  I ask them to use the HEG data to learn to concentrate and focus, and most discover what that feels like in their own minds within a fairly short period--often within the first session.  They also usually discover that  they cannot sustain that state for very long.  When a client can activate 4-10% in a matter of 30-60 seconds and can sustain that higher level through a period of 10 minutes at each of 2 or 3 sites, they will usually have experienced significant changes in their ability to apply and use the PFC in their daily life.  I suppose this may happen with those who just watch a DVD, but I'm not sure.  There is a level of intention and control in " screen control " sessions, where the client tracks moment-to-moment activity via a graph display.  Of course the more effective the PFC becomes at kicking into gear and holding that state, the more likely it is to be used in daily life, so training continues outside of training sessions.

tDCS or mag stim both input a signal into the brain.to actively change its electrical patterns.Pete-- Van Deusenpvdtlc@...

http://www.brain-trainer.comUSA 305 433 3160BR 47 3346 6235The Learning Curve, Inc.