ARTICLE – Fundamental Principles of NeurOptimal® & How It Works – Craig Walker

** THIS IS AN EXERPT FROM THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE, CUT TO MAKE READING MORE RELEVANT TO OUR USERS **

Fundamental Principles of NeurOptimal® and How It Works Craig Walker, June 11 2024  – Published Linked In

Disclaimer: The information and links compiled within this document are based on publicly available sources provided by the Zengar Institute, Inc. Any opinions expressed here are solely my own and are the result of extensive, personal research and study over the years. Summary – Offered before taking a deeper dive in this Article NeurOptimal®: Offers an “invitation” approach. Provides complete, real-time information about the brain’s own electrical activity. Allows the brain to decide how to respond to this information. Doesn’t use diagnoses, assessments or protocols. Focuses on improving the brain’s natural ability to self-regulate.

How NeurOptimal® Works
– Provides Information: NeurOptimal® measures HeCEN brain activity and offers complete, real-time feedback
from 0.001 Hz to 64 Hz via the summation of cortical activity measured at the scalp and through
interruptions in audio.
– Brain Responds to Information About its Own Electrical Activity: The brain notices the difference in
information and may choose to adjust its activity.
– Mirror Effect: NeurOptimal® acts like a mirror, reflecting the brain’s activity back to it.
– Choice and Learning: The brain can choose to adapt its activity based on the information provided.

Key Points
– NeurOptimal® focuses on training the brain, not treating specific conditions.
– It doesn’t aim to change the brain to a specific state but allows it to self-regulate.
– NeurOptimal® uses a unique “flutter” detection system to identify changes in brain activity and
before they occur – flutter is noticed and occurs before a change in phase state.
– It offers a comprehensive training experience with a strong focus on user comfort.

How NeurOptimal® Works

As a simplification, the brain is designed to notice difference in relevant information provided to it through both the internal and external environment. It then responds to that information, or not, in an effort to minimize discomfort to IT. This should not be construed as minimizing conscious discomfort to us as the brain is concerned with survival and not conscious “thrival.”

NeurOptimal® is non-invasive and ONLY provides relevant information to the brain about its own electrical activity and allows it to do what it always does in response to information it constantly receives every moment of our lives. In this case, the brain is offered complete, real-time feedback (information) about its own electrical activity in a way and speed (measured at 256 times per second by the zAmp) that it has never had access to before. “Nothing more and nothing less.”

Sensors measure your brain’s electrical activity and the system offers subtle interruptions in the audio stream in response to the software detecting acute changes of emergent variability in the electrical activity of the brain – aka, “flutter.” This noticeable difference in the information provided during a Session allows for the orienting response to the brain.

Additionally, it offers the opportunity for the brain to make its own decisions on whether to self-correct or not in response to this relevant information. This can offer an opportunity for the brain to improve function.

It’s like a gym workout for your brain and may help in enhancing focus, sleep management, and overall well-being.

Feedback Mechanism: NeurOptimal® only provides information to the brain about its own electrical activity. It does this by measuring your brain’s electrical activity at the scalp, through the sensors and the zAmp (one way measurement only and nothing is input into the brain). It is training, it is not treatment.

Signal Processing: The electrical signal (voltage) is amplified (brain electrical activity is measured in microvolts), converted from analog to digital via the zAmp and a first pass at the proprietary inline adaptive denoising by attenuating the powerful electrical mains current – 110-120 volts, 60 Hz in Canada and the USA, 220 to 240 volts, 50 Hz in other international locations. EEG is changing voltage (continuously varying) and is analog data to begin with. The zAmp amplifies the electrical signal converts it from analog data to digital data and samples at 256 times per second. It also offers the first pass at denoising the signal via common mode rejection through the black (ground sensor).

Sensors: Two, active (yellow) sensors are placed at C3/C4, two, reference sensors are placed at the top of the ears and one, ground (black) sensor is placed on the lower left ear lobe. Measured voltage requires a current, much like a river flowing, so the two reference sensors (blue) offer the opportunity for a reference measurement that allows for current flow. There needs to be a positive and negative pole just like on any battery that you use. The current flows between the active (yellow and on scalp at C3/C4) sensors and the reference (blue) sensors. So, it is the difference between them that is actually being measured. The active (yellow) sensors measure nothing on their own and the same is true of the reference (blue) sensors on their own.

Line noise, including powerful electrical mains current and other EMF in the area, is an intrinsic part of the moment-to-moment voltage that is measured at 256 times per second by the zAmp. The single, ground (black) sensor allows for “Common Mode Rejection” of this EMF that is present pretty much everywhere and is not representative of EEG. It is thus recognized and rejected by NeurOptimal® and a part of how the zAmp initially denoises the line noise from the signal.

Algorithmic Processing: The information is then processed by the mathematical algorithms that are unique to NeurOptimal® – Joint Time-Frequency Analysis – JTFA and Nonlinear Dynamical System – NDS – Control Processes – which “speak” the language of the brain/CNS in terms of perception and memory and involves information processing. Joint Time-Frequency Analysis (JTFA), allows for exactly visualizing the 4-Dimensional nature of EEG activity – both traditionally and in novel ways including both frequency AND time. JTFA also offers the ability to perform inline, adaptive JTFA denoising that minimizes the impact of signals that do not conform to the time-frequency signatures of human EEG. This means that simple sinusoids like line current, as well as “flat top” signals like EMG are effectively “denoised” out by NeurOptimal®’s filtering.”

What is AutoNav?

AutoNav changed everything, including how different each of the ZenX Modes (described below) were from one to another. AutoNav is always perfectly adjusting moment-to-moment to exactly how the CNS is responding during the Session to the actual training that is happening. This makes everything very simple for the Trainer even though that can seem counterintuitive to many, especially those coming from a clinical perspective.

Again, AutoNav changes everything — including the previous distinctions between the ZenX Modes. It adjusts the training moment-to-moment to what is actually happening to the Client’s EEG such that it decreases and virtually eliminates, un-useful, previously uncomfortable “wobbles” of the Client in ways never before possible. With the addition of AutoNav, NeurOptimal® offers one completely, unique method of “sizing” that adapts moment-to-moment to each and every individual during each and every Session. It is not, “one size fits all.”

A brief summary about AutoNav and the relationship to the ZenX Modes

With NeurOptimal®, there are 4, ZenX Modes in a flow of information. One becomes the next unless something Extrinsic to training constrains the natural transformation flow. Unlike the earlier Version 2 of NeurOptimal®, NO3 does not allow for changing the difficulty and timing. AutoNav handles that.

With AutoNav, ZenX mode differences become just “differencing” in the overall dance of the brain/CNS

• Zen 1 = Information with AutoNav: Previously identified before AutoNav as, Warm up, let’s play
• Zen 2 = Information with AutoNav: Previously identified before AutoNav as, Letting go, releasing, left and right hemisphere communicating
• Zen 3 = Information with AutoNav: Previously identified before AutoNav as, Working Deeply. synchronization through chaos
• Zen 4: Information with AutoNav: Previously identified before AutoNav as, Release

AutoNav is the core around which the ZenX modes are flowing. It allows for movement between the modes as it determines necessary. It meets the CNS, moment-to-moment wherever it is, always smoothly responding to that information, whatever it is.

Feedback Mechanism: EEG is not a sine wave, it is a 4-Dimensional phasor and NeurOptimal® uses a corresponding 4-Dimensional process in providing feedback in the form of interruptions in the audio stream by measuring the Duration, Intensity, Frequency and Shifts (DIFS) noticed within the signal. NeurOptimal® does not train states and brains don’t “wave.”

The interruptions are not affecting change, rather they provide information to the brain/CNS about what it is doing in the context of emergent variability (flutter), noticed in the measured electrical activity (EEG) across a globally interwoven, dynamical range of information, (whole brain electrical activity) from 0.001 Hz to 64 Hz and via NeurOptimal®’s proprietary targeting and triggering mechanism with the use of 20 Time-Frequency Envelopes (targets), 10 on the left hemisphere and 10 on the right hemisphere of the brain.

Feedback Safety, Efficiency and Efficacy: NeurOptimal®’s use of Negative Feedback with the music involves a “takeaway” of information which is itself informative. This provides for its safety, its efficiency and its efficacy and allows the brain/CNS to determine what is best to do with the relevant information it receives while training in order to minimize discomfort to it. It is a difference in the form of feedback provided by pretty much everyone else’s system. They use Positive Feedback which is like an “electronic M&M” that a Client has to pay attention to and then adjust to it in the attempt to “hit the sweet spot” that is predetermined by the provider. An analogy for Positive Feedback is that it is like an HVAC system set at a certain temperature that involves overshoot and undershoot as the measured temperature gets at or near or above the set level and the temperature never really stays constant. This approach can lead to side-effects and requires conscious attention during training. So, there is a pushing or pulling effect going on and requires very skilled trainers to actively monitor training to adjust protocols when/if side effects arise. Not so with NeurOptimal®.

“Flutter” Detection: “Flutter” (think of the flutter of a hummingbird as it is about to change position) noticed in the electrical signal of the brain by NeurOptimal® precedes the initiation of a change in phase-state and can trigger an interruption in the audio stream.

More on “Flutter”: “Flutter” is neither good nor bad and NeurOptimal® does not seek to minimize it. Also, “Flutter” precedes a change in the phase-state in all Nonlinear Dynamical Systems and the brain is a Nonlinear Dynamical System that is self-organizing based on information value.

Brain Response to Training: The brain then notices the interrupt as a difference in the information provided to it (pause or interrupt in the audio) that is in response to its own electrical activity (offering the orienting response to the brain). This allows it to make a decision on whether to continue the phase-state change or re-organize back to the previous state.

Brain as a Nonlinear Dynamical System: The brain/CNS is the most marvelous, Nonlinear Dynamical System in the known universe and processes information that is relevant to it from both the internal environment and the external environment, noticing the difference in the value of that information constantly and responding to that information (or not) and all in the context of minimizing discomfort to IT. This should not be construed as meaning conscious discomfort to us as the brain is concerned with survival and not conscious “thrival.”

Mirror Effect: NeurOptimal® acts like a “mirror” to the brain and gives it the choice to do what it does best.

Behavioral Adaptation: If the brain’s response to the potential phase-state change leads to a decrease in overall discomfort to the brain, it will continue to use that comprehensive behavioral repertoire.

Nonlinear Dynamical Control Procedures: There are 4 distinct control procedures of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems that all processes will fall into: Extrinsic Constraints, Chaotic Perturbation, Entrain and Migrate, and Synchronization through Chaos – which is what NeurOptimal® uses and is defined above.

Dynamic vs Dynamical: Dynamic involves change, whereas Dynamical involves those changes in response to change.

More Technical Information

The mathematical algorithms are unique to NeurOptimal® and utilize both Joint Time-Frequency Analysis (JTFA) and Nonlinear Dynamical System (NDS) Control Processes – which “speak” the language of the brain/CNS in terms of perception and memory and involves information processing. Joint Time-Frequency Analysis (JTFA), allows for exactly visualizing the 4-Dimensional nature of EEG activity – both traditionally and in novel ways including both frequency AND time. JTFA also offers the ability to perform inline, adaptive JTFA denoising that minimizes the impact of signals that do not conform to the time-frequency signatures of human EEG. This means that simple sinusoids like line current, as well as “flat top” signals like EMG are effectively “denoised” out by NO’s filtering. This means that you do not have to sit still while training or focus on any task. Gentle movements are fine, yawning and falling asleep while training is fine. All you have to do while training is “just be.” You can eat, drink, chew gum, yawn, stretch, talk (or not talk) while training. Just avoid doing walking, aerobics, yoga, jumping jacks and cartwheels, etc. while training as that may flood the sensors with EMG.

Nonlinear Dynamical Systems (NDS) Control Process Mathematics, allows for capturing the emergent shifting (flutter) of the CNS around its trajectory and allowed for the development of AutoNav.

Training with NeurOptimal® is an unconscious process and does not require any conscious effort. We can simply relax, let go and notice what happens. You may also wish to download and offer your clients the Zengar Institute, Inc. Mission Statement: https://neuroptimal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mission_Statement_2022.pdf

4-Control Processes for Nonlinear Dynamical Systems (actually, only influence them)

Synchronization Through Chaos

The fundamental and key control process for influencing Nonlinear Dynamical Systems. No Assessment needed. A “dance” of sorts between two or more connected systems, each influencing the other. Examples: Starling murmuration, fireflies lighting up in unison, the Wellesley Effect – women in dorms, synchronizing cycles to the dominant female. Favorite explanation of this from Robert Sapolsky’s lecture on Human Sexual Behavior II,

Perturbation

Insertion or application of a stimulus offering something like a reset to the brain/CNS in the hope of entrainment & migration. May or may not use assessment and/or feedback. CES devices, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Magnetic Resonance Therapy and Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) are examples.

Entrain & Migrate

Putting some kind of stimulus into the system and hoping for a Frequency Following Response that will follow the stimulus itself. Most do not use any type of feedback. Binaural Beats, Monaural Beats and Isochronic Tones are examples and some forms of neurofeedback. While perhaps enjoyable for some in the moment, no learning occurs.

Extrinsic Constraint

Anything that is going on outside of actual training itself that can constrain the system (like putting training wheels on a bike). Limits the system and outside of the initial experience, no learning occurs as the process continues. Examples: medications, stressful situations, someone criticizing a process you enjoy…, etc. ANY process or method added in addition to NeurOptimal®, can become an Extrinsic Constraint to training.

Matrix Mirror

The Matrix Mirror is only a visual display that offers a depiction of training. It is not intended to be used to determine Session Efficacy. The Matrix Mirror is a visual display in NeurOptimal® that includes Spectra, Targets and 20 Targets boxes or Time-Frequency Envelopes (TFEs).

The zAmp measures the cortical electrical activity form 0.001 Hz to 64 Hz and the Y-Axis depicts the spectral activity as well as the Time-Frequency Envelopes (TFEs or targets), the targets and target lines. The Vertical Scale of the Matrix Mirror can be changed, and the Spectra and Targets can be separated with different Time-Frequency Scale set for each. The Time-Frequency Scale can be migrated from one to the other. Note that there purposefully is no X-Axis scale as the Matrix Mirror is not intended to be used for Session efficacy.

Regardless of the appearance of the Spectral lines that seem to be “included” in a TFE, what indicates that a particular TFE has been “triggered” is that the white vertical Target Line will become orange-brown, and how far they move within the spectra is not an issue for training at all. This happens if the Target Line goes outside the left or right boundaries of the TFE. Even if this occurs, an Interrupt may or may not be generated and correlatively, an Interrupt may be generated even if none of the Target Lines have changed from white to orange-brown. This has to do with the way AutoNav automatically adjusts the proprietary targeting and triggering mechanism, micro-moment-to-moment within each and every Session. It’s sort of like our version of AI for training.

How were the Time-Frequency Envelopes Developed?

While we cannot offer information regarding the proprietary algorithms that NeurOptimal® uses, we can talk about this in general.

Known as a “trainer of trainers,” back in the day, Valdeane W. Brown, Ph. D., our primary developer used and was considered an expert in helping others with the available tech of the day, teaching others how to use the equipment, setup screens for various training offerings, etc. This offered the opportunity for analysis of raw EEG data, etc. As a result, he was able to gather the data from thousands of sessions and across various systems where clients and trainers reported them as being beneficial and where they were not reported as being beneficial.

The finely tuned mathematical tools that have been utilized in development over the years involve the complex mathematics that allowed for analysis of EEG data, to measure it exactly as a 4-dimensional phasor and in novel ways, to identify the emergent variability in the signal that precedes a phase state change and also allowed for the development of the proprietary targeting and triggering mechanism which includes the 20 Time-Frequency Envelopes (TFEs) that are part of this as well as AutoNav.

While the TFEs show as rectangles on the Matrix Mirror, they are actually 4-dimensional hypercubes, so it is quite a sophisticated 4-dimensional process in terms of exactly measuring EEG, detecting the emergent variability in the signal and allowing for the corresponding 4-dimensional, proprietary targeting and triggering mechanism.

Why NeurOptimal® Does Not Use Operant Conditioning

Classical or traditional neurofeedback is based on operant conditioning or some form of entrain and migrate technique – always using positive feedback and positive reinforcement.

NeurOptimal® does not use either positive feedback or positive reinforcement or an entrain and migrate technique. It uses negative feedback/negative reinforcement, in the form of a take-away of information with the music and interruptions and ONLY providing information to the brain/CNS. This offers the orienting response to it regarding the relevant information that it receives about it own electrical activity and allowing it to use its inherent wisdom to decide what to do, or not to do with this information and all in the context of minimizing discomfort to it. It also is what allows for its safety and efficacy. The use of negative feedback offered by NeurOptimal® allows for its safety and its efficacy. This is an informational process and involves learning.

But, the brain does not feel pain, so what exactly is “discomfort to it” meaning? While the brain itself can’t feel pain, discomfort comes from surrounding areas: Headaches, for instance, are caused by pain in the blood vessels or nerves surrounding the brain, which send signals to the brain that something is wrong. So, when we feel discomfort related to the brain, it’s usually an indirect sensation. For example:

Headaches: This is the most common discomfort associated with the brain and arises from various causes.

Cognitive strain: Feeling mentally taxed or foggy can be a sign the brain is struggling to process information

Dizziness or vertigo: Disorientation and a sense of spinning can be caused by inner ear problems or issues with how the brain interprets balance signals.

Sensory overload: Too much stimulation can overwhelm the brain and cause discomfort.

Our brain/CNS controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger and every process that regulates our body. Problems and disorders can take an enormous amount of energy to maintain and repeat and the brain/CNS will seek to conserve energy when it is provided information that is of value to it.

The brain/CNS “knows” how to detect and process information that is of value to it and respond to it, or not and all in the context of keeping us alive. And all NeurOptimal® does is offer information to the brain/CNS about what it has just done, “like a mirror” and the brain/CNS makes all the decisions about what to do with that information, or not. Nothing more, nothing less.