“HEG” stands for hemoencephalography, a non-invasive biofeedback method similar to EEG neurofeedback. HEG is uncomplicated relative to other forms of neurofeedback. It can be done without the need to do preparation for applying electrodes and dealing with artifacts. The sensor (see picture) can simply be put on the head and you are ready to go.
HEG detects regional changes in the brain’s energy consumption via changes in blood flow, specifically blood flow to the pre-frontal cortex, an area of the brain that is critical for the brain’s executive functions such as complex cognitive planning, decision-making, personality expression, and social behaviour. It plays a role in inhibiting the activity of other parts of the brain.
With HEG you can see in real-time how your brain’s blood flow responds to your thoughts and actions. You can easily affect and eventually control regional blood flow in the brain by focusing, breathing, and relaxing, and by getting video and audio feedback from the computer to which the sensor is attached. With a bit of practice, you can train your brain and make it healthier.
Some of the applications of HEG are migraines, Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).