The human brain was once thought to be fixed — hardwired after childhood with limited ability to change. But modern neuroscience has proven otherwise. The brain is remarkably adaptable, capable of rewiring itself throughout life. This ability is called neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity is the foundation behind BrainCore Therapy, a form of neurofeedback that helps people retrain brainwave patterns for better focus, mood regulation, sleep, and overall mental performance.
Let’s explore the science of neuroplasticity, how BrainCore leverages this natural process, what research shows, myths and truths, patient case examples, and how Balance Atlanta uses BrainCore to help patients thrive.
What Is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning, experience, or injury. It occurs at every age, though the brain is especially plastic during childhood.
Forms of neuroplasticity include:
- Structural plasticity – changes in the physical structure of the brain (growth of dendrites, pruning of unused connections).
- Functional plasticity – the brain’s ability to move functions from damaged areas to healthy regions.
- Synaptic plasticity – strengthening or weakening of connections between neurons, which underlies learning and memory.
Every thought, habit, and experience shapes the brain’s wiring. This is why repeated practice — whether learning piano, speaking a new language, or training brainwaves — leads to lasting change.
Brainwaves and Mental States
The brain operates using electrical activity, measured in frequencies called brainwaves. Each frequency range is linked with specific mental states:
- Delta (0.5–4 Hz): Deep sleep and restoration.
- Theta (4–8 Hz): Daydreaming, creativity, or distractibility.
- Alpha (8–12 Hz): Calm focus, relaxation, and readiness.
- Beta (12–30 Hz): Active thinking, problem solving, sometimes worry and stress at higher levels.
- Gamma (30+ Hz): High-level processing and memory integration.
When these patterns are dysregulated — too much high beta (anxiety), too much theta (inattention), or underactive alpha (depression) — symptoms often appear.
How BrainCore Therapy Works
BrainCore Therapy is a form of EEG biofeedback, also called neurofeedback—sensors placed on the scalp record brainwave activity. Patients then watch a movie, play a game, or listen to sounds that respond in real time to their brainwaves.
When the brain produces healthier patterns, the feedback rewards it. When it produces dysregulated patterns, the input decreases. Over time, the brain “learns” to self-regulate, much like learning to ride a bike or play a sport.
This is neuroplasticity in action: the brain creates new pathways and strengthens beneficial ones through repeated practice.
What the Research Says
Neurofeedback has been studied for decades, with growing evidence across conditions:
- ADHD: A meta-analysis in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2019) found neurofeedback led to sustained improvements in attention and impulse control, comparable to stimulant medication but without side effects.
- Anxiety: A review in Frontiers in Psychology (2021) reported significant reductions in anxiety symptoms, particularly when high beta activity was targeted.
- Depression: Studies in the Journal of Affective Disorders show neurofeedback protocols addressing frontal lobe asymmetry can reduce depressive symptoms.
- Sleep disorders: Neurofeedback has been shown to improve sleep onset, quality, and duration in both adults and children.
- Peak performance: Athletes, executives, and musicians use neurofeedback to enhance focus, resilience, and creativity.
While larger-scale trials are still needed, current research supports neurofeedback as a safe and effective tool for brain-based conditions.
Myths vs Truths About BrainCore and Neuroplasticity
One myth is that neuroplasticity only occurs in children. The truth is that the brain remains adaptable across the lifespan — seniors can learn new skills, recover from strokes, and benefit from neurofeedback.
Another myth is that BrainCore Therapy “zaps” the brain. In reality, it’s completely non-invasive. Sensors only measure electrical activity; no current is sent into the brain.
Some assume neurofeedback is “just relaxation training.” The truth is that protocols are particular, targeting brainwave patterns linked with ADHD, anxiety, depression, or sleep problems.
Finally, there’s a myth that results are temporary. Research shows that once new brainwave patterns are learned and reinforced, improvements can last for months to years, especially with booster sessions and healthy lifestyle habits.
Patient Case Examples
A 12-year-old boy with ADHD struggled with distractibility and poor grades. His qEEG brain map showed excessive theta activity. After 30 BrainCore sessions targeting theta-to-beta ratios, he improved his focus, completed homework more easily, and his grades rose.
A 40-year-old woman with anxiety reported constant racing thoughts and poor sleep. BrainCore protocols reduced her high beta activity. Over 20 sessions, she experienced calmer days, better sleep, and fewer panic episodes.
A college student with depression displayed frontal asymmetry on her brain map. BrainCore training increased left frontal activation, improving motivation, mood stability, and confidence within two months.
These cases demonstrate how leveraging neuroplasticity through BrainCore can lead to measurable improvements in daily life.
Practical Tips to Support Neuroplasticity
Even outside of BrainCore sessions, you can strengthen neuroplasticity with daily habits:
- Practice mindfulness. Meditation and breathing exercises calm the brain and improve focus.
- Move regularly. Exercise promotes growth factors (like BDNF) that stimulate neuroplasticity.
- Sleep deeply. Quality sleep consolidates learning and repairs neural connections.
- Challenge your brain. Learn new skills, languages, or hobbies to build new pathways.
- Eat brain-friendly foods. Omega-3s, antioxidants, and a nutrient-rich diet fuel brain function.
- Limit stress. Chronic stress hinders neuroplasticity — practices like yoga or neurofeedback support resilience.
How Balance Atlanta Uses BrainCore Therapy
At Balance Atlanta Family Chiropractic, we integrate BrainCore Therapy into personalized care plans that address the structural, biochemical, and neurological foundations of health.
Our process includes:
- qEEG Brain Mapping to identify dysregulated brainwave patterns.
- Individualized protocols tailored to your unique brain activity and symptoms.
- Integration with chiropractic care to optimize nervous system function.
- Functional medicine support for nutrition, gut health, and hormones that influence brain function.
- Lifestyle coaching to reinforce neuroplastic changes with sleep, stress management, and movement.
This whole-person approach enables patients to move beyond symptom management toward achieving lasting brain balance and resilience.
FAQs
- How many BrainCore sessions are needed?
Most patients complete 20–40 sessions, with improvements often starting within 8–10 sessions. - Is BrainCore safe?
Yes. It is non-invasive, drug-free, and has minimal side effects (occasionally mild fatigue or temporary mood changes). - Does neuroplasticity mean my brain can completely “heal”?
The brain can adapt and improve function, but results vary. Neuroplasticity allows for meaningful improvement even if complete reversal isn’t possible. - Will BrainCore Therapy work for children and adults?
Yes. Both children and adults benefit, though protocols are adjusted by age and condition. - Do results last after completing sessions?
Yes. Research shows that once new brainwave patterns are learned, improvements can persist long-term. Some patients schedule periodic “booster” sessions.