Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS)

The Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) aims to help clients access the brain’s innate capacity for self-regulation. While many other forms of neurofeedback involve training the brain into regulation through rewards and operant conditioning, LENS operates by mirroring back to the brain its own activity at each specific site. In this way, the brain has the opportunity to recalibrate and adjust the activity to be more efficient. It is called “low energy” because the reflecting signal is far weaker than the electromagnetic field around a wristwatch, yet this level of stimulation is generally enough to trigger the brain into lasting and meaningful changes.

What does a LENS session look like?

Sensors are applied to the scalp, with one active sensor reading and reflecting brain activity (measured through EEG signals) at one location at a time. The active sensor collects data and reflects brain activity for anywhere from 2 to 60 seconds per site. From this data, the LENS makes its own brain map which highlights areas of regulation and dysregulation. Over time, the brain learns how to tune itself into optimal functioning.

The results are the reduction and/or elimination of symptoms, which previously interfered with the client’s quality of life. The sessions are brief (no longer than 25 minutes), gentle (often the client feels nothing during the session), and the changes are lasting with some exceptions. With symptoms of progressive conditions such as Parkinson’s and MS, the treatment needs to be ongoing to sustain the improvement.

Who would benefit most from LENS?

LENS was designed to address concerns related to Central Nervous System dysfunctions including anxiety-depression spectrum, attention deficits, behavior disorders, various sleep disorders, headaches and migraines, PMS, emotional disturbances, seizures, the autism spectrum, and cerebral palsy.

Because LENS does not require the client to focus their attention or to sit still for long periods, this is a great option for clients who struggle with these issues in traditional neurofeedback treatment.

Benefits of LENS

LENS offers quick and cost-effective treatment for many conditions without the need for a Q-EEG completed in advance. Some clients have reported major improvements after just one session, while the average client experiences relief from their symptoms within 11 sessions.

Each person’s brain and EEG signals are unique to them and ever-changing. LENS measures each client’s EEG signals in real-time and reflects back to the client their own physiological (neurological) fingerprint. In this way, LENS offers highly individualized treatment responding to the needs of the brain while also making space for each brain to exercise its full growth potential.

LENS Research & References

Over the past 30 years, LENS has helped more than 1,000,000 clients gain or regain brain regulation and freedom from their presenting symptoms. For further reading, see below.

Corydon Hammond, D. (2006): Introduction to LENS, Journal of Neurotherapy, 10:2-3, 1-4. http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/J184v10n02_01

Larsen, S., Harrington, K., & Hicks, S. (2006): The LENS (Low Energy

Neurofeedback System): A Clinical Outcomes Study on One Hundred Patients at Stone Mountain Center, New York, Journal of Neurotherapy, 10:2-3, 69-78. https://doi.org/10.1300/J184v10n02_06

Larsen, S. (2006). The Healing Power of Neurofeedback: The Revolutionary LENS Technique for Restoring Optimal Brain Function (1st ed.). Healing Arts Press.