Training Left vs Right Hemispheres: A Deep Dive into Lateralized Neurofeedback
In this livestream, Dr. Hill explored the practical aspects of training different brain hemispheres through neurofeedback, building on previous discussions about brain laterality. While he's covered the organizational differences between left and right hemispheres before, this session focused specifically on the "how" of neurofeedback protocols and the technical considerations for hemispheric training.
The Speed Difference Between Hemispheres
The left and right hemispheres operate at fundamentally different speeds due to their wiring patterns. The left hemisphere has fewer long-distance inhibitory connections between regions, allowing individual modules to run "hotter" and faster. This means healthy left hemisphere beta activity typically runs at 15-18 Hz, while similar right hemisphere tissue operates optimally at 12-15 Hz for the same functional significance.
This speed difference extends across all brainwave frequencies. When you're training someone's brain, you can't use identical protocols on both sides and expect optimal results. The left hemisphere's more modular organization creates these faster-running circuits, while the right hemisphere's more integrated network operates at slightly slower frequencies.
Functional Specialization and Training Targets
The hemispheres don't just run at different speeds—they handle different jobs entirely. The left hemisphere drives approach behaviors: motivation, language processing, task initiation, and behavioral persistence. It's the "let's go" system that sinks its teeth into projects and maintains focus.
The right hemisphere specializes in supervision and avoidance. The middle-right regions act as attention supervisors, catching you when you're being "squirrel-like" or distracted. The frontal right areas evaluate effort and pull back from frustrating or aversive situations. This creates the classic frontal lobe dance: left frontal saying "Hi, yay, come here!" while right frontal responds "This sucks, go away, it's too hard."
When these systems can't reconcile—when neither approach nor avoidance wins—you get stuck in procrastination loops.
Technical Considerations for Hemispheric Training
Reference Selection Matters The choice between A1 (left ear) and A2 (right ear) references significantly affects what you're measuring. Using A1 reference with left hemisphere sites creates more localized measurement, while A2 reference introduces cross-hemispheric interaction into the signal. For C4 training, A2 reference can enhance supervisory attention effects, but optimal reference must be tested individually.
Frequency Targets Must Be Adjusted You can't simply mirror protocols across hemispheres. If someone's optimal SMR training at C3 targets 15 Hz, the equivalent training at C4 might target 13 Hz. The underlying thalamocortical circuits require different frequencies to achieve similar functional states.
Notable Q&A Insights
Question: Is Fz the "traffic warden" of the brain?
Fz (frontal midline) does serve as a reconciliation center that holds what's important and manages competing demands between the hemispheric approach/avoidance systems. It's where executive decisions get made when left and right frontal areas disagree.
Question: How do you determine optimal frequencies for each hemisphere?
This requires individual brain mapping. While general patterns exist (left faster than right), each person's optimal frequencies depend on their specific neural architecture and functional patterns. A comprehensive QEEG assessment reveals these individual targets.
The Arousal Model Framework
The traditional neurofeedback arousal model remains useful for understanding hemispheric training:
- Delta (0.5-4 Hz): The brain's heartbeat, driving immune function, deep sleep, and repair processes
- Theta (4-8 Hz): Release circuits that "take the brakes off" specialized tissue
- Alpha (8-12 Hz): Neutral between gears, the idling state
- Beta (12-30+ Hz): The gas pedal, with different optimal speeds for each hemisphere
Within this framework, left hemisphere training often focuses on approach-related beta enhancement, while right hemisphere training targets supervisory attention and avoidance modulation.
Key Takeaways
• Hemispheric protocols require different frequency targets - left hemisphere typically needs faster frequencies than right for equivalent functional states
• Reference electrode choice affects hemispheric training - A1 vs A2 reference creates different electrical fields and training effects
• Individual mapping is essential - while patterns exist, optimal frequencies vary significantly between people
• Consider functional goals when choosing hemispheres - left for motivation/approach, right for supervision/impulse control
• Integration matters as much as individual training - the frontal midline areas must reconcile hemispheric differences
For practitioners working with hemispheric neurofeedback, these technical considerations can make the difference between effective training and spinning wheels. The brain's lateralized organization creates opportunities for targeted intervention, but only when protocols respect the underlying neurophysiology.