NeurOptimal is a sophisticated neurofeedback system used at Como Health Group to train the brain to function more efficiently, flexibly, and resiliently — without drugs, without invasive procedures, and without the patient having to consciously do anything during the session.
Unlike therapeutic interventions that target specific symptoms, NeurOptimal works by providing the brain with real-time information about its own electrical activity. Given this feedback, the brain organically reorganises its own neural patterns — improving function across a broad range of cognitive, emotional, and neurological dimensions simultaneously. Patients consistently report that their brain becomes more flexible, more resilient, and more naturally responsive to the demands of daily life.
NeurOptimal is available at Como Health Group as both a standalone programme and as an integrated component of a broader acupuncture and naturopathic treatment plan — particularly for patients whose health conditions have significant neurological, cognitive, or nervous system components.
How NeurOptimal Neurofeedback Works
NeurOptimal monitors the brain’s electrical activity continuously across both left and right hemispheres — from 0.1 Hz to 64 Hz — measuring differences in the electrical signal in terms of duration, intensity, frequency, and rate of change. This comprehensive real-time monitoring captures the full spectrum of brainwave activity across all the major frequency bands.
When NeurOptimal detects that the brain’s electrical activity is becoming turbulent — shifting away from optimal, efficient function — it delivers a brief, barely perceptible audio interruption in the music the patient is listening to during the session. This micro-interruption is the feedback signal. The brain registers this signal and instinctively reorganises its activity to maintain a smoother, more efficient electrical pattern.
Over the course of multiple sessions this process trains the brain to self-correct more efficiently — the same way physical exercise trains the body to perform better. There is no electrical stimulation, no external input of frequencies, and no attempt to push the brain toward any particular target state. NeurOptimal simply shows the brain its own activity and allows the brain’s innate intelligence to do the rest.
Who Benefits from NeurOptimal Brain Training
Clinical Presentations
- Anxiety disorders, panic disorder and chronic stress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma
- Sleep disorders — insomnia and disrupted sleep cycles
- Depression and mood dysregulation
- ADHD and attention and focus difficulties
- Autism spectrum — sensory processing and emotional regulation
- Acquired brain injury and concussion recovery
- Post-viral cognitive symptoms — Long COVID brain fog
- Cognitive decline — age-related and neurological
- Chronic pain with central sensitisation
- Mould-related illness — neuroinflammation and cognitive symptoms
- Migraine and headache disorders
Performance and Wellbeing
- Academic and professional focus and performance
- Athletic peak performance and recovery
- Emotional regulation and resilience
- Stress management and burnout prevention
- Improved sleep quality and sleep onset
- Mental clarity and cognitive speed
- Self-confidence and emotional balance
- General brain fitness and preventive neurological health
NeurOptimal as Part of Integrated Natural Medicine
NeurOptimal is available at Como Health Group as a standalone brain training programme, typically recommended as a course of 10 to 20 sessions for measurable and lasting results.
It is most powerful when integrated into the broader treatment programme — particularly for patients whose presentations have significant neurological or nervous system components. Anxiety disorders with physical manifestation, chronic pain with central sensitisation, post-viral cognitive symptoms, mould-related neuroinflammation, and trauma with somatic symptoms all respond particularly well to the combination of NeurOptimal brain training alongside targeted acupuncture and naturopathic support.
Acupuncture regulates the nervous system from a neuroendocrine and physiological perspective. Naturopathy addresses the biochemical environment — nutritional deficiencies, inflammatory load, and toxic burden — that directly impacts neurological function. NeurOptimal trains the brain’s electrical activity itself. Together they address the neurological, biochemical, and physiological dimensions of brain health simultaneously — producing outcomes that no single approach achieves in isolation.
What to Expect at a NeurOptimal Session
A NeurOptimal session is completely effortless for the patient. Small sensors are placed on the scalp and ears — similar to earphones — to monitor the brain’s electrical activity. You then sit back and listen to music through headphones. You do not need to concentrate, try to relax, or do anything consciously. The NeurOptimal system does the work.
During the session you will notice very brief, subtle interruptions in the music — these are the feedback signals the system delivers when it detects turbulence in the brain’s electrical activity. Most patients experience these as barely perceptible and find the overall experience deeply relaxing. Many report falling into a light sleep during the session.
Sessions run for 33 minutes. There is no recovery time and no side effects — patients typically feel calm and clear-headed afterwards and return immediately to normal activities. A course of 10 sessions is recommended as a starting point, with 20 sessions producing the most significant and lasting results.
NeurOptimal at Como Health Group
NeurOptimal brain training at Como Health Group is supervised by both Chris Ravesi and Shaun French, allowing it to be integrated seamlessly into whichever practitioner’s treatment programme is most relevant to the patient’s neurological presentation.
Chris Ravesi — Registered Acupuncturist and Naturopathic Physician with 40 years of clinical experience — incorporates NeurOptimal into treatment programmes for patients with complex neurological presentations, chronic pain with central sensitisation, and post-viral cognitive symptoms.
Shaun French — MAppSc Acupuncture (RMIT), BHSc Naturopathy, AHPRA Registered — integrates NeurOptimal into his dual acupuncture and naturopathy programmes particularly for patients with anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation, mould-related illness, and cognitive difficulties, where the combination of neurofeedback and integrated natural medicine produces synergistic outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions — NeurOptimal Brain Training
Is NeurOptimal the same as other neurofeedback systems?
NeurOptimal is a distinctly different approach from most neurofeedback systems. Conventional neurofeedback typically identifies a target brainwave pattern and attempts to train the brain toward it. NeurOptimal does not target specific brainwave patterns. Instead it monitors the brain’s natural electrical activity across all frequencies simultaneously and provides feedback when turbulence is detected — allowing the brain to self-organise without external direction. This makes it suitable for a broad range of presentations without the need for specific protocols.
Is NeurOptimal safe?
Yes — NeurOptimal is one of the safest brain training technologies available. It does not deliver any electrical stimulation to the brain — it only monitors electrical activity and provides audio feedback. There are no side effects, no contraindications for most people, and no recovery time. It is safe for children, adults, and the elderly, and can be used alongside medications, acupuncture, naturopathic treatment, and conventional medical care without any interaction.
How many sessions do I need?
Most patients begin to notice changes within 5 to 10 sessions — improved sleep, reduced anxiety, greater mental clarity, or more stable mood. A course of 10 sessions is a reasonable starting point to assess your individual response. For significant and lasting results in clinical presentations such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, concussion recovery, or cognitive difficulties, a course of 20 sessions is typically recommended. Sessions are usually scheduled weekly or twice weekly for optimal results.
Do the results last after I stop training?
Yes — the changes NeurOptimal produces are neurological changes, not temporary symptom suppression. As the brain learns to self-organise more efficiently through training, this improved function persists after the training programme ends. Many patients find that improvements in sleep, anxiety, focus, and emotional regulation are sustained long-term. Some patients choose to continue with periodic maintenance sessions — particularly if their lifestyle, health, or stress levels change significantly.
Interested in what NeurOptimal brain training could do for your health and performance? Como Health Group offers NeurOptimal as both a standalone brain training programme and as an integrated component of our acupuncture and naturopathic treatment programmes in Beaumaris. Book a consultation to discuss whether NeurOptimal is appropriate for your presentation and goals.
