Veterans, Cortical Balance & the Search for Purpose

Years ago, at a veterans' facility, I encountered a surprising and deeply inspiring approach to helping those grappling with severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They had devised a program where veterans in need trained puppies for other vets who required service animals. By taking on this role, these struggling veterans rediscovered their ability to contribute, love, and find moments of real happiness. The experience transformed them, reigniting a sense of purpose that transcended their pain. I’ve shared this story countless times with clients facing their own battles, and I've watched their lives transform as they, too, discover that true meaning and purpose can transcend hardship. With newfound purpose, they wake up motivated, ready to face their struggles with courage and excitement.

The journey to restoring balance, whether through purpose, community, or innovative technology, is a process. At Brain Life Center, we combine practical neuroscience with traditional wisdom to help individuals regain stability, clarity, and joy in their lives. When we first began using EEG neurofeedback technologies, we learned about the concept of “cortical balance.” By mapping brain activity across different regions, from the occipital lobes to the frontal poles, we could observe measurable imbalances in brain activity that correlated with how individuals felt and functioned. Veterans, for instance, often displayed a unique set of cortical imbalances related to PTSD symptoms.

With earlier versions of our technology, limited computing power meant we focused on identifying measurable cortical imbalances that correlated with specific struggles. Using EEG sensors, we measured brain activity across specific frequency ranges. For instance, in one type of imbalance, we compared activity in the right and left hemispheres while focusing on midline activity in the brain’s corpus callosum. When midline activity was disproportionately high, it often correlated with increased irritability and reduced patience. With safe live auditory feedback, the brain could “hear” its own activity, detect these imbalances, and begin to self-correct.

We observed veterans experiencing genuine relief, reporting that they felt calmer, more patient, and less prone to frustration with loved ones. As midline activity naturally balanced with the surrounding regions, clients would say, “I feel so much more at peace.” And this was just one of thousands of relational cortical imbalances we regularly mapped.

The concept of cortical balance and its correlation with personal experiences has unveiled new pathways for developing more effective systems and protocols. This unique understanding extends far beyond PTSD, enabling us to address a wider range of challenges, including focus, motivation, anxiety, sleep, and even chronic pain. These breakthroughs reinforce our commitment to a holistic approach that blends practical neuroscience with timeless principles of purpose, community, and guided resilience.

At Brain Life Center, we’re deeply grateful to the veterans who have helped us better understand the healing power of new technologies, cortical balance, and purpose. Their service reminds us of the freedoms we enjoy and inspires us to help more people discover the blessing of powerful, fully realized brain function through this remarkable system of technologies. We’re honored to continue serving those who have served, and we're committed to helping people live healthier, fuller lives. Thank God for our veterans and their willingness to fight for our freedom and well-being.