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Science & Methodology FAQs
What is neuromeditation?
NeuroMeditation is the application of brain-based principles to meditation practices. It is based on the understanding that all meditations are not the same. Based on dozens of brain imaging studies, we can categorize meditations based on the way attention is directed, our intention during the practice, and the way it impacts the brain.
In general, meditation styles fall into one (or more) of 5 categories: Focus, Mindfulness, Quiet Mind, Open Heart, and Deep States. By understanding each of these styles, you can choose one to match your goals and needs.
In addition to the science behind meditation, the NeuroMeditation system also teaches a variety of tools, techniques, and strategies to help you enter these specific meditative states. EEG biofeedback (neurofeedback) is one of the tools used in this process.
Neuromeditation was pioneered by Dr. Jeff Tarrant.
How is EEG neuromeditation different from traditional neurofeedback?
On the surface, these two practices look identical. You place electrodes on the scalp, measure brainwave activity, and provide the person with some form of feedback about what is happening in their brain. However, the function and form of the client’s experience for each of these is quite different.
In traditional neurofeedback, the goal is generally to help shift the brain out of an undesirable pattern. For example, someone with ADHD may have an excessive amount of theta brainwave activity in a specific region of the brain. The neurofeedback therapist would place sensors in that exact region and “reward” the person whenever the theta activity drops below a certain level. This is a very individualized process designed to help a person’s brain learn how to move out of its typical, stuck pattern of behaving.
In EEG neuromeditation, the neurofeedback parameters are pre-determined. It is not individualized. We know how the brain should be responding during specific meditation states, so the neurofeedback becomes a tool to help someone identify if and when they are able to enter those states and when they shift into mind-wandering or some other “undesirable” state. It is not about trying to make the brain change a potentially problematic pattern. It is about helping someone to understand their internal state. The neurofeedback, in this case, serves as meditation “training wheels.”
How does neurofeedback fit in?
Neurofeedback, or EEG biofeedback, is the practice of measuring brainwave activity and then feeding that information back to the client using auditory or visual information. Typically, this process is used to teach the brain to shift to a more flexible, adaptive, or resilient pattern. This type of work can be used by neurofeedback clinicians to treat ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and many other mental health conditions.
Because we know what should be happening in the brain during specific states of meditation AND because we can monitor this and get feedback about our internal states, we can strategically combine these practices to make them both more powerful. We refer to this process as EEG NeuroMeditation, which is what Healium is doing with an EEG sensing headband.
What are the 5 neuromeditation styles?
Five popular neuromeditation styles include: focus, mindfulness, open heart, quiet mind, and deep states.
- Focus practices involve directing the attention toward a single target, recognizing when the mind wanders, and quickly returning attention to the single target.
- Mindfulness includes practices that involve shifting to an observer stance; watching what is happening in the present moment-thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations-without attachment or judgment.
- Open Heart is an umbrella term that includes practices such as loving-kindness, compassion, gratitude, and forgiveness. These are practices that involve activating and sustaining a positive emotional state (and usually sending that energy to others).
- Quiet Mind is the stereotype of meditation and involves entering a state of spaciousness with minimal internal dialogue.
- Deep States involve shifting into a state where consciousness is freed of its usual restrictions. There can be spontaneous memories, emotions, or internal journeys.
How do I know which neuromeditation style is best for me or my client?
This online survey can help people identify what kind of meditation they might need: https://tryhealium.com/quiz
Where can I learn more about neuromeditation?
Neuromeditation combines traditional meditation practices with insights from neuroscience, using tools like neurofeedback to train your brain toward healthier states of focus, calm, and resilience. If you’d like to dive deeper, start with our guide: Brainwaves 101 with Dr. Jeff Tarrant.
You may also find it helpful to explore How Healium Works, which explains how neurofeedback is applied in meditation.
What are the measurable outcomes and how do you track progress?
Practitioners and clients can view real-time biofeedback metrics (e.g., heart rate, brainwave activity) and track progress through session data reports. This allows you to measure improvements in relaxation over time.
Can I monitor client sessions in real-time or review session data afterwards?
Yes. Healium’s aura gives your client real-time feedback during every session, helping guide them through each experience.
As a wellness professional, you can view post-session reports that include your client’s Healium score, brainwave and heart rate patterns, and track how their baseline shifts over time.
How does Healium for sleep differ?
Healium’s sleep experiences are thoughtfully crafted to be more soothing, making them perfect for winding down at the end of the day. Each experience is meant to be enjoyed in a comfortable, reclined position, allowing you to settle in and relax both body and mind. With gentle guidance, calming visuals, and peaceful sounds, Healium helps create the ideal environment for restful sleep—helping you drift off naturally and wake feeling refreshed.
Can I use Healium for research?
Yes, universities and hospitals routinely use Healium in their research because it provides a unique and rich dataset.
To learn more about using Healium with your next project, complete this form, and our team will reach out.
To learn more about using Healium with your next project, complete this form, and our team will reach out.
Health, Safety & Expectations FAQs
Is Healium a medical treatment for anxiety, depression, or PTSD?
Healium is a self-awareness and meditation tool. Healium apps are not diagnostic and not a treatment for medical conditions nor are they a replacement for psychotropic medication or cognitive behavioral therapy. The software is a wellness tool as part of a healthy lifestyle. Healium is a self-awareness and self-management tool that allows the user to become more self-aware their feelings have power.
What is the minimum required age to use Healium?
Healium is recommended for ages 13 and up, as most VR goggles require users to be at least 13 and to have a head size suitable for comfortable use.
What’s the difference between Healium VR and mobile apps?
Healium is most powerful in virtual reality, which is why we encourage you to use our fully immersive app with VR goggles for a truly immersive, calming experience. If your goggles aren’t available, our mobile companion app on IOS or Android is here for you as a portable, supportive alternative. While both apps allow you to see your heart rate or brainwave data in real time and offer calming experiences, the mobile app is designed for those moments when VR access isn’t possible. For the best results, we recommend using Healium in VR whenever you can—many users notice an even deeper sense of relaxation there.
Will Healium tell me whether I’m a positive or a negative person?
No, Healium is not a diagnostic tool and is not a treatment for medical conditions. It’s a self-awareness tool that allows you to discover your ability to control your brain patterns and heart rate during guided meditations. If you have questions about your emotional state, please seek the advice of a professional.
How do you keep my information safe?
At Healium, your privacy is our priority. From day one, we designed our platform to meet the highest standards for protection. Your data and your client's data stay secure on an ISO Certified, HIPAA-ready, and NIST-aligned system—so you can focus on well-being with confidence.
How Do You Clean the VR goggles?
Cleanbox is an easy to use, portable solution to clean your virtual reality goggles. You'll find more information in our hygiene protocol guide.
Product Use & Compatibility FAQs
What kind of equipment do you need to do EEG neuromeditation?
If you want to use EEG NeuroMeditation with VR you will need an EEG headband, a compatible VR goggle, and a subscription to the Healium software.
You can see a list of our compatible devices here.
You can see a list of our compatible devices here.
Can I use Healium without an EEG headband, smartwatch or other wearable?
For the best results and deeper insights, we recommend pairing Healium with a compatible wearable.
Wearables, like smartwatches or EEG headbands, are used to track your calmness in real time and personalize your experience.
In clinical or professional settings, a wearable is necessary to track your physiological data.
However, if you’re using Healium for relaxation or stress relief, it's possible to enjoy Healium without a wearable.
See a list of compatible wearables.
Which Muse headbands are compatible with Healium?
Healium currently works with the Muse 2 EEG headband. Other Muse models, including Muse S and newer versions, are not supported at this time. For the best experience, make sure your Muse 2 is fully charged, updated with the latest firmware, and paired with Healium.
See a list of compatible devices here.
See a list of compatible devices here.
Which models of the BrainLink Lite headband work with Healium?
The BrainLink LITE headband will power Healium. The Brainlink Pro version does not work with Healium.
Click here for a list of compatible devices.
Click here for a list of compatible devices.
I need help using Healium or pairing my wearable.
For the latest tips, tricks, and tutorials on using Healium, visit our knowledge base.
Do I need a VR device?
Yes. A VR goggle (such as Meta Quest or Apple Vision Pro) is required to access Healium’s immersive content.
Click here for a list of compatible devices.
Which mobile devices are compatible with the Healium companion app?
Healium's mobile companion app is compatible with iPhone and iPad devices running iPhone 6S or above, as well as Android Phones and Tablet devices running 8.0 or later – Samsung Galaxy S7 or above.
Click here for a list of compatible devices.
Click here for a list of compatible devices.
Can nursing staff or medical assistants operate the system?
Yes. Healium is designed for ease of use and does not require advanced technical skills. With initial training, nursing staff and medical assistants can confidently operate the system and guide clients through sessions.
What training and ongoing support do you provide for practitioners?
We provide onboarding training, step-by-step guides, and ongoing customer support. Our team is available for technical assistance, updates, and best practices to ensure your program’s success.
What is the learning curve for clients who aren’t tech-savvy?
Minimal. Healium sessions are guided, and most clients adapt quickly. Staff can provide a short orientation to help first-time users get comfortable with the headset and controls.
How long is each session?
Most sessions last 4 to 10 minutes, though practitioners may choose to run multiple sessions back-to-back depending on client needs.
What are the sessions like?
Clients experience immersive VR environments designed to promote calm, focus, and self-regulation. Sessions may incorporate biofeedback to help clients see and feel how their thoughts and breathing impact their physiology.
See how Healium works and learn more about our unique VR experiences here.
How much session time does setup and teardown require?
Setup and teardown typically take 2 to 3 minutes per client when equipment is charged, sanitized, and ready. Using a charging dock and organized storage can streamline the process.
How often is the content updated, and what does that cost?
Healium regularly adds new VR experiences and updates existing ones. Content updates are included as part of your subscription; there is no additional charge.
What are the upfront costs, including hardware, storage, and maintenance?
In addition to your subscription, you’ll need a compatible VR headset, a charging dock (recommended for convenience), and safe storage for equipment. Maintenance is minimal, limited mainly to charging and sanitizing devices.
How much does it cost?
Healium is designed to fit organizations of every size, offering flexible options that grow alongside your needs. Pricing depends on your preferred number of licenses, devices, and features, so you get exactly what works for you.
Interested in a personalized quote? Contact us and our team will reach out with a commitment-free estimate.
What are the space requirements?
Healium sessions require only a small, quiet space with a chair. If you don't have a quiet space, you can also use headphones. Clients should remain seated throughout the session for safety and comfort.