Neuromodulation - optimizing the brain and cognitive performance

What if you could enhance your cognitive performance with state-of-the-art devices? Neuromodulation wants to make that possible. We explain which methods are used, which gadgets are available for purchase - and where the potentials and limits of this groundbreaking technology lie. 

What is neuromodulation?

Neuromodulation refers to the targeted influence (modulation) of the activity of nerve cells (neurons) through external or internal stimuli. The goal is to enhance, inhibit, or regulate the communication between nerve cells. This method is used in medicine, neurotechnology, and increasingly in biohacking.

The nervous system - consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves - operates based on electrical and chemical signals.These signals are specifically influenced by neuromodulation.

How does neuromodulation work?

The functioning of neuromodulation depends on the method, but all approaches aim to change neuronal excitability. This means: Nerve cells respond more strongly or weakly to signals.

There are three main methods:

1. Electrical stimulation: Using electrical impulses, nerve pathways or brain areas are directly activated.
2. Magnetic stimulation: Magnetic fields stimulate electrical activities in the neurons without direct contact with the tissue.
3. Chemical modulation: Substances regulate communication between nerve cells.

Types of Neuromodulation

Invasive Neuromodulation

This method requires surgical procedures to implant electrodes or devices into the body. Examples include

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Electrodes are implanted in the brain and controlled by a generator. Common applications: Parkinson's, epilepsy, or more recently, depression and affective disorders.
• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): An implant stimulates the vagus nerve, which regulates many important bodily functions and primarily the parasympathetic nervous system. 

Non-invasive Neuromodulation

Here, stimulation occurs from the outside, without surgical procedures.These methods are painless and easily accessible, which is why they are particularly popular in biohacking. More on that later. Examples of this include:

• Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS): Light electrical impulses modulate the excitability of certain brain regions.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Magnetic fields stimulate neuronal activity.
• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): VNS is also possible non-invasively. In recent years, gadgets for this have gained significant popularity in the biohacking community, and many scientific studies have been conducted on it.

Applications of Neuromodulation

Neuromodulation is applied in various fields:

1.Medical Therapies

• Treatment of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's, epilepsy, and chronic pain.
• Used for depression or anxiety disorders when other therapies fail.

2. Mental Performance Enhancement (Biohacking)

• Improvement of concentration, memory, and creativity.
• Stress reduction and sleep optimization.
• Targeted training of specific brain functions.

3. Pain Management

• In chronic pain, nerves can be stimulated to block pain signals.

4. Rehabilitation

• Support in recovery after strokes or injuries to the nervous system.

Neuromodulation in Biohacking

Biohacking aims to maximize control over one's body and mind. Neuromodulation offers biohackers a unique opportunity to directly intervene in the functioning of the nervous system and to specifically optimize neural processes.

In contrast to conventional methods such as diet, exercise, or supplements, neuromodulation works with direct, often immediately noticeable effects on the brain and the nervous system. This makes it, alongside supplements like magnesium or omega-3 fatty acids, a central tool for anyone looking to optimize their mental performance, their sleep, or their stress resistance.

Applications of neuromodulation in biohacking

Enhancement of cognitive performance (neuroenhancement)

Neuromodulation is used to enhance brain activity in specific areas.

• Concentration and focus:
  Methods such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) stimulate the prefrontal cortex, a region responsible for decision-making, attention, and problem-solving.
• Memory:
  Studies suggest that certain stimulation techniques such as transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can improve memory consolidation, especially during sleep.

Stress management and emotional regulation

Chronic stress negatively affects brain chemistry and hormone balance. Neuromodulation can help reduce these effects.

Biohacking strategies:

• Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) activates the parasympathetic nervous system branch (“rest and digest mode”) and reduces the release of stress hormones such as Cortisol.
• Neurofeedback allows training the brain to become more stress-resistant.

Sleep optimization

Sleep is a central component of biohacking, as it forms the basis for physical and mental regeneration.

Neuromodulation methods:

• Neurofeedback: Helps to bring the brain waves (e.g., alpha and theta waves) into a state that promotes relaxation.
• tACS: This method can enhance the slow delta waves that occur during deep sleep and are important for regeneration.

Pain management and physical regeneration

Neuromodulation techniques are also popular in biohacking to relieve pain and promote physical regeneration.

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS):
  Biohackers use TENS devices to reduce pain after training or to accelerate recovery.These devices with adhesive electrodes send electrical impulses that can block pain signals and promote blood circulation.
• tDCS for muscle recovery:
  Some biohackers experiment with tDCS to reduce muscular fatigue after intense training and shorten recovery time.

Improvement of emotional and mental resilience

Emotional stability and mental strength are important goals for many biohackers.

• Neurofeedback:
  With this method, biohackers specifically train brain regions associated with positive emotions and resilience. Real-time measurements are taken to assess how active certain brain waves are, and feedback is provided to regulate them accordingly.

Methods of Neuromodulation

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

The transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that delivers weak direct currents through electrodes on the scalp to the brain. These currents influence the electrical activity of neurons and can increase or decrease their excitability, depending on the direction of the current flow.

• Anodal Stimulation: Increases neuronal excitability and promotes activity.
• Cathodal Stimulation: Decreases neuronal excitability and inhibits activity.

How does tDCS work?

tDCS does not directly modify brain processes, but changes the "baseline voltage" of neurons. This makes it easier or harder for neurons to respond to stimuli.

• A session usually lasts 20–30 minutes.
• The current strength typically ranges between 1 and 2 milliamperes.

Applications in biohacking:

• Cognitive enhancement:
• Improvement of attention, problem-solving ability, and creativity.
• Especially popular before exams or demanding work phases.
• Mood and stress management:
• Can be used for depressive moods to promote activity in certain brain regions.
• Sports performance:
• Biohackers use tDCS to improve motor control or increase mental resilience during training.

Risks and side effects:

• Minor skin irritations at the electrodes.
• Headaches or dizziness with improper use.
• Long-term effects are not yet fully researched.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a training method in which the electrical activity of the brain (brain waves) is measured in real-time and fed back visually or acoustically. The goal is to intentionally influence this activity to promote certain mental states.

How does Neurofeedback work?

• Electrodes on the scalp measure brain activity (EEG).
• The brain waves are represented in the form of images, sounds, or animations.
• The user is trained to consciously produce certain patterns (e.g., more alpha waves for relaxation).

Applications in Biohacking:

• Stress Management:
• Promotes alpha waves associated with a state of relaxation.
• Concentration and Attention:
• Biohackers train beta waves to enhance mental alertness.
• Especially helpful for ADHD or cognitive demands.
• Sleep Optimization:
• Training theta and delta waves to improve sleep quality.
• Emotional Resilience:
• Reduction of activity in the amygdala (fear center) to promote emotional stability.

Advantages:

• Long-term effects through regular training.
• Non-invasive and painless.

Risks:

• Misinterpretation of EEG data can lead to incorrect training.
• Requires patience and regular sessions for sustainable results.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

The transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive method that uses strong magnetic fields to stimulate or inhibit specific areas of the brain. These magnetic fields are generated by a coil placed on the scalp.

There are two main forms:

• Repetitive TMS (rTMS): Delivers repeated magnetic pulses to permanently increase or decrease activity.
• Single-Pulse TMS: Single pulses for short-term influence.

How does TMS work?

Magnetic pulses generate electrical currents in the brain that can either activate or inhibit the activity of neurons in targeted areas.

Applications in biohacking:

• Mood enhancement:
• rTMS is used to alleviate depressive symptoms by increasing activity in the left prefrontal cortex.
• Enhancement of Creativity:
• Biohackers use TMS to promote creative thinking.
• Improvement of Motor Skills:
• Activation of motor brain regions to improve dexterity and coordination.
• Cognitive Performance:
• TMS is applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to enhance working memory and problem-solving skills.

Risks and Side Effects:

• Headaches or tingling at the stimulation site.
• In rare cases, seizures may occur.
• Longer sessions can be tiring.

Comparison of Methods

Wearables and gadgets 

Devices for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

Flow Neuroscience

• Function: tDCS device for treating depression and improving mood.
• Features:
• App-controlled to offer personalized stimulations.
• Scientifically validated for the treatment of depressive symptoms.
• Benefit: Clinical studies support the effectiveness.

Foc.us V3

• Function: tDCS device to enhance cognitive performance.
• Features:
• Offers various stimulation settings 
• Portable and user-friendly design.
• Benefit: Live check of the current flow while in use. 

Devices for Neurofeedback

Muse S (2nd Gen)

• Function: EEG headband to enhance meditation and sleep.
• Features:
• Real-time feedback on brain activity.
• Guided meditations for stress management and relaxation.
• Sleep tracking with EEG analysis.
• Advantage: User-friendly and portable.

NeuroSky MindWave Mobile 2

• Function: EEG headset for neurofeedback training.
• Features:
• Provides feedback on focus and relaxation.
• Compatible with various neurofeedback apps.
• Advantage: Cost-effective entry solution.

OpenBCI Ultracortex Mark IV

• Function: High-end EEG device for advanced neurofeedback and research.
• Features:
• Open-source design, ideal for individual customization.
• Up to 16 EEG channels for detailed measurements.
• Advantage: Maximum flexibility and precision.

Devices for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

NeoRhythm Headband

• Function: Magnetic stimulation for relaxation, concentration, and sleep.
• Features:
• Portable and easy-to-use device.
• Offers various modes for focus, meditation, and energy.
• Advantage: No clinical environment required.

Professional TMS devices (e.g., from Magstim)

• Function: High-precision TMS devices for cognitive and mood-related applications.
• Features:
• Requires professional setup.
• Can specifically target certain brain regions.
• Disadvantage: Expensive and often not portable.

Complementary wearables for biohacking

Apollo Neuro

• Function: Device for vagus nerve stimulation through vibrations.
• Features:
• Supports relaxation, focus, and sleep.
• Can be controlled via an app.
• Advantage: Discreetly wearable on the wrist or ankle.

Nurosym

• Function: Portable device for vagus nerve stimulation through electrical impulses.
• Features:
• Supports relaxation, focus, memory performance, and sleep.
• Attachment of the electrode to the tragus of the ear (primarily left)
• Advantage: Has been studied in numerous scientific studies with various endpoints.

Smart Rings (Oura, Circular, Ultrahuman, RingConn...)

• Function: Sleep and activity monitoring.
• Features:
• Measures sleep phases, heart rate variability (HRV), and stress levels.
• Provides hints for optimizing the circadian rhythm.
• Advantage: Elegant and suitable for everyday use.

Whoop Band

• Function: Fitness and recovery tracker.
• Features:
• Analyzes load, recovery, and sleep.
• Helps optimize training and daily life.
• Advantage: Data-driven recommendations for performance and recovery.

Potentials of neuromodulation

Neuromodulation in biohacking offers fascinating possibilities, but also clear challenges.It can help to specifically improve mental and physical performance, but it reaches its limits in various areas.

Among the potentials of neuromodulation is primarily the improvement of cognitive performance. Methods such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or neurofeedback can enhance concentration and focus as well as facilitate learning. By specifically stimulating certain brain areas, the learning curve for motor and cognitive skills can be shortened. Additionally, some biohackers report that methods like tDCS or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) promote their creativity.

Another significant potential lies in the support of mental health.Applications such as tDCS or devices for vagus nerve stimulation can alleviate depressive moods and reduce stress. Neurofeedback allows for the observation and targeted regulation of one's brain activity, promoting relaxation and improving stress management.

Neuromodulation methods also play an important role in the area of sleep and recovery. Devices such as neurofeedback headsets or TMS-based gadgets can positively influence sleep patterns and support the circadian rhythm. Additionally, the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system through targeted neurostimulation helps promote physical and mental recovery.

A key advantage is the personalization of neurotechnology.Wearables such as tDCS or EEG devices allow biohackers to specifically address their needs – whether it be focus, relaxation, or creativity. Experimenting with different technologies perfectly aligns with the philosophy of biohacking, which emphasizes self-determination and individual optimization.

Limits of neuromodulation

Despite these promising applications, there are also clear limits of neuromodulation. A key point is the limited scientific evidence. Many technologies used by biohackers, such as tDCS, do not yet have a sufficient scientific basis to confirm their long-term effectiveness or safety.Additionally, neuromodulation methods work differently for different individuals and are not equally effective for everyone.

Another problem is safety. Improper use of DIY devices carries risks such as headaches, skin irritations, or even negative effects on brain function. Many of the devices used are not regulated or clinically tested. Excessive use can also lead to unwanted side effects such as irritability or insomnia.

Last but not least, there are also biological limits. The neural plasticity of the brain has limits, and fundamental characteristics such as chronotype or certain cognitive abilities can only be influenced to a limited extent.

Conclusion: Unleash your full potential with innovation

Neuromodulation offers fascinating possibilities in biohacking for the targeted improvement of mental and physical performance. Techniques such as tDCS, neurofeedback, vagus nerve stimulation, and TMS enable biohackers to optimize their cognitive abilities, sleep, and stress resistance.

However, the long-term effects are still little researched, and the effectiveness of individual tools is also difficult to control. Here, as with so much, it is important to approach cautiously and, in case of doubt, consult with your trusted doctor.