A drug-free, non-invasive way to:
refers to biofeedback of brainwave patterns. The nerve cells of the brain produce an ever-changing pattern of electrical activity measured by electroencephalogram (EEG). Increases in the strength of particular frequencies of this signal are associated with particular mental states. For example, slow-wave patterns ("theta waves") increase during inattention and drowsiness, or with hyperventilation. Faster patterns ("beta") predominate when one is alert and actively engaged. In-between "alpha waves" emerge when the eyes are closed, upon completing a task, and during meditation. And "sensorimotor rhythm" (SMR—slow-beta frequencies slightly faster than alpha) increases when the body is still and muscles are relaxed. Sensors placed on the scalp with water soluble paste, linked to a computer with an EEG-biofeedback instrument, can give you moment-to-moment information about random changes in your brainwave patterns. Guided by this feedback, you can learn to increase the amplitude of particular patterns. Challenging your brain in this way can have therapeutic value. EEG biofeedback—also called neurofeedback—can help optimize the way your brain functions during various activities and states, and in transitions between states.
EEG biofeedback can enhance concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Learing to increase beta and sensorimotor rhythms (SMR) while decreasing theta, has been shown to increase I.Q. scores, attention to learning, and grades at school both in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and in normal college students. Its ability to improve memory and alertness also allows business people, artists and athletes to use it to sharpen focus for peak performance.
EEG biofeedback can enhance mood and energy, and reduce pain. People with head injury, trauma, chronic pain and fatigue show greater mental clarity and interest in daily activities, and less irritability and anger.
Practicing increasing SMR during the day has been shown to deepen sleep at night and reduce nighttime awakenings. Relaxation training to reduce muscle tension or enhance alpha and theta brainwave patterns is effective for anxiety, anxiety-related insomnia, and other stress-related disorders.
One of the best researched applications of EEG biofeedback is its ability to increase resistance to seizures, reducing seizure frequency. Now, it is also being used to help people with migraines, asthma, traumatic brain injury ("mild" head injury), stroke, and neurobehavioral spectrum disorders such as autism, Asperger's and Tourette's syndromes.
EEG biofeedback is like stretching and strengthening training for the brain, helping change behavior by increasing brain flexibility and stability. Once these skills are learned, the positive effects can last a lifetime. Depending on symptom severity, medication may often be reduced or discontinued, under qualified medical supervision. Biofeedback training is safe, with few side effects. Clients' cooperation in observing changes in familiar symptoms after each session helps shape the treatment protocol for each individual. Improvements in symptoms usually begin to be noticeable within the first few sessions. Stress-related problems such as insomnia or tension headaches are often solved in as few as six to twenty sessions. More severe symptoms, such as seizures or stroke sequelae, may need over fifty sessions, two or more per week, as well as occasional later "booster" sessions. A carefully selected diet, free of additives that adversely affect brain function, and regular home practice of relaxation and/or cognitive skills exercises, can speed success. Daily biofeedback training at home, with fewer sessions in the office, can further lower the cost of treatment. A cognitive evaluation or neuropsychological assessment may be required prior to treatment for neurobehavioral disorders, learning disabilities, head injuries and seizures. We will make every effort to help you obtain insurance reimbursement. However, unless written preauthorization is received, clients, not their insurers, are individually responsible for payment at the time services are provided. Julie Weiner,M.S., is a Fellow of the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (meaning BCIA-certified for over twelve years), certified in both traditional and EEG biofeedback. Her master's degree is in nutrition. She served as staff biofeedback specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital's chronic pain treatment center for nine years, and has developed expertise in applying biofeedback to teach pain reduction, muscle relaxation and stress-coping strategies to patients with insomnia, anxiety, asthma and chronic pain, particularly headaches, back pain, temperomandibular joint syndrome and cumulative trauma injury. With EEG Spectrum, the neurofeedback clinical and research program with which she is affiliated, she helped provide neurofeedback to Yonkers school children for the research on attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder recently publicized by Good Morning America, Psychology Today and Parade Magazine . Through the Sleep Laboratory at CCNY, she has participated in research on sleep, memory, nutrition and attention deficit disorder. A former book editor, she collaborated on The Complete Guide to Health and Nutrition by Gary Null, PhD, and The Body Electric by Robert O. Becker, MD.
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