Neurofeedback is a type of brainwave therapy that is perhaps best known for the help and hope it offers to those who struggle with the symptoms of ADD and ADHD. In a great number of cases, such symptoms are alleviated to such a degree that medications can be dramatically reduced or even completely eliminated. This is a great relief to many parents who worry about the long term effects of having their children on medications to control ADD/ADHD for years at a time.
Even though neuro, or biofeedback, as it is sometimes called, has been used in many situations for more than forty years, there are still many who consider this approach to alternative therapy to be experimental. However, the majority of people who are skeptical and want to categorize neurotherapy as experimental are those in the mainstream medical community, and are those who have something to lose by acknowledging the benefits of alternative and holistic medicine and therapies.
Neurofeedback is attractive to many people and is used to address many other conditions, in addition to ADD and ADHD, because of the fact that it is non invasive, and therefore, is perfectly safe to try. In addition, there have not been any reports of any significant negative side effects related to the use of biofeedback treatment, yet there have been numerous reports of the positive effects.
The process of a neurofeedback therapy session is thought to have the effect of resetting brain patterns that have developed and are thought to be at the root of many problems. Once reset, the brain can return to performing at optimal levels and the body responds according to these enhanced, or restored, brainwaves to heal and repair itself or to reestablish proper behavior.
The benefits of neurofeedback therapy are not seen overnight. It is possible that it could take anywhere from 20 to 40 sessions to experience the full benefits and to fully "reset" those brain patterns.
Typically, each biofeedback therapy session will last from 30 minutes up to an hour. Once there has been sufficient repetition and practice and the brain patterns are successfully reset, proponents say that the effects should be considered permanent.
However, in order to gain the full and lasting benefits of neurofeedback therapy, the person must be fully engaged and participating in the process. This is not a therapy which is "done to" the client, but which requires the active involvement of the subject.
It is essential that the biofeedback therapists do all they can to enlist the person's own self-regulatory mechanisms to create a state of healing and optimal health. While the biofeedback machines are invaluable for giving the person the feedback about their brain activity, they must put forth effort into endeavor and practice their neurotherapy techniques with persistence. This is the true key to lasting benefits.
Since it is not widely used yet, neurofeedback can be rather expense and out of reach for many people. On top of that, since it is considered by most insurance companies to be an experimental treatment, it is usually not covered. There is one main alternative to the expensive biofeedback therapy programs, and that is a kit called the Wild Divine Biofeedback program which allows you to enjoy the benefits of brainwave training from the comfort of your home, by running the software on your computer.
The American Psychiatric Association of Washington, D.C., describes ADHD as a disorder characterized by "hyperactivity, impulsiveness and an incapacity to sustain attention or concentration." Stated simply, ADHD can be characterized by two distinct sets of symptoms: inattention and hyperactivity.
This disorder is difficult to diagnose because no specific medical laboratory markers exist for ADHD. Only behavioral assessment tests, observations from teachers and parents, and clinical assessments provide its diagnosis. According to studies, there is growing evidence that the principal cause of ADHD is genetic. Its non-genetic causes were also found to be neurobiological in nature such as prenatal stress and low birth weight, traumatic brain injury, maternal smoking during pregnancy and very severe early deprivation. ADHD is a medical illness likened to diabetes or asthma because this condition can be successfully managed, but not cured.
It is sad to note that a significant number of students do not reach their utmost potentials because they have particular problems concentrating and remaining on their tasks. They have difficulties with reading, spelling, writing and other aspects of the course. Left untreated, they feel isolated from their peers; suffer low self-esteem; experience failure at school and problems at home, which may lead to substance abuse and depression. Parents, however, must not lose hope for many researches regarding this disorder abound.
ADHD is being recognized as an epidemic in the United States. As estimated by the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C, about 3 to 5 percent of American children suffer from this disorder. This is an alarming trend, but what is more troubling is that these more than 6 million American children are being treated with central nervous system stimulants, usually methylphenidate (Ritalin) when there is a more natural approach.
Diet is very important to an ADHD child. This is according to a 1997 study written by Jean Breakey in the Journal of Pediatric Child Health. Research from 1985 to 1995 concluded that diet certainly affects some children and that symptoms relating to ADHD, such as sleep problems, physical symptoms and mood changes, can change with diet.
Research has shown that long chain fatty acids could have real benefits for a range of learning and behavioral conditions. Why? This is simply because approximately 20% of the dry weight of the brain and approximately 30% of the retina are made from these elements. These fatty acids increase our energy level and ability to concentrate, aside from providing greater resistance to common illnesses such as flu and cold, and helping pregnant women avoid premature births, low birth weight and other complications.
However, the average Westerner's diet is usually processed food high in carbohydrates and sugar. Many people fail to realize the importance of fatty acids. There are certain types of fat that are indispensable for living healthily, and these are the two 'families' of essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6. The body actually uses three (3) major types of omega 3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA. These fatty acids, also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), play a vital role in brain function, normal growth and development. The body more readily uses these compounds, as against the short chain saturated fats, which generally ought to be avoided. Long chain fatty acids are regarded as essential because they are important for most key processes in our life.
However, these acids can only be sourced from our diet because our bodies cannot make them. The main sources of the omega-3s containing DHA and EPA, the key ones for the eye and brain, can only be found in fish and seafood. On the other hand, green vegetables, certain nuts and oils are the dietary sources for omega-6 fatty acids. There must be a balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet because omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation while most omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation. An appropriate balance of these essential fatty acids helps maintain or even improve health. A balanced diet should consist of about one to four times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.
Parents, give your children oily fish and green leafy vegetables now!
Both Mike Selvon & Roberto Bell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Mike Selvon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Camping, Allergies and Personal Desktop. We offer a free biofeedback audio gift. Learn more about at our portal, and drop us a note at our. Mike Selvon's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
Roberto Bell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Food and Drink, Health and Colon Cleanse. Read more about , ,. Roberto Bell's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.