What Causes ADHD?

Although ADHD was first identified over a century ago, and is one of the most extensively researched psychiatric disorders, scientists are still unsure what causes ADHD. Research indicates that ADHD is most likely caused by a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors, all of which combine to cause ADHD in a given person.

ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. There is no one cause of ADHD. It is not one factor, but a combination of factors, that cause a person to have ADHD.

What Kind of Factors Cause ADHD?

Although there is no singular cause of ADHD, researchers have identified several factors that contribute to the disease. These include certain genes, differences in brain structure and function, and environmental and social factors.

Genetic Causes of ADHD

Research, including twin studies and studies of families with multiple members who have the disease, has shown that ADHD is highly heritable. The fact that ADHD can be shown to run in families suggests that there may be some kind of genetic basis to the disease. However, a complex syndrome like ADHD involves numerous factors, only some of which are genetic. No single distinct gene has been identified as the cause of ADHD.

Although there is no single "ADHD gene", several genetic factors have been strongly linked to ADHD. These include two specific genes called DRD4 and DRD5, and both are involved in the brain's dopamine circuits. Individuals with ADHD show differences in their brain's regulation of dopamine, an important neurochemical associated with pursuing goals and seeking rewards. Another key genetic component associated with ADHD is Chromosome 16. Genetics factors linked to ADHD generally are associated with dopamine regulation, as well as with the structure and function of brain areas important to attention and concentration.

Certain genetic factors, which are inherited, may not be the sole cause of ADHD. They can, however, be shown to predispose some individuals more strongly to developing the disease. While ADHD is not caused solely by genes, there is definitely a genetic component to the disease.

Prenatal and Perinatal Causes of ADHD

In addition to genetics, ADHD has also been linked to certain types of contamination during fetal development. Exposure to certain substances can interfere with brain development, and can affect areas of the brain associated with learning, cognition, attention, and impulse control, becoming a possible cause of ADHD.

Factors during gestation and development that may contribute to causing ADHD include:

• Exposure to nicotine and other toxins from cigarettes, due to the mother smoking while pregnant
• Exposure to alcohol in utero
• Exposure to lead and other heavy metal toxins, either in utero or early in life
• Low birth weight, which can be caused by smoking as well as other factors

It is important that women avoid certain substances, including alcohol and cigarettes, during pregnancy. Exposure to these substances has lasting effects on the development of the child, including increasing susceptibility to ADHD.

Environmental and Social Causes of ADHD

Possible environmental and social causes of ADHD are not yet well understood. It is thought that environment does play a role in ADHD. Some have suggested that factors such as watching television, playing video games, and exposure to social stressors, could all contribute in some way to causing ADHD.

Studies have indicated a higher prevalence of ADHD in children from single-parent homes, from low-income households, or otherwise from family environments that may be stressful and inconsistent. Although the link is not yet well understood, this does indicate that the family environment may be a cause of ADHD.

One frequently suggested factor in in causing ADHD, has been television viewing among children. For the most part, television shows tend to feature many flashing, moving images, at a very fast pace. Some researchers have suggested that exposure to fast-paced TV images during early childhood could contribute to "rewiring" the brain to process brief information at a fast pace. This could interfere with ability to process more complex information over longer periods of time, such as the information in a textbook chapter or classroom lecture. It is not yet clear whether television causes ADHD, or whether children already disposed to ADHD are more likely to watch television. Still, many professionals advise that parents limit television viewing by children, especially very young children.

Along with television viewing, video games have also been proposed as a possible factor in causing ADHD. Like television, video games move at a fast pace. Video games also offer rewards-- getting to the next level or winning a new power-up-- in the short-term, a process which acts on the brain's dopamine circuits and results in feelings of pleasure. This may affect children's ability to handle situations, like learning in a classroom, that require longer periods of concentration, and which have delayed rewards.

The influence of social and environmental factors, including family environment and media exposure, on ADHD, is not entirely understood yet. Although watching television or playing video games are probably not, in themselves, enough to cause ADHD, there is evidence that these behaviors may contribute to the disorder.

So Does Anyone Know What Causes ADHD?

No one knows for sure what exactly causes ADHD. Scientific research has indicated a number of factors that appear to contribute to the disease. ADHD is most likely caused by a complex interplay of environmental, social, and genetic factors, which come together in certain ways to form the set of behaviors and characteristics that constitute ADHD.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD

Electromyographic Biofeedback

What is Electromyographic Biofeedback?

Stress is a hallmark of our modern lives. We feel stress from work, from school, from social gatherings, from our children and spouses – and the stress we feel only sets up even more stress. For many people, it can feel like there is a constant contest being waged between their will and their stress levels, and it is only a matter of time before something has to give.

When we finally do buckle under the pressure – and almost all of us do at some point – stress can lead to long-term disorders such as anxiety, hypertension and chronic pain, especially if it isn't caught and treated early on. The reason this happens is often due to the involuntary movements of our nervous system – our blood pressure, our muscle tension and more.

Luckily, electromyographic biofeedback is a technology-driven alternative medicine therapy that is helping countless patients with a host of stress-related afflictions, including the above mentioned, as well as headaches, back pain and even incontinence. The technology is not new – scientists have been using it for over 130 years – but this particular therapeutic method just sprung up in the last few years.

Here is how it works: electromyographic biofeedback collects information about your physiological responses to stress (or other disorders) from your skeletal muscles, and displays it back to you in a format that is easy to read and understand. Then, usually with a game of some kind, the device teaches you different strategies you can use to respond to muscle tension. Essentially, the device trains you to train yourself, so that you are the one wielding power over your body – not the other way around.

There are many kinds of electromyographic biofeedback devices. The most complicated are usually found in therapeutic and clinical settings, and are administered with the help of a doctor or other healthcare professional who can help you get the most out of it. But there are also smaller, less powerful (but still helpful) devices that you can purchase and use as part of a daily regimen to help you train your body to overcome your unconscious muscular reactions to the stress and anxiety of modern life.

The uses of electromyographic biofeedback aren't limited to just stress and stress-related conditions. They also help those suffering from chronic migraines, and assist with psychological therapies such as mindfulness meditation. There are even athletes who have been experimenting with electromyographic biofeedback therapies to help them achieve new heights of physical fitness.

If you are suffering from an overabundance of stress and you feel it is negatively affecting the quality of your life, consider looking into electromyographic biofeedback treatments. It is a perfectly safe, non-invasive, drug-free therapy that has already helped countless patients get the relief they deserve.

Electromyographic Biofeedback

Boosting Your Brain with Neurofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback: An Overview

Neurofeedback therapy is an advanced new treatment used for a plethora of neurological disorders. Also referred to as EEG biofeedback, it is a noninvasive brain training technique that enables patients to drastically improve quality of life. Through directly training the brain to self-regulate a variety of functions, many neurological problems can be disabled at the root of the problem, potentially ridding patients of nasty and hampering symptoms.

How does it Work?

Neurofeedback therapy follows the following basic steps:

1)     Pre-therapy Assessment: Typically, the patient will have electrodes attached to their head as doctors will observe and record brain activity. Patients may be exposed to certain stimuli in order to arouse specific brain functions which doctors wish to observe.

2)     Development of Treatment Plan: Upon receiving the results of each patient’s assessment, doctors will perform analysis to isolate abnormal brainwave patterns. Based on the problems observed, a unique neurofeedback therapy regiment will be designed for each patient.

3)     Training Sessions: Neurofeedback therapy professionals will guide patients through a series of brain exercises, which can take the place of a film, a puzzle, music, or other mediums. Using feedback from these exercises, the therapy is able to normalize brainwave activity by rewarding or emphasizing certain activity and punishing or diminishing other activity. For instance, when a subject is paying attention to an exercise it will continue and when attention wanes, the exercise stalls or stops. This is what we mean by “training the brain”. It is truly amazing how the body wants to innately correct its problem, and neurofeedback therapy leverages this phenomenon.

What Conditions does Neurofeedback Treat?

Neurofeedback therapy has proven effective against numerous disorders, ranging from the most common to the very rare. Here are some specific disorders that the therapy has already proven an effective intervention against:

·         Anxiety or Panic Disorder

·         Attention Deficit Disorder

·         Autism

·         Bipolar Disorder

·         Cerebral Palsy

·         Chronic Pain Syndrome

·         Headaches

·         Insomnia

·         Memory Loss Disorders

·         Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

·         Sleep Issues

There are many more neurological disorders that neurofeedback therapy has proven effective against, and not just in the short term. The goal of the therapy is to provide patients with the natural mechanisms to control brain functions, and thus disorders, for the rest of their lives. While many sessions may be needed to permanently “install” these tools, neurofeedback therapy is not a never-ending commitment, and this is a small price to pay for a potential lifetime of lasting mental health.

HOW NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY WORKS

Taking Control of Attention Deficit Disorder

What is Attention Deficit Disorder?

Attention Deficit Disorder, also called ADD, is a subtype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that is characterized by inattentiveness, rather than impulsiveness. Children and adults afflicted with ADD have great difficulty focusing and sustaining concentration, but are not hyperactive in the same way that those with ADHD can be. Current estimates state that about 5% of children worldwide suffer from this disorder. .

The Inherent Difficulties

It almost goes without saying that sufferers of attention deficit disorder struggle with productivity issues. Beyond being very frustrating for the individual who is afflicted, the lack of attentiveness can also jeopardize learning, grades, and workplace efficiency. For the adults who do not grow out of their ADD, this can greatly affect job security, and therefore absolutely must be dealt with as quickly as possible.

Treatment Options

Traditionally, treatment for attention deficit disorder is under one of two umbrellas: medication, and non-medication. There is no way to cure ADD, but a successful treatment regimen will vastly improve symptoms to the point where they may even be entirely negligible.

Medications for attention deficit disorder are primarily stimulants. These drugs carry significant possible side effects and can often make children (and adults) feel poorly overall. Non-medication treatment for attention deficit disorder typically involves psychotherapy (called psychosocial therapy), behavioral training, or specialized learning programs specifically designed for the disability. In general it is recommended that when treating ADD you use these two methods, in conjunction with each other, to ensure best results. The problem is, beyond possible side effects, this can be a burdensome commitment with no real end in sight. A constant adherence to this regiment requires a great deal of time, money, and patience, as there is no real guarantee any particular treatment will work for any individual.

It is for the reasons above that some of the newer therapies for attention deficit disorder hold such promise. One of these innovative options is called neurofeedback. Neurofeedback is a drug and side effect free therapy for addressing the disorder, and it is designed to give children and adults the long-term tools they need to to overcome ADD. This is all accomplished by retraining the brain through guided brain exercises that are constantly monitored by a doctor. The professional who is administering this treatment reads feedback from your brain through painless sensors, thus the name “neurofeedback.” The therapy is completely noninvasive and designed so that there is light at the end of the tunnel: one day, you should be able to handle the disorder all on your own, free of drugs, therapy, or worries about productivity.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD

What is Biofeedback for Migraines?

What Triggers Migraine Headaches?

What is biofeedback for migraines? It is a modern medical technique designed to alleviate migraines without drugs, surgery, or any sort of poking or prodding. Before we delve further into the treatment, let’s talk more about migraines and what causes them. The severe and painful headaches we refer to as migraines occur in over 10% of the American population, including children. With the condition as prevalent as it is, it is truly remarkable that more has not been accomplished to make migraines preventable. Currently, the best we can do is try and either curb migraines at the root of the problem, or do our best to manage the pain after the onset of these horrible headaches. Here are some common and lesser-known triggers of migraines:

Common Causes

·         Food/Diet

·         Allergies

·         Stress

·         Muscle Tension

·         Sleep Deprivation

·         Light or Smell Sensitivity

·         Alcohol

·         Caffeine

·         Menstruation (in women)

Other Causes

·         Oversleeping

·         Magnesium Deficiency

·         Gluten

·         Hypoglycemia

·         Substance Withdrawal (even caffeine!)

·         Weather

·         Stress Release (also known as “letdown headaches”): proof that life isn’t fair

How Biofeedback Can Help

Now that we know some of the causes of headaches – and how bizarre some of them are – we can move on to a solution-oriented question: What is biofeedback treatment for migraines? First off, biofeedback is an overarching term. Biofeedback refers to the practice of monitoring and retraining your body’s vital functions, enabling them to self-correct and alleviate various problems. When it comes to migraines, doctors are going to look to the brain when attempting to treat the problem. Biofeedback for the brain is called neurofeedback.

So what is biofeedback for the brain, or neurofeedback, going to do for migraine headaches? It’s actually so simple it might amaze you. Every day, your amazing brain initiates and executes countless signals throughout your body. These signals, taking the form of brainwaves, can become slightly distorted over time and repetition. When this happens, problems such as migraines often ensue. The goal of neurofeedback is to get these brainwaves back on track, and this in turn will cut out the migraines. Believe it or not, the therapy sessions are completely painless and noninvasive – but that’s not even the best part. No matter what is triggering your headaches, whether it’s a chronic or hereditary problem, whether its food or stress-based, neurofeedback imparts the tools in your body to fight migraines by itself for the rest of your life. Think that’s too good to be true? Well, so did a lot of doctors and scientists before major research performed over the last decade or so backed it up.

BIOFEEDBACK FOR MIGRAINES

What to Know About Adult ADD Medication

Adult Attention Deficit Disorder

Before we talk about Adult ADD medication, let’s talk about Adult ADD. Adult Attention Deficit Disorder affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, with slightly more men than women being afflicted. The disorder is characterized by chronic forgetfulness, short attention span, difficulty focusing or concentrating, and inability to complete work or other tasks in a timely manner. The disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, and while many children grow out of the problem as they grow older, some are saddled with the condition for life.

Concerns About Medication

Typically, Adult ADD is treated by a mix of Adult ADD medication and intensive therapy. The FDA has approved several drugs for Adult ADD, and these are either of the stimulant or non-stimulant variety. While these drugs can make a positive impact on the life of someone afflicted with Adult ADD, they also come with significant side effects that are not altogether uncommon:

·         Dry Mouth

·         Upset Stomach or Nausea

·         Dizziness

·         Shaking or Trembling

·         Tics

·         Headaches

·         Loss of Sleep

·         Lack of Appetite

Needless to say, if your Adult ADD medication is causing any of the aforementioned problems, the drug may simply be unacceptable to you and your quality of life. While correcting Adult ADD is extremely important, all of us must ask the question: at what cost?

You Have Other Options

Fortunately, there are now several ways to treat ADD without reliance on Adult ADD medication. A couple remarkable new treatments have come to the forefront in recent years, and scientific research has proven their efficacy. One such treatment is called neurofeedback. The principle behind neurofeedback is this: your body knows how to correct its own problems, and if shown the way, it will return to being a highly functioning whole. Neurofeedback uses painless and noninvasive EEG sensors to monitor brainwave activities that have become dysfunctional and are potentially at the root of the problem when it comes to Adult ADD. Utilizing these same sensors and a series of guided brain exercises, doctors can assist patients in actually retraining their brain how to self-regulate and get these patterns back on track. Over time, your brain will learn to correct these problems automatically, and when this happens, both Adult ADD and Adult ADD medication should be a thing of the past.

To learn more about getting yourself off adult ADD medication and gaining the tools to overcome the problem on your own, clickhere today and find out more about BrainCore’s incredible neurofeedback therapy.

Major Medications for ADD

Knowing the Brands

While there are seemingly countless options, it is most important that you have a basic knowledge of the more commonly prescribed medications for ADD. In addition, because everyone’s body is different, you should also be aware of the potential side effects of each one. Before listing different options, it must be noted that there are two major categories of medications for ADD: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants typically utilize some sort of amphetamine or methylphenidate, whereas non-stimulants can be anything from an antidepressant to a blood pressure medication. This dichotomy is something that you need to contemplate – a great aversion to stimulants is pretty common. Without further ado, here are some of the more most-prescribed medications for ADD:

·         Adderall: An amphetamine stimulant, it is fast-acting unless you opt for extended release. Fast-acting will probably mean you take the pill more than once daily. Probably the most common ADD medication out there. Side effects include weight loss, sleep problems, irritability, and loss of appetite.

·         Wellbutrin: Very popular amongst non-stimulant medications for ADD. Comes in any measure of release up to 24 hours. Side effects include increased risk of seizure, headaches, and sleep problems.

·         Vyvanse: Another amphetamine stimulant. Vyvanse is actually a prodrug, which means that it is completely inactive until your body metabolizes it, improving the way it is absorbed and distributed. It lasts about twice as long as Adderall. Side effects include: loss of appetite, weight loss, irritability, and sleep deprivation.

·         Concerta: A methylphenidate stimulant, which aids attentiveness by increasing dopamine levels in the brain rather than heart rate and blood pressure, like an amphetamine. It lasts 10-12 hours and side effects include loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep issues, and irritability.

·         Clonidine: Another non-stimulant, this is one of the blood pressure pills used as medications for ADD. Tablets last 4 to 6 hours on average, and side effects include dizziness, irritability, behavior problems, low blood pressure, and dry mouth.

·         Strattera: Non-stimulant that is extremely long-acting (up to 24 hours). Side effects include anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, sleep problems, and rarely liver damage or suicidal thoughts.

·         Ritalin: Although it is not as commonly prescribed any longer, we could not list medications without including Ritalin – which was one of the first market entrants. Ritalin is still used, however, and is a short-acting methylphenidate stimulant lasting between 3 and 4 hours. This will likely require re-dosing, and common side effects include loss of appetite, irritability, sleep problems, and weight loss.

Beyond Pharmaceuticals

Now being familiar with some of the more common medications for ADD, it is time you also became aware of some alternative treatments on the periphery that are actually quite successful. One, in particular, is quite dynamic: Neurofeedback. A form of biofeedback specifically dealing with the brain, neurofeedback is a way for doctors and patients to learn about the problem individually and systemically then use this information to defeat the disorder. Designed to set up patients for long-term success against ADD, everything is done noninvasively and painlessly. The ultimate goal of neurofeedback is to teach the brain to self-regulate by sensing and normalizing brainwave patterns that have gotten out of whack. This, in turn, should exponentially improve concentration and focus, along with some other undesirable behaviorisms. This lofty goal is accomplished through a series of guided brain exercises, usually taking the form of a movie or video game. Best of all, unlike some of our “wonder drugs” even, the research is there to back it up: neurofeedback has shown to be an effective intervention against ADD and has been declared totally safe by the FDA.

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY FOR ADD

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 [E1]It lasts

3 Signs of ADD

Diagnosing your child can be a challenging task, but there are some signs of ADD to look for that can make identifying the disorder easier. Some of these signs are normal to see in children who don’t have ADD, however they will occur in a child with ADD with a much greater frequency and in higher volume. Paying attention to your child and comparing him with his peers can help make it easier to identify abnormalities in behavior.

1. Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is one of the most well known signs of ADD to look for in your child. While many children are naturally very active, hyperactive children are constantly moving. They are more than just active, displaying an inability to curb their activity appropriately. This quality can manifest itself in many ways, affecting schoolwork, home life, and interpersonal relationships. Some of the most identifiable symptoms of hyperactivity include:

·         Fidgeting and Squirming

·         Inability to Sit Still

·         Restlessness

·         Difficulty Engaging in Quiet or Relaxing Activities

·         Excessive Talking

·         Leaving Seat, Moving or Running Around Inappropriately

2. Inattention

Inattention is another of the most commonly observed signs of ADD. Inattention can be difficult to identify in younger children, and usually becomes more apparent once children begin school. Children will often jump from activity to activity without completing them. It isn’t that they cannot pay attention under any circumstances, but people with ADD find it difficult to stay focused on repetitive or unstimulating activities. As they get older, inattention will often manifest itself during social situations or while at work. Some easy to recognize signs of inattention are:

·         Easy Distraction

·         Careless Mistakes

·         Trouble Focusing

·         Inattention to Details

·         Difficulty Listening When Spoken to

·         Inability to Sustain Tasks

·         Trouble Following Directions

·         Difficulty Remembering Things

3. Impulsivity

Impulsive behavior and decision-making can be one of the most destructive signs of ADD. Impulsivity can lead children with ADD into troublesome situations such as knocking into people or objects. It is also common for lack of foresight to land them in precarious positions, such as climbing too high in a tree or wandering too far from Mom. Impulsive behavior is to be expected in all children from time to time, but children with ADD will exhibit this behavior on a regular basis. Some common symptoms of impulsivity to look for include:

·         Lack of Patience

·         Acting With Little Thought

·         Blurting Out Inappropriately

·         Difficulty Waiting in Line or For One’s Turn

·         Frequently Interrupting

·         Guessing Rather Than Thinking Through a Problem

·         Inappropriate Responses

·         Inability to Control Emotions

Addressing Signs of ADD

If you are noticing signs of ADD in your child, it is important to address them as soon as possible. It is very common for children to be prescribed medications like Adderall or Ritalin, but these are not necessarily the safest or most effective treatments. Many children experience adverse side effects from these medications, and the risks should be carefully considered along with the benefits. There are also a number of natural treatments that have been shown to help treat ADD. For example, neurofeedback therapy is rapidly gaining popularity as a safe and efficient treatment option. This therapy works by redirecting wayward brainwave patterns that can cause a number of neurological conditions including anxiety, panic attacks, chronic pain and ADD. If you’d like to learn more about this noninvasive treatment option, clickhere. 

Neurofeedback Training for Insomnia

In-Depth on Insomnia

Before discussing neurofeedback training as a cure, let’s delve into insomnia, its causes, and symptoms. Insomnia is a fairly common sleep disorder, especially in the United States, where over 60 million Americans are affected by the condition. People that suffer from insomnia have trouble falling asleep or experience troubled sleep patterns. This includes waking up throughout the night and having trouble falling back asleep, waking up too early, and feeling tired upon awakening.

One of the reason insomnia necessitates a treatment like neurofeedback training is that in any case, sleep deprivation can really negatively impact productivity, health, and quality of life. Insomnia is typically divided into two types and then further subdivided by how long the condition persists. Insomnia that is unassociated with any other health condition is referred to as primary insomnia, whereas insomnia that is due to some underlying condition such as asthma, indigestion, or arthritis is called secondary insomnia. Short-term insomnia is referred to as “acute”, but when the problem lasts an inordinate amount of time, we may be looking at what is called “chronic insomnia”.

Before getting to neurofeedback training and other treatment methods, here are some of the causes of insomnia, whether it is the acute or chronic variety:

·         Stress

·         Anxiety

·         Depression

·         Pain

·         Medication

·         Bad Sleep Atmosphere (i.e. sound, temperature, a newborn)

·         Alteration of Sleep Schedule

The Treatment Dilemma

Prior to the surfacing of groundbreaking treatments such as neurofeedback training, doctors historically had relied heavily on medication to alleviate the symptoms of insomnia. Beyond the fact that medicated sleep does not lend itself to restfulness, these medications can be potentially addictive or, in rare cases, gravely dangerous. Other treatment methods such as hypnosis, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy are out there, but results are largely mixed.

For those of us who want results and wish to get them free of pharmaceuticals, neurofeedback training is right up our alley. Neurofeedback training treats not only insomnia, but often the underlying issue as well, and aims to achieving long-term and lasting results. The process is completely noninvasive and pain free. Better yet, no side effect for neurofeedback training has ever been found – something that can hardly be said about many of the prescription meds that are out there. How does that work? By teaching your brain to self-correct brainwave patterns that have gone awry, and in turn are causing you sleeplessness. Doctors electronically monitor your brainwave patterns as you go through a series of guided brain exercises, and within as little as a few sessions you could be well on your way to the restful nights you need to have amazing days. Check out some other advice and tips for conquering your sleeping dilemma on our video below:

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR INSOMNIA

Easy and Natural Remedies for Headaches

Easy and Natural Remedies for Headaches

Medications often come with a host of negative side effects, which has left many people searching for easy and effective natural remedies for headaches. Everyone has a different body, and there are a wide range of triggers that could be causing a headache. Luckily, there are many natural and side effect free treatment options available today. 

Capsaicin Cream 

Creams and other organic ointments can be relieving natural remedies for headaches. One particularly effective ointment is capsaicin cream, in which the active ingredient is cayenne pepper. Cayenne is a natural reducer of pain symptoms, because it blocks nerve path signals. Applying a small amount inside the nostril on the side of the head that’s hurting has been shown to provide headache relief. You can also add a drop or two of relaxing essential oils like lavender or chamomile, to help relax you while waiting for the pain to subside. 

Exercise 

Exercise can relieve a number of health problems, and is one of the best natural remedies for headaches. A 2011 study showed that physical activity can actually help prevent migraines altogether. Exercise was shown to be equally as effective as taking prescription preventative medicine. Plus, exercise comes with no adverse side effects, aside from the occasional sore muscle. Keeping a regular work out schedule is a great way to help lower the frequency of your headaches. 

Massage Therapy 

Massage therapy is one of the oldest natural remedies for headaches. Traditional medicine has identified certain trigger points, or muscle knots, that are a common cause of sudden, stubborn aches and pains. A trained massage therapist can help identify and focus on these sensitive areas, and teach you how to target these spots yourself. Massage also helps increase blood and oxygen flow in the body, which can help tense muscles to relax. Targeted massage has been shown to offer great relief for some headache sufferers, particularly those dealing with tension headaches. 

Neurofeedback Therapy 

Neurofeedback therapy is quickly emerging as one of the most effective natural remedies for headaches. This targeted brain training helps redirect brainwaves that have gone astray, and guide them back to a natural, organized pattern. This side effect free therapy results in a more stable and functional brain. It has been shown effective in treating a variety of neurological conditions ranging from panic attacks, to anxiety and migraines.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR HEADACHES.

Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Getting to know ADHD

 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is neurological disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood. Children can grow out of the disorder, but it is possible that it can continue well into adulthood. Current best estimates place Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in approximately 5% of children in the United States. Not only to ADHD children display hyperactivity and impulsiveness, they also have heightened difficulty when it comes to attentiveness or focus, making both academics and home life extremely challenging.

Recognizing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder early on is an extremely valuable tool. The earlier you can begin treating a child, the easier time they will have adjusting to school, social life, and everyday situations. Here are some typical symptoms of an ADHD youngster:

·         Restlessness/Cannot sit still

·         Constantly in motion

·         Very easily distracted

·         Extreme disorganization

·         Displays habitual forgetfulness

·         Difficulty listening or staying engaged in a conversation

·         Inability to share with other children or wait their turn

·         Continually acts impulsively or whimsically

Living with the Disorder

Fortunately, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is highly treatable. Each case is incredibly unique, so devising a thoughtful and calculated treatment plan is absolutely essential to one day being able to manage ADHD. Generally, both children and adults with the disorder will be prescribed medication. In most cases, this is not enough, however. A rigorous regimen of psychotherapy and even behavioral training will greatly improve treatment and enhance the sufferer’s chances at suppressing some of the more troublesome symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

For those of us seeking more forward-thinking approach to their Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, there are some fantastic alternative therapies out there that are aimed at approaching the problem systemically. One such therapy is called neurofeedback. Neurofeedback is largely based upon the theory of homeostasis, which states that systems, especially the human body, wish to function as an efficient whole. The therapy itself is completely noninvasive, and consists of a doctor reading your brainwaves to locate patterns that have gotten “out of whack." Once these patterns are isolated, the patient is guided through a series of mental exercises in which the brain, in all its wonder, will self-correct. The really great part about this therapy is that it is designed to provide patients with a lasting solution to their problem by solving it innately, not keep them coming back for more when the bottle runs out.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD

Is Neurofeedback Equipment Painful?

What is Neurofeedback?

Before discussing how neurofeedback equipment works, let’s briefly discuss neurofeedback as a whole and how it is currently being used to change the lives of those afflicted with neurological conditions all over the planet. Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback or neurotherapy, is a groundbreaking new treatment that utilizes cutting-edge equipment to monitor brain activity and eventually teach the brain to self-regulate its own brainwave patterns.

Every person’s brain carries out an almost innumerable amount of functions each and every day through electrical signals, or brainwaves, that are sent throughout the central nervous system and the rest of the human body. When brainwave patterns are normal, our body functions are like a well-oiled machine. Over time, however, brainwave patterns can start to get off-track, and when this happens, it greatly increases the likelihood that we develop problems. That’s where neurofeedback comes in. Neurofeedback equipment is used to measure brain activity and then to produce a signal that is used as feedback – hence the name neurofeedback – that teaches our brain’s to right these brainwave patterns that have gone awry without resorting to drugs, surgery, or the various costly psychotherapy methods.

How the Therapy Works

For all of the benefits it offers, the great part about this process is that neurofeedback equipment is completely painless and noninvasive to the patient. Beyond this, the FDA has declared neurofeedback to be completely safe and no known side effect has ever been established. The therapy works like this: before sessions begin, doctors conduct a comprehensive assessment that is used to determine if and how a patient’s brainwave patterns are deviating from the norm. If this is indeed the case, this information will provide valuable insight that will then, in turn, be used to create protocols for successful treatment. During the treatment itself, patients are hooked up via simple EEG sensors that easily adhere to the skin. These sensors do not transmit any electricity into the body, and are solely used as monitoring devices. Patients are guided through a series of brain exercises, usually taking the form of something like a video or a game, and over time, using the determined feedback, the brain is taught to self-regulate the targeted brainwave patterns. After a certain amount of sessions, this will take place automatically and naturally within our own systems, and patients won’t have the need to keep coming back. The ultimate goal here is simple: provide the natural tools to combat neurological disorders by giving patients independence over their own brains.

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY

Home Remedies for Insomnia

Home Remedies for Insomnia: Simple Cures Guaranteed to Put You to Sleep

It is the rare person who has never spent a restless night tossing and turning fitfully, locked in a futile quest to get some much-needed sleep. For most of us, this type of insomnia is an occasional, temporary thing, usually lasting no more than a few nights at the most. However, for many adults chronic insomnia is a very real problem, and one that can lead to severe long-term health consequences such as heart disease.

The causes of insomnia vary significantly from one individual to the next, but fall into three distinct categories. The first relates to psychological factors such as stress and depression, and is in fact the most common cause of insomnia in adults. The second category includes physical causes of insomnia such as chronic pain, low levels of melatonin, physiological sleep disorders like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and some genetic disorders. The third category of insomnia causes centers on lifestyle choices such as overuse of caffeine and alcohol. In most cases, a long-term, working cure can be found from among the many easily available and highly effective home remedies for insomnia. However, it is always wise to seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional, especially if you suspect that your insomnia is linked to a biological cause.

There are numerous home remedies for insomnia, encompassing a wide array of lifestyle changes as well as natural supplements and relaxants. The following strategies and cures are most effective when followed on a daily basis.

·         Stick to a routine. Keep a set bedtime and waking time every day of the week. Also try and institute a daily bedtime ritual, which could include a relaxing bath and a warm glass of milk. It is important to avoid any excessive auditory or visual stimulation before going to bed, so TV, reading, and above all, work, is not a good idea in the hour or so before you go to sleep.

·         Caffeine and alcohol: Do not consume caffeine or alcohol less than two hours before you go to bed. Both have the effect of keeping you awake and while alcohol might initially lull you to sleep, the stimulants in the alcohol will wake you after the mellower effects have passed.

·         Naptime: Try to avoid sleeping during the day and if you do nap, limit the nap to between 30 and 45 minutes. This will ensure that you are tired enough and ready to go to sleep at the end of your day.

·         Soporific foods: Try eating a light snack before you go to bed, such as a piece of toast or even a few cookies. Sugar and carbohydrates are known to help you relax and may help you fall asleep. Warm milk and honey also works wonders for inducing sleep.

·         Natural supplements: There are numerous herbal supplements available today that help in relaxation. By far, the most effective of these in terms of soporific effects is valerian. Available in pill form, it is not addictive and is easy on the stomach. Melatonin pills are also known to be an effective remedy as decreased melatonin levels have been linked to heightened insomnia.

It might take some time and a little bit of experimentation to find the right cure for yourself from among these various homes remedies for insomnia. However, with a little bit of patience and a willingness to stick to a daily routine, even the most stubbornly persistent cases of insomnia can be overcome.

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