How to Research ADD Natural Remedies

A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) for your child may have you wondering if medication is the only answer. Many parents are concerned about the potential side effects and drug interactions of the most common medications given for ADD. If you aren’t sure how to start your research on ADD natural remedies and alternative therapies, here are some suggestions:

1.       Talk to your child’s medical care provider about which natural remedies for managing your child’s ADD symptoms show promise. If he is up-to-date on research into alternative therapies, he may be able to suggest other things to try besides prescription medications.

2.       Ask your doctor if he can refer you to an alternative medicine practitioner in your area. These two disciplines sometimes work hand-in-glove to bring the greatest relief of symptoms to the patient.

3.       If you want to investigate how biofeedback training might help your child learn to manage his symptoms, look for a biofeedback/neurofeedback practitioner in your area. Many mental health professionals, doctors, and chiropractors now offer this type of treatment in conjunction with therapy to help in managing ADD symptoms.

4.       Contact your local mental health center for listings of ADD/ADHD parent support organizations. Parents often share helpful information on what has worked in the way of ADD natural remedies, as well as traditional medical protocols, for their child’s ADD. As with any alternative therapy, be sure to keep your child’s doctor in the loop when considering other ways of bringing your child relief.

5.       Talk to your doctor about a referral to a dietician who can give you information on the best possible diet for your child with ADD. A proper diet supports not only your child’s body but also his brain function, making it one of the simplest ADD natural remedies to put in place.

Receiving a diagnosis of ADD for your child can be unsettling and the best answer isn’t always prescription medication. If you are interested in ADD natural remedies and alternative therapies, use the steps above to get started with your research. It takes time to gather the information to advocate for your child’s best medical care, but there is truly no better use of a parent’s time.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD/ ADD

How to Treat Insomnia without Medication

How to Treat Insomnia the Natural Way

If you are suffering from a sleep disorder, you are not alone. Medical research has shown that one-third of all Americans develop a condition at some point in their lives that makes sleep difficult – or nearly impossible. No wonder there are so many people on the Internet searching for how to treat insomnia!

There is one thing for sure: prescription medications should not be used to treat insomnia, unless you have exhausted all of the natural options available. Prescription medications often come with nasty side effects, and they only help people fall asleep a little quicker, they don’t actually help people stay asleep or increase the quality of their sleep. Some of them even have some really scary adverse reactions in people, like psychosis or the introduction of suicidal ideations. It's much better to go the natural route if possible.

That said, here is a quick guide on how to treat insomnia with natural remedies:

1.       Improve your sleep hygiene. Many folks don't have good habits and rituals surrounding sleep. They take naps in the middle of the day, making it difficult for their brains to regulate the chemicals necessary to make them tired (or feel alert.) Also, the blue light from smartphones, tablets, and laptops interfere with the production of melatonin, which is one of the natural chemicals your body produces to help you get to sleep. Having a different bedtime every night can also make your brain go a little haywire. If you have any of these deficiencies in your own sleep hygiene regimen, start working on them. You should see improvement in your symptoms within a week or two.

2.       Try natural supplements before medication. Herbs and natural treatments have been helping people fall asleep for thousands of years before the drug companies invented Ambien and other prescriptions medications for insomnia. You can purchase natural supplements such as melatonin, as well as teas like chamomile and valerian root, which unlike prescription medication, helps you fall asleep faster and improves the quality of your sleep. 

3.       Get some exercise. Every medical and health website out there is repeating this bit of information, but many folks never take it to heart. They think they are too busy, too stressed, or just don't want to put any effort into researching their exercise options. The truth is, you are losing far more of the hours in each day to insomnia than you would to exercise – which takes 20-30 minutes. If you get that workout in, you'll not only fall asleep faster, but get a much better quality of sleep, and as a result, you'll wake up feeling refreshed, be more productive at work, and a lot less likely to get into an accident on-the-job or in your car.

There you have it – three suggestions for how to treat insomnia the natural way. Don't wait any longer – put them into effect right now, and you'll notice improvements in no time at all. 

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR INSOMNIA

What are the Best Vitamins for Fibromyalgia?

Are There Any Vitamins for Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a terrible condition to have – one that causes generalized pain and sensitivity all over a sufferer's body. Worse, it's not fully understood by doctors, so there are few treatment options available.

If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, you may be researching potential alternative treatments that can help to alleviate some of your symptoms. Though there aren't rigorous scientific studies on any of these, anecdotal and experiential evidence suggests that many sufferers are finding some relief by taking one or a combination of the following supplements and vitamins for fibromyalgia:

1.       5-HTP-This is a chemical synthesized from tryptophan, the substance found in foods such as turkey and milk. It is thought to help increase the amount of serotonin produced in the brain, which in turn helps alleviate some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

2.       Capsicum-Many people know of capsaicin, a chemical found in red chili peppers that makes food spicy and may promote weight loss, but the fruit of the red pepper plant can also be used to create capsicum, and may be effective in treating muscle pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.

3.       Magnesium-This is a mineral that everyone's body needs. It's present in large amounts in our internal systems, and it is vital to hundreds of chemical reactions our bodies perform every day. If you have normal magnesium levels, you may not find this particularly effective, but there is some research that suggests fibromyalgia is worsened by a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiencies are actually quite common in Americans, especially among the elderly and the African-American populations.

4.       SAMe-This is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that is used to treat osteoarthritis, arthritis, migraines, and more. Around the world, many countries require a prescription for SAMe, but in the U.S., it is one of the most commonly purchased vitamins for fibromyalgia, and it is available over the counter.

5.       Vitamin D-A recent study in Austria found that people suffering from chronic pain due to fibromyalgia may get some relief by taking Vitamin D. Researchers found an association between decreased pain levels and this particular supplementation; however, they couldn't establish a cause-and-effect link, so more scientific study is necessary. Vitamin D is one of the most common and inexpensive vitamins for fibromyalgia, and it's nearly impossible to get too much (so long as you don't exceed 2,000 IUs per day for adults and 1,000 IU per day for infants.)

There are many more supplements and vitamins for fibromyalgia currently undergoing scientific study and review. Those listed above, in combination with treatments prescribed by your doctor, may help you find some relief. 

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR FIBROMYALGIA AND CHRONIC PAIN

Trigger Point Injections (TPI) as an Effective Treatment Method

Trigger point injections (TPIs) are an option for treating muscle pain in some patients. This procedure is used to treat areas of muscles that contain trigger points, which are knots of muscle that form when muscles do not relax. This can be caused from muscle overuse, such as a repetitive motion or a muscle injury, common in myofascial pain syndrome. Sometimes these knots can be felt just below the skin. These trigger points are tender and can irritate the nerves around them resulting in pain that radiates and can be felt in other parts of your body.

 The Trigger Point Injection (TPI) Process

According to WebMD.com, during the trigger point injection (TPI) process, the health care professional inserts a small needle into the individual’s trigger point. This injection contains a local anesthetic or saline. Once injected, the trigger point is inactive and the pain goes away. The injections are given in a doctor’s office and many times several trigger points are injected during one visit. After the injection a bandage is placed over the site, and if this area is painful, it is recommended that ice, heat, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen be used for the soreness. Generally it takes several sessions to achieve a lengthy relief from the pain.

When to Use Trigger Point Injections?

TPIs are used to treat various muscles, but especially those in the arms, legs, lower back, and neck. TPI is oftentimes used to treat the pain associated with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain affecting all areas of an individual’s body, and tension headaches. It is also used to treat myofascial pain syndrome, a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles), when other treatments have failed to provide relief. The effectiveness of TPIs in regards to myofascial pain syndrome is still being studied.

Trigger point injections are used to treat knots of muscle that form when muscles do not relax, commonly known as trigger points. This can be caused from muscle overuse, such as a repetitive motion or a muscle injury, common in myofascial pain syndrome. Injections are normally given in a doctor’s office and more than one site may be injected during a single visit. It may take several sessions to achieve prolonged relief from your pain.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR PAIN/CHRONIC PAIN

The 411 on Biofeedback Techniques

                

Biofeedback is a technology-driven alternative medicine therapy that is being used to treat a host of maladies – including anxiety, depression, chronic headaches, ADD/ADHD and other behavioral disorders, as well as organic brain afflictions like seizures, autism and cerebral palsy.

All biofeedback techniques work in the same way – a therapist attaches electrical sensors to a patient's body, and collects physiological information about things like brain waves and skin temperature.  The information is then given back to the patient, usually in the form of some kind of video game, to help teach them new behaviors that regulate their body's mental and physical responses.  Not all biofeedback techniques are the same, however.  There are many different types, each invented to help treat different kinds of afflictions.  Here are the four most common:

1.       Electromyography (EMG) biofeedback techniques.  EMG biofeedback collects information from your skeletal muscles to teach you how to respond to muscle tension with relaxation and stress relief techniques.  It is common in physical therapy to assess those recovering from traumatic muscle injuries.  EMG biofeedback techniques have also been found to be helpful in treating hypertension, chronic pain, incontinence, anxiety, headaches and lower back pain.

2.       Thermal biofeedback techniques.  Thermal biofeedback techniques involve collecting readings on the skin's temperature through sensors attached to your fingers or feet.  Many people's skin temperature drops when they are under stress, so a reading showing low skin temperature can help people learn to better manage their physiological responses to stress.  Thermal biofeedback techniques have also been found to be helpful in treating chronic pain, edema, headaches, hypertension, Raynaud's disease and anxiety.

3.       Galvanic skin response biofeedback techniques.  Galvanic skin response measures how active your sweat glands are and how much perspiration you have on your skin.  This is a prime indicator of anxiety.  Galvanic skin response biofeedback techniques have also been found to be helpful in treating excessive perspiration and stress.

4.       Electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback.  Using EEG biofeedback techniques, a therapist records a patient's brain activity and uses the results to help the patient learn to control their brainwaves.  EEG neurofeedback is effective for treating a whole host of frontal lobe-centered afflictions, such as anxiety, stress, and attention deficit disorder.  It is also effective for treating disorders with major behavioral components, such as suicidal behavior and drug addiction, and even treats organic brain afflictions like seizures, autism and cerebral palsy.

5.       There are many more biofeedback techniques, but these are the most common.  While there are no permanent cures, biofeedback provides safe and effective long-term treatment for all of the maladies described above.

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Three Natural Remedies for Insomnia

Melatonin, Valerian, and Kava: Three Natural Remedies for Insomnia

Some forms of insomnia are not persistent or chronic enough to warrant treating them with Ambien, Lunesta, or other prescription sleep medications that can have undesirable side effects. Most over-the-counter sleeping pills contain antihistamines, which have side effects that many people find disagreeable, and which can cause drowsiness and sluggishness the next day. There are some natural herbal remedies for insomnia that can be very helpful for relatively mild to moderate insomnia without producing side effects. These include melatonin, valerian, and kava.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that functions in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. The body produces it naturally in the pineal gland, but it is also available as a supplement in pill form. Melatonin supplements may help induce sleep, as well as helping to regulate the sleep cycles. It is not known to have any notable side effects. In addition to treating insomnia, melatonin can also be used to treat delayed phase sleep disorder (DPSD) and other disorders of sleep-wake cycle regulation. A supplemental dosage of melatonin is approximately 3 mg.

Valerian

Valerian is an herb, native to Europe and Asia, which has been used medicinally since ancient times. The root extract is available in over-the-counter capsules and can also be used to make tea. Valerian root has sedative and anxiolytic effects, and is thought to work via some of the same receptors that cause benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, to have their sedative effects. Although larger doses of valerian root extract may rarely cause some mild stomach discomfort, valerian is not known to produce any particularly disagreeable side effects. Valerian is generally consumed in 400-900 mg doses, taken half an hour or so before bed.  

Kava

Kava is a plant native to the islands of the Pacific, where it has been used historically among the peoples native to those regions. The roots of the Kava plant are used to produce a drink with sedative and anxiolytic properties. In Polynesia, kava has historically been used in a religious context. The active ingredients in kava are a group of chemicals called kava lactones, which are considered to be psychoactive. It is thought to modulate the activity of GABA receptors. In addition to being a sedative, it can have a mildly euphoric effect. Kava can induce a deep, often dreamless sleep, within about 30 minutes of ingestion. Kava is available in powdered form, as well as in teas and pills. A kava pill usually contains around 60-150 mg of kava lactones. Kava is regulated in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada; however, it is legal to possess and use Kava in the United States. Three natural remedies for insomnia are melatonin, valerian, and kava. All three are available as supplements, and valerian and kava are also available in the form of teas. These substances have sedative properties and can help with mild or relatively infrequent insomnia. Although chronic insomnia may require prescription medication, a dose of melatonin, valerian, or kava may be a better alternative with fewer side effects for people whose insomnia is less intractable.

Herbal Teas as Natural Insomnia Remedies

There are a number of herbs that have a history of medicinal use as sleep aids. These can be used as natural insomnia remedies. They are less harsh than over-the-counter sleeping pills, which contain antihistamines, or prescription sleeping pills.

Herbal teas made with certain herbs are great natural insomnia remedies. Some herbs that are commonly used for insomnia include:

·         Chamomile,  a plant in the daisy family that is often used to make tea

·         Hops, a plant that is also used in brewing beer. It contains a chemical called dimethylvinyl carbinol, which may promote relaxation and sleep

·         Valerian, a plant whose roots are often used as a sleep aid

·         Passion flower, a common herbal tea ingredient that may have a relaxing effect

All of these plants can be used as natural insomnia remedies in the form of herbal teas.

4 Herbal Teas for Use as Natural Insomnia Remedies

Tea #1: “Sweet Sleep Blend”

(Source: http://www.livingherbaltea.com/herbal-tea-for-insomnia/)

Ingredients:

·         2 parts Chamomile

·         1 part Catnip

·         1 part Peppermint, Rose Petals, or Lemon Balm

·         1 pinch of Valerian Root

Recipe:

“Combine herbs to create one heaping teaspoon. Steep in a typical mug of just-boiling water for 6 minutes.”

Tea #2: “Bedtime Herbal Tea”

(Source: http://www.etsy.com/listing/93290148/bedtime-herbal-tea)

Ingredients:

·         Chamomile flowers

·         Lemon blam

·         Catnip

·         Oatstraw

·         Passion flower

·         Valerian root

·         Hops flowers

Recipe:

Use 1 tsp of herbs per cup of water.

Tea #3: “Herbal Bedtime Tea”

(Source: http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/04/a-recipe-for-herbal-bedtime-tea-an-all-natural-sleep-aid/)

Ingredients:

·         3 parts chamomile flowers

·         2 parts lemon balm

·         1 part catnip

·         1 part oatstraw

·         1 part passionflower

·         ¼ part hops flowers

·         ¼ part valerian root

Recipe:

1. Measure parts of each herb listed and mix in a large bowl until well combined.

2. Use a tea infuser, tea strainer, or teapot to brew a pot or cup.

3. Keep stored in a cool, dark place for approximately 6 months.

4. This tea is mild enough to be used nightly. Take a cup 30 minutes before bed.

Tea #4: “Chamomile and Lemon Balm Tea”

(Source: http://www.sipandom.com/sip-tea/insomnia-tea-chamomile-lemon-balm/)

Ingredients:

·         1 cup (240 mL) water

·         2 tsp (10 mL) lemon balm

·         1 tsp (5 mL) dried chamomile

·         1 tsp (5 mL) honey

Recipe:

“Bring the water to a boil in the saucepan. Make sure the water isn’t boiling too much, or else you might scorch the herbs.

Add the dried herbs to the saucepan. Cover with a lid so the precious oils don’t escape in the steam.

Steep the herbs for about 10 to 15 minutes to receive the full benefit of their healing attributes.

Pour into your favorite tea cup and enjoy sipping this tea just before you drift off to sleep.”

Herbal teas make excellent natural insomnia remedies. Several herbs are known for having effects that can help you sleep; two of the most potent and well-known of these are valerian root and chamomile. For insomnia that isn’t frequent enough or severe enough to warrant antihistamines or prescription sleep medications, herbal teas can be a delicious and very effective way to help yourself get a good night’s sleep.

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Natural Insomnia Cures: Herbal Remedies for a Better Night’s Sleep

Commercially available over-the-counter or prescription sleeping pills can be overwhelmingly potent and can have negative side effects. Many people who have trouble sleeping would prefer to look into “natural insomnia cures”.

Unfortunately, insomnia isn’t something that really has a “cure,” natural or otherwise. However, as far as natural insomnia “cures” go, there are a number of commonplace herbs with sedative or anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. These can be taken as capsules, or made into tinctures or teas. These plants contain naturally occurring chemical compounds that can help induce sleep.

Some herbs that can function as natural treatments for insomnia include:

·         Chamomile

·         Valerian

·         Hops

·         Lemon balm

·         Passion flower

·         California poppy

Alone or in combination, a tea or tincture made with these herbs can have soothing and sedating effects that are highly conducive to sleep.

  

Chamomile 

Chamomile tea is very commonly promoted as one of the best natural cures for insomnia. It can be bought at almost any grocery store in the tea aisle, or you can use loose dried chamomile flowers to make your own herbal infusions. Chamomile contains a number of chemical compounds, some of which have been demonstrated to bind to GABA receptors in the brain. In addition, it has a long history of use for its mildly sedative properties, and many people find that chamomile tea helps them sleep. 

Valerian 

Valerian root is a highly effective for inducing sedation and sleep. Scientists have not yet fully identified the mechanisms by which valerian has its sedative effects, but it is thought that GABA analogs contained within the plant, including valerenic acids and sesquiterpinoids, are responsible. Valerian root extract can be bought in capsules at vitamin stores. It can also be used to make tea. The commercially available Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Tea contains valerian and chamomile. 

Passion Flower

Passion flower is a common ingredient in herbal teas for insomnia. Its mechanisms are not yet entirely clear from a scientific standpoint, but they may be caused by beta-carboline harmala alkaloids contained in the plants. These compounds may lend passion flower its purported anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. As a component of herbal teas, it is said to soothe anxiety, which can help with stress-related insomnia. 

Hops 

Hops have a sedative effect, probably due to a chemical called dimethylvinyl carbinol. They also have a history of use as an herbal remedy for sleeplessness, and may be incorporated into herbal teas and tinctures meant to promote sedation and sleepiness. 

Lemon Balm 

Another component used in natural cures for insomnia is lemon balm. It has mildly anxiolytic and sedative properties, possibly due to rosmarinic acid contained in the plant. This compound has been shown to inhibit GABA transaminase, explaining lemon balm’s effects on anxiety. 

California Poppy 

California poppy extract has a sedative and anxiolytic effect. Its effect is far milder than that of opium, as California poppies contain a different class of alkaloids than opium poppies. At least one study using mice has demonstrated that the extract of this plant has affinities for the same receptors as benzodiazepines, which would explain its calming effects.

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.

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