Whole-Head Normalization Using Live Z-Scores For Connectivity Training (Part 2)
This article is a second in a 2-part series that further explains the practicalities of using Z-score [neurofeedback] training with multiple sites. For an explanation of the theory this is based upon, please refer to Part 1 of this series. Additionally, readers not familiar with Z-score neurofeedback may want to first read the article “Z-Score EEG Biofeedback: Conceptual Foundations” for an excellent introduction to this complex topic. (read the full story)
Researcher Finds That Hypnosis Can Help Control Pain Among Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Hypnosis can help alleviate the pain and suffering experienced by women being treated for breast cancer, according to a study by a University at Buffalo School of Social Work professor. The randomized trial measured pain and suffering, frequency of pain, and degree of constant pain among 124 women with metastatic breast cancer, according to Lisa D. Butler, associate professor in UB’s School of Social Work, a faculty member in the Buffalo Center for Social Research and first author of the study. (read the full story)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Improves Sleep And Lives Of Patients With Pain
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia significantly improved sleep for patients with chronic neck or back pain and also reduced the extent to which pain interfered with their daily functioning, according to a study by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers. The study, published online by the journal Sleep Medicine, demonstrates that a behavioral intervention can help patients who already are taking medications for pain and might be reluctant or unable to take additional drugs to treat sleep disturbance. (continue reading)
Whole-Head Normalization Using Live Z-Scores For Connectivity Training (Part 1)
This article relates some of our last 2 years of work with Live Z-score [neurofeedback] Training (LZT), and how the methods and clinical experience have evolved. Starting with the simple use of live Z-scores to view EEG parameters and do simple training, we have evolved the practice into a comprehensive multichannel whole-head approach with an underlying rationale and a growing set of advanced protocols. Readers not familiar with Z-score neurofeedback may first want to read the article “Z-Score EEG Biofeedback: Conceptual Foundations” for an excellent introduction to this complex topic. (read the full story)
A Clinical Outcome Study Of Neurofeedback And Biofeedback For Migraine Headache
In a recent meta-analysis involving biofeedback for the treatment of migraine, Grade A evidence [6] was found for the efficacy of the above methods which proved stable over a 17 month follow-up phase [5]. Numerous studies explore peripheral biofeedback [5] but scant studies exist on using neurofeedback methods to treat migraine [7-11]. Although the current study discussed today looks at neurofeedback, it is not the sole intervention. Instead of providing only neurofeedback protocols as the sole modality, the lead author, who is a clinician in private practice, decided early on to utilize evidence-based thermal biofeedback methods in addition to the neurofeedback in order to maximize the patient’s chances of success. (continue reading)
An Introduction To Psychotherapies For Consumers
What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy” or “psychological treatment,” is a way to treat people with a mental disorder by helping them understand their illness. It teaches people strategies and gives them tools to deal with stress and unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy helps patients manage their symptoms better and function at their best in everyday life. Sometimes psychotherapy alone may be the best treatment for a person, depending on the illness and its severity. Other times, psychotherapy is combined with medications. Therapists work with an individual or families to devise an appropriate treatment plan. There a variety of different approaches to talk therapy. Most therapies have their strengths and weaknesses depending your interpersonal style and treatment goals. (continue reading)
Diaphragm Mediates Action of Autonomic and Enteric Nervous Systems
The relationship between the diaphragm and corresponding actions of the heart and lungs is well established. In this article, we’ll review that relationship as well as explore the diaphragm’s little recognized role in abdominal function.
As the diaphragm moves down (inhalation) the volume of the thoracic cavity increases, the pressure in the thoracic cavity becomes more negative, and the lungs fill with air from the conducting airways leading from the nose and mouth and blood from the venous tree and right heart. There, blood and air meet across the extremely thin alveolar surface to effect gas exchange – oxygen for carbon dioxide. During inhalation, heart rate increases to speed filling of the low pressure environment of the lungs via the right heart and to prevent a precipitous fall in arterial pressure while the lungs store a large volume of blood – on the order of 500+ ml. (continue reading)
Pre-Implant Psychological Evaluations (Part 2)
Part 1 of this 2 part series provided a general overview of psychologists’ roles in pre-implant evaluations, as well as explained the goals, objectives, and common issues encountered in these biopsychosocial assessments. Part 2 details the results from a follow-up study of patients who completed a pre-implant psychological evaluation and subsequently received a surgically implanted pain management device. (more…)
Blood Wave/Heart Rate Super-Synchrony: A New Measure of Cardiopulmonary Resonance
“Resonance” is the tendency of any physical system to oscillate. The frequency at which it oscillates is that at which it is optimally efficient. The pendulum of a clock is a simplest example. The pendulum swings back and forth at its resonant frequency which is determined in large part by its mass and its length. The physical system discussed here is the human cardio-pulmonary system consisting of the lungs, the left heart, the arterial tree, the capillary bed, the venous tree, the right heart, and coming full circle, the lungs. This is the primary course that the blood takes as it circulates through the body. (more…)
ISNR Clinical Research Consortium Offers Researchers Logistical Support To Increase Neurofeedback Clinical Trials
The ISNR Clinical Research Consortium called for members to get more active in clinical research. They also offered to provide logistical support that includes study design and implementation and assistance navigating the grant application process. The goal: to significantly increase the number of quality, publishable neurofeedback clinical trials. This announcement comes on a busy week of neurofeedback news, including two articles by The Washington Post covered here: The NIMH Will Sponsor The First Federally Funded Neurofeedback Study and Calls For Increased Regulation Of Neurofeedback. Check the end of this review for the actual annoucement sent to members. (more…)
Pre-Implant Psychological Evaluations (Part 1)
Pain patients who are candidates for surgical implants – whether a spinal cord stimulator or intrathecal pump – suffer chronic moderate to severe pain and have not benefited from conservative or less-invasive treatment methods which include, but are not limited to, oral medications including opioids, physical therapy, injections, psychological therapy, holistic treatments acupuncture, massage, cranial sacral), etc. In such instances, the use of such implants may be helpful to the management and reduction of pain and is often a last resort in the spectrum of treatment options. (more…)
The Use Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine In The United States
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Center for Health Statistics (part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) released findings on Americans’ use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The findings are from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an annual in-person survey of Americans regarding their health and illness related experiences. The CAM section gathered information on 23,393 adults aged 18 years or older and 9,417 children aged 17 years and under. Of interest to many of our readers, treatments such as biofeedback, diaphragmatic breathing, hypnosis, meditation, guided imagery, and progressive relaxation are included in the analysis. (more…)
From Sudan – A Story of Coherent Breathing and PTSD
From the Coherence Newsletter, written by guest contributor Ellen Ratner, White House Correspondent and Bureau Chief for The Talk Radio News Service, author, and Fox News contributor.
In March 2008, I along with other talk show hosts, was invited by Christian Solidarity International to visit Sudan on a humanitarian mission. Being very impressed with their work and continued dedication to freeing people in slavery after a catastrophic 22 year civil war, I was glad to have the opportunity to participate. (more…)
An Introduction To Coherent Breathing
It has been known for thousands of years that breathing is key to health, performance, and longevity. We are just beginning to understand why − breathing has much to do with “circulation,” both quantity and quality. Typically, when we are at rest, blood in the body circulates once each minute; when we are exercising this can increase to six times per minute (Medical Physiology, Guyton & Hall, 2002). (more…)
ISNR Petitions State Attorney Generals To Commence A Restraint Of Trade Action Against Health Insurance Carriers
The International Society of Neurofeedback (ISNR) petitioned state Attorney Generals to commence a “restraint of trade action” against health Insurance Carriers in June 2009. The author(s) of the letter put forth a strong rationale for mandated insurance coverage of neurofeedback / biofeedback, including that insurance carriers hold neurofeedback / biofeedback efficacy research to a higher burden of proof. Below you will find a copy of the original letter sent to the Attorney Generals, as well as ISNR’s recent update on the responses received so far. The initial Attorney General feedback suggests that ISNR will have significant hurdles to overcome with this legal approach. (more…)
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A Clinical Outcome Study Of Neurofeedback And Biofeedback For Migraine Headache- Diaphragm Mediates Action of Autonomic and Enteric Nervous Systems
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