WELLNESS

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY

BRAIN TRAINING FOR DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, ADHD AND MORE

By Kristy Podruchny

The concept of neuroplasticity teaches us that our brains are capable of changing at any point in our lives. Brain training, which includes neurofeedback therapy (NT), has been explored since the late 1950s with the goal of teaching the brain to self-regulate after creating new neural pathways.

DEVELOPING NEW NEURAL PATHWAYS

Imagine a pebble on top of a hill. It rolls down the same path for years making a groove. Can you imagine how difficult it would be to make it go down a new path knowing that gravity guides the pebble down the groove?

Creating a new neural pathway requires a conscious effort of grabbing that pebble and guiding it down a new path until the pebble rolls there on its own.

CONDITIONING YOUR BRAIN

NT is a type of brain training that uses electroencephalography (EEG) to first map, then monitor your brainwaves as you receive audio and visual stimuli. When the desired brainwaves are detected, you receive positive stimuli in the form of audio and visual rewards. Some NT practitioners use other types of imaging, like functioning magnetic resistance imaging (fMRI) in addition to or instead of EEG. EEG is more widely used. Not everyone has a million bucks to invest in an MRI machine!

It allows patients to take an active role in treating themselves rather than placing the responsibility on medication alone.

THE SPECIFICS ON HOW NT CAN HELP TREAT DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND ADHD GET COMPLICATED, BUT HERE'S A GOOD EXAMPLE:

People with ADHD typically have a poor theta and beta ratio. The goal would be to condition the brain to have an ideal ratio. Your brain would learn to self-regulate and have fewer symptoms of ADHD left to manage. Same goes for anxiety and depression. Pretty cool, right?

If you live in a big city, chances are you can find an NT practitioner nearby. Also, if your therapist holds a biofeedback and neurofeedback certification, they can start your NT in their own office. NT is a medication-free way to manage symptoms. It allows patients to take an active role in treating themselves rather than placing the responsibility on medication alone.

There are potential side effects which include all of the symptoms you're trying to treat, it’s pricey, isn’t typically covered by insurance, and some debate still remains about its efficacy. Do your research on the clinics you're considering and consult a doctor or a therapist before you start NT. Who knows? With some consistency and an electrode skull cap, you could have a higher quality of life to help you thrive!

Dr. Nancy Gravel DC BCN 985-626-4422

2201 11th St., Mandeville, LA 70471

www.carechiropractic.us

Local Farmers Markets

Abita Springs Farmers Market

22049 Main Street Sundays noon-4pm (985) 807-4447

Ascension Fresh Market

9039 St. Landry Road Gonzales Saturdays, 8am-noon (225) 675-1750

Covington Farmers Market

609 Columbia Street Saturdays 8-noon 419 N. New Hampshire Wednesdays 10-2 (985) 892-1873

Gretna Farmers Market

Third Street and Huey P. Long Street Saturday, 8:30 am-12:30 pm (504) 362-8661

Hammond Farmers Market

#2 West Thomas Street Saturdays, 8am-noon (985) 542-3471

German Coast Farmers Market

St. Charles Plaza on Hwy 90 in Luling Wednesdays, 3-6pm (985) 764-9762

Mandeville Trailhead Community Farmers Market

675 Lafitte Street Saturdays, 9am-1pm (985) 845-4515

Crescent City Farmers Market

Tuesdays in Tulane Square 9am-1pm Wednesdays in French Market at 1235 N. Peters Street 2-6pm Thursdays at Orleans Avenue and Bayou St. John 3-7pm Saturdays at Magazine Street and Girod Street 8am-noon (504) 861-4488

Sankofa Farmers Market

3819 St. Claude Avenue Saturdays, 10am-2pm (504) 872-9214

Slidell Camellia City Market

Corner of Erlanger and Second Street Saturdays, 8:30am12:30pm (985) 640-7112

Westwego Farmers and Fisheries Market

484 Sala Avenue at Fourth Street Saturdays, 8:30am12:30pm (504) 341-3424 ext. 209

EAT FRESH BLUEBERRIES

By Michelle Fouchi Esneault

Though tiny, blueberries pack a powerful punch when it comes to your health. This sweet and nutritious summer super food has the highest levels of antioxidants of any other fruit and provides multiple benefits to both brain and body.

HEART HEALTH

The American Heart Association states that eating at least three servings of blueberries a day can lower your risk of heart attacks by 32 percent. In addition, they contain fiber, potassium, calcium and magnesium which can lower your blood pressure and help prevent atherosclerosis and strokes. CANCER PROTECTION

The antioxidants and phytochemicals in blueberries have anti-carcinogenic properties which can prevent tumors and cancers. A study by the Beckman Research Institute suggests that they also can reduce DNA damage by neutralizing the free radicals that cause oxidative stress which may play a role in the development of cancer.