Neurofeedback - Brainwave Therapy

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 a very attractive, therapeutic option to many people because it is a non-invasion approach and it can be used to address numerous conditions, in addition to ADD/ADHD. As well, it has a track record of being completely safe to use, with no negative side effects having been reported even though there have been a significant number of very positive side effects from the use of biofeedback therapy.

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.

Partly because it is not yet in wide use, neurofeedback treatments can be fairly costly. In many cases, the average person's budget is not sufficient to cover the cost. In addition, since insurance companies categorize biofeedback therapy as experimental, the treatments are rarely covered. However, the Wild Divine Biofeedback program is an option for those who cannot afford the expense of visiting biofeedback therapists. Wild Divine offers a kit with sensors and software that you can simply run on your home computer.

Traditional Healing in Modern Medicine

You've heard that it's takes a village to raise a child, but Dr. Mehl-Madrona believes that it often takes a community to heal someone who is ill. The indigenous ways have much to teach us. In his books and this interview he tells us stories that he's told to his patients to help in their healing process. These stories give us universal wisdom and strength.

• Discover how to use the community to help your friends and family heal
• See how to integrate contemporary medicine with traditional healing
• Learn the traditional meaning of the Four Directions
• See how you can use stories to enhance the healing process
• Discover the hidden meaning of the Native American Medicine Wheel
• Be Inspired to live in harmony with the seasons and nature
• Learn about the real meaning of “success” in healing
• Explore how to use our ancestors’ spirits in healing and story
• Find out what the benefits of ceremony can be in your life
• Learn to create your own ceremonies for daily living
• See how the Ravens Beak story relates to modern health issues

Lewis Mehl-Madrona holds an M.D. from Stanford University and has been a practicing doctor for over 20 years. An experienced healer who has led many Native American healing ceremonies, Dr. Mehl-Madrona has also headed traditional medical clinics, helping AIDS and cancer patients as well as researching the benefits of relaxation techniques to aid in the natural correction of breech positioned babies. He is currently an Associate Professor of Family Practice at the University Of Hawaii School Of Medicine. He has been studying and working in the field of Native American and indigenous healing for many years.