Harness the power of your mind and body
Our biofeedback therapy helps you overcome ADD/ADHD by harnessing the power of your mind and becoming aware of how your mind and body are interacting. We utilize the Interactive Metronome, heart rate variability (HRV), and HEG (hemoencephalography) biofeedback methods to help our patients overcome the symptoms of attention deficit disorder and related disorders.
Interactive Metronome®
The Interactive Metronome® (IM) is a patented technology designed to enhance focus and concentration through a series of synchronized hand and foot exercises. The IM has proven to help children and adults improve their attention, learning abilities, coordination and mental processing speed, and is an excellent resource treating a wide range of cognitive and physical difficulties.
How does the Interactive Metronome Work?
The IM uses a structured, goal-oriented process to train the brain to plan, sequence and process information more effectively by using a series of repetitive activities with precision feedback. Patients try to match a range of hand and foot exercises to a computer-generated reference tone played through headphones. A patented sight and sound guidance system provides immediate feedback (measured in milliseconds) and progressive challenges as the patient tries to improve their accuracy in matching the computer generated beat. Over the course of the treatment, patients learn to focus for longer periods, filter out internal and external distractions, and progressively improve their coordination.
The Benefits of the Interactive Metronome for Treatment
The Interactive Metronome is an excellent treatment option which has been proven to improve focus and attention, control of aggression/impulsivity, coordination, language processing and academic performance. Recent studies on school-age boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) show training with the Interactive Metronome measurably improved attention, coordination, reading and language processing. Training on the Interactive Metronome usually includes a series of timed sessions over a prescribed period, often combined with other treatments for more enhanced, synergistic results.
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRV)
Heart rate variability (HRV) is the beat-to-beat variations in heart rate or pulse and is intimately tied to a person's emotional state. With biofeedback we offer HRV as a treatment option for a variety of mental and emotional conditions, including anxiety, attention deficit disorder, and depression. HRV patterns are different from simple heart rate patterns and much more significant for psychological treatment. When we are in a state of stress, anxiety, anger or sadness our heart rate variation tends to be lower, disordered and chaotic. In contrast, when we are in a positive emotional state, like love, laughter or gratitude, our heart rate variation tends to be increased, ordered and rhythmic. Using a computerized analysis of heart rate and respiratory rate information, it is possible to measure the rate of variability and use the information to create a change in emotional state.
How Does HRV Biofeedback Work?
HRV Biofeedback uses the computerized data collected and displays it on a screen so you are able to watch and monitor your heart patterns as you change your thoughts, breathing, body tension and other activities. Through practice, you develop specific techniques to adjust and modify your heart rhythms to an ideal state. After a series of sessions and use of the techniques you learn, you ultimately are able to self-regulate the ideal rhythms you desire.
Hemoencephalography (HEG)
HEG (hemoencephalography) is the study of blood flow in the brain by voluntarily controlling blood flow or oxygenation in specifically chosen areas of the brain.
How does HEG work?
Blood brings oxygen and the basic nutrient, glucose, at life sustaining levels to all parts of the brain. Our brains have an amazing ability to supply extra blood preferentially to areas in current use, so active brain areas show higher oxygen density and higher than normal temperatures, so simple measurements can locate active areas. We also use specific parts of the brain for accomplishing familiar tasks and learning new things, so we use a near infrared HEG infrared thermometer (nirHEG) to shine light through the skin and skull to assess the color of brain tissue and identify areas for improvement. Then, we assign learning tasks which are applied to focus on these key areas of the brain, increasing demand for nutrition and oxygenation in these areas. Using HEG neurofeedback to increase brain blood flow can provide significant clinical benefits, especially in areas impacted by the frontal lobe, such as migraines, depression and ADHD. In addition, HEG biofeedback provides treatment potential for many types of learning, cognitive, neurological and behavioral disorders.
Alpha-Stim Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES)
The Alpha-Stim 100 is a precision medical instrument designed to provide mild electrical stimulation to the head. This treatment option, known as cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), helps improve focus and reduce anxiety, depression and other conditions. As a non-invasive, drug-free therapy, CES is simple to use and can even be self-administered at any time, without interfering with other treatments. People using the Alpha-Stim 100 usually report a pleasant relaxed feeling of well-being following treatment, and as there are no physical limitations following treatment, most patients are able to immediately resume normal daily activities.