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Hawaii Center for Psychology |
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Enhancing Well-Being |
808-538-7793 |
Training your brain to ease Migraine suffering
Nothing is more debilitating than recurring migraine headaches. Many people who suffer from migraines are unaware that there are safe and effective biofeedback treatments that can reduce or even eliminate migraine headaches.
At Hawaii Center for Psychology we combine the time tested technique of thermal biofeedback with the latest in high tech neurofeedback, to provide you with a painless, relaxing and effective treatment for migraines that can be used in conjunction with your current medications, or in many cases, can reduce or even eliminate your dependence on medication to control your migraine headaches.
Thermal biofeedback is a process of teaching you how to relax and reduce vascular constriction, a condition believed to be a contributing factor to the onset of migraine headaches. This is actually a simple and relaxing process. Along with thermal biofeedback, we utilize a truly amazing technology called neurofeedback.
- WebMD -
Here is a brief (9 minute) video featuring Dr. Siegfried Othmer and his wife, Susan Othmer, two of the leaders in the science and practice of Neurofeedback over the last 30 years. The video features one of their patients who suffered from migraines. At HCP, we utilize the Othmer's approach to neurofeedback treatment.
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that uses brainwave patterns to train the brain to better regulate itself and your body. Although it has been around for over 30 years, improvements in technology and treatment protocols have recently made it much more available.
When we think about the brain, we typically associate it with thoughts and cognition. It is true that the brain is the organ that we think with. However, it is also the organ that regulates our body's functioning; heart rate, vascular constriction, breathing, sleep, hormonal regulation and more are all brain functions.
Neurofeedback is a brain exercise that trains your brain to gain better control over itself and your body. Using an electroencephlogram, sensors are placed on different locations of your scalp to measure the electromagnetic waves of your brain's activity. When your brain performs in the desired way, a video game plays to reward your performance. Over time your brain learns more efficient and effective ways of functioning.
How does it help?
"In my opinion, if any medication had demonstrated such a wide spectrum of efficacy it would be universally accepted and widely used. It [Neurofeedback] is a field to be taken seriously by all."
- Frank H. Duffy, M.D. - Professor - Havard Medical School
We all know the benefits of physical exercise. Like the trainer who customizes your workout, with neurofeedback we are able to exercise different parts of the brain to address your individual needs. Most people report a reduction in frequency and intensity of headaches with the first few sessions. An initial evaluation session will help to determine your personal goals and customize your treatment protocol.
What is a session like?
The experience is pleasantly relaxing and does not involve pain or discomfort. Although the idea of playing a video game with your brain waves seems complicated, the actual experience is a simple task that everyone can learn to do in the first session.
How long does it take?
Most people report significant results after 2 or 3 sessions. Lasting results are often achieved with a series of 20 to 40 neurofeedback sessions. Your results may vary according to your individual response to treatment.
Call today to schedule a free consultation: 538-7793