Category: Blog

  • How Routine Blood Tests Find Nutritional Deficiencies and Keep You Healthy

    Routine Blood Tests: How They Can Find Nutritional DeficienciesDid you know that according to a recent study, over 75% of Americans are not eating a nutrient-dense diet? Nutritional deficiencies can cause a type of malnutrition. Malnutrition is a serious problem with long-term effects, such as chronic health problems and weaker immune systems.

    People often overlook routine blood chemistry panels, but standard blood tests are essential. After all, they can tell you about your health, what you need to improve, and if you have nutritional deficiencies in your current diet.

    Keep reading, and we will walk you through what you need to know and how you can make improvements to your lifestyle.

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    Nutritional Deficiencies

    Nutritional deficiency is when the body isn’t getting enough nutrients. This includes vitamins and minerals. Your body requires vitamins to stay healthy and to function.

    Vitamins are in the foods we eat, but this is not always enough. This is true, especially today, when the soil is less fertile than ever before. People that have certain conditions or lack in some natural vitamins need to compensate with extra supplements.

    Vitamin deficiencies are more common than you think. Always consult with a health professional before adding a new supplement to your diet.

    Chronic undernutrition affects more than 925 million people in the world. 

    If you face malnutrition, you will lose weight, your body can lose its normal functions, and your body fat and muscle can deteriorate.

    Malnutrition can cause organ failure, poor wound healing, and other conditions.

     Malnutrition can cause serious health problems, such as stunting your growth, eye problems, and chronic conditions.

    You want to make sure your body has the right amount of nutrition. You also want to make sure you’re getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need.

    Routine blood tests will help test your nutrition levels. It is essential to get a physical every year, but it’s equally as crucial that you get your blood tested as well.

    Why Routine Blood Tests Are Important

    Nurse preparing for blood draw during routine health screeningGetting a comprehensive blood chemistry panel is an important way to keep track of your physical health and well-being. It’s an efficient and cost-effective general blood screening test.

    The panel will help you understand your current condition, and from there, you will work with us to create a customized plan to meet your body’s needs to stay healthy.

    Though this isn’t the same type of blood panel that your medical doctor will request, it’s vital for your body’s wellness, and will still show you more in-depth information about your nutrition levels and what your body needs.

    At Dody Chiropractic Center for Wholeness, we provide a comprehensive blood chemistry panel and an in-depth report of your results. We look beyond what blood test results would say are “normal” and dig deeper into the chemical imbalances in your body.

    Our goal is to bring your body back into a balanced state. We will come up with a plan together on how to do this, and we will help you every step of the way.

    How do you get started? It begins with a phone consultation before you get your blood drawn. Afterward, you will receive an in-depth report, and you’ll learn more about what the numbers mean and what changes you can make.

    Flaws in Standard Blood Tests

    How other places find their average ranges for routine blood tests are often flawed. They aren’t always accurate because current averages are calculated by looking at 100-200 people tested recently at that lab.

    Averages aren’t set by one central lab or multiple working together to get the most accurate results. They are set by each lab individually, which poses the problem of not having a proper sample size.

    The lab takes the average number from the lab results for the clinical range and finds high and low marks. Using high and low deviations, they find the normal range.

    Another error in this system is that people usually get a blood test because they already have a health problem. This adds to the calculations being off of what is considered healthy. In addition, we look at the “healthy” ranges for biomarkers whereas your doctor will look at “normal” ranges.

    Here at Dody Chiropractic Center for Wholeness, we look to help you find the underlying cause of the nutritional deficiencies and fix it. We aim to decrease medications, if possible, to relieve any symptoms you’re having and bring wellness and harmony to your body.

    You can start small with health goals that help improve your body’s imbalances. We can help walk you through the best plan for you and your body.

    Achieve Your Health Goals

    Blood work can also be your guide to find the right diet and fitness routine. You want to make sure you take your blood work into account, so your diet or fitness routine is best for your body.

    It can also be a guide for what supplements you should include in your diet. In some cases, taking too many supplements can be harmful, as it can cause overcorrections.

    That’s why you should consult a professional to help guide you on what supplements to choose and how much to take per day. Routine blood tests are the starting point that can restore balance in your diet.

    After the tests, you can work toward your health goals. By choosing the right diet and getting the proper nutrition levels, it can help improve your skin, hair, nails, and improve the function of your body.

    Your health goals can start small. This includes changing your diet, incorporating more healthy foods, and eating well-balanced meals. They can also include exercising, such as going on walks, biking, or even running.

    Schedule Your Routine Blood Check Today

    Now that we’ve gone through the benefits of why you should get routine blood tests, it’s time to schedule your appointment.

    We are a holistic wellness center that aims to help people improve their health and quality of life.

    A comprehensive blood panel will help keep you healthy and maintain your body function and nutrition levels. The test makes sure that you are taking care of any imbalances and avoiding future health issues.

    Schedule your blood work today. Contact us to get a 15-minute consultation, and ask any questions about how getting your blood tested will help your health.

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  • Neurofeedback for ADHD: How Can It Help?

    Neurofeedback for ADHD: How Can It Help?

    Have you heard of neurofeedback? Well, it’s a very promising treatment that has been employed for a variety of conditions, including ADHD.

    In premise, neurofeedback employs the use of instant EEG key-points that allow patients to adapt their brains to improve executive function, focus, and impulse control.

    In this article, we will cover neurofeedback for ADHD in a little bit more depth.

    So keep reading to learn more.

    What Is Neurofeedback Therapy?

    As mentioned earlier, neurofeedback therapy employs the use of instant EEG data to allow patients to adapt their brains for predictable outcomes of improved focus, greater impulse control, and functioning execution.

    For over 40 years, patients with ADHD and other disorders have been using neurofeedback in the hopes of training their brains. According to anecdotal and scientific reports, the benefits are:

    1. Brain changes can be measured, and appear to continue well beyond the end of treatment
    2. Brain improvements lead to behavioral changes, such as reduced distractibility, sustainable focus, diminished impulsivity

    Neurofeedback has deep roots in neuroplasticity, the scientific principle in which the brain is identified as malleable. This means that intense and regular practice can transform its baseline activity.

    Over time, neurofeedback can help patients improve the rate of their high-frequency brain waves. Thus, leading to greater control. It’s noted that many ADHD patients generate a greater quantity of theta and delta brain waves. Over 30 sessions, neurofeedback can reverse this overwhelming ratio. The outcome is an engaged brain with reduced symptoms of ADHD.

    Even more specifically, the therapy improves the brain’s capacity and inherent tendency to create beta waves. Those are directly related to problem solving and processing. When a high proportion of theta waves is present, patients will experience disorganization, incomplete work, and distractibility. Neurofeedback diminishes the presence of such brainwaves.

    Where Did It Come From?

    In the 1920s, Hans Berger (German psychiatrist) had connected several electrodes to a scalp of a patient and was able to detect current via a ballistic galvanometer. During the subsequent years, he published many reports about his study of EEGs. And much of the modern understanding of the subject, especially in the frequencies of the middle.

    Later on, G. Dietsch had applied the Fourier analysis to the records of EEG and became the first noted person for researching quantitative EEG. In the 1960s, neurofeedback was popularized by Joe Kamiya who focused on alpha brain waves.

    This a very rough outline of what modern history notes as the roots of EEG, however, there is significantly more to the topic. Feel free to research on your own time, and discover more about the wonders of reading brainwaves.

    Neurofeedback for ADHD

    Neurofeedback for ADHD is also known as electroencephalogram biofeedback. It can help your child learn to have control over their brain activity, which will improve their concentration at work or school.

    In the majority of people, concentrating helps speed up the activity in the brain. This leads to improvements. For children with ADHD, the opposite is true. If the child has ADHD, concentrating will leave them distracted and less efficient. That’s why the old adage of pay attention does not work.

    Neurofeedback training can help your child encourage their brain to be more attentive when the time is right. During a session, the doctor will attach sensors to the head of your child. These sensors are connected to a machine and monitor, allowing your child to see their brain waves. Then the doctor will instruct them to focus on specific tasks. If the child can see how the brain functions in regards to different tasks, they might be able to gain control over it.

    In fact, your child can use the feedback as a guide to understanding how their brain works when performing tasks or concentrating. During therapy, they can employ a variety of strategies to help them maintain focus, and see the direct result from the biofeedback.

    Regular Treatment & ADHD

    In premise, your child can learn to cope with ADHD by adopting behavioral changes that make life simple. Changes to the environment can greatly affect their ADHD symptoms, as well as levels of stimulation.

    Your child might need targeted or stronger treatment in some cases. The doctor might prescribe stimulant medications, which are not the greatest thing, to be honest. For instance, they might prescribe dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate or something else to your child. These medications will certainly help, however, there are plenty of unwanted side-effects.

    Thus, it’s important to speak to your doctor about the potential issues that might come up when treating your child’s ADHD with pharmaceuticals. The common issues are:

    1. Sleep problems
    2. Weight gain
    3. Weight loss
    4. Delayed growth
    5. Stunted growth
    6. Decreased appetite

    In some cases, your child might develop an abnormal heartbeat. In any case, your doctor should be able to weigh the potential risks and benefits of treating their condition. They might recommend alternative treatment methodologies, in addition to or as a replacement for medication.

    For instance, they might recommend neurofeedback, which you have already learned about prior.

    Neurofeedback for Your Child

    Now that you know what neurofeedback for ADHD is, and how it can help, you are well on your way to figuring out whether or not it’s the right treatment for your child. In any case, it’s best to speak to your doctor and learn more about it.

    If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or simply learning more about neurofeedback, get in touch with us and we will happily accommodate your needs.

  • How to Choose the Best Chiropractor Near You

    How to Find the Best Chiropractor Near You

    Are you experiencing nagging back pains that don’t want to go away? Do you have headaches or migraines quite too often? 

    Then a trip to a chiropractor is likely what you need. 

    schedule appointment today

    Statistics reveal that 1 out of 4 Americans suffer from back pains. As a result, the nagging pain keeps them from performing optimally at work.  Furthermore, over 4 million adults experience chronic migraines daily. These are concerns that may link to musculoskeletal disorders.  Thankfully, a chiropractor can diagnose and treat these issues.

    But you may be asking, “how can I find the best chiropractor near me?”

    What are the key factors to consider when searching for one?

    Continue reading below for a guide in finding a trusted chiropractor in your area.


    Start with Local Reviews

    When asking, “how can I find the best chiropractor near me?” the first thing to do is to go online and check the local reviews for chiropractic clinics in your area. 

    Look at the overall ratings of the clinics to get a quick overview.

    After that, check the patient reviews and see what they have to say about the service. Please take note of their feedback about the office environment, scheduling, and wait times. Also, find out what they have to say about the staff.

    Were they friendly and professional? Make a list of comments that send red flags. From there, you can trim down options as you build a shortlist.


    Finding the Best Chiropractor Near Me: Referrals Count

    Aside from the local reviews, asking for referrals is another excellent way of finding a good chiropractor. And the best people to ask are your friends and relatives. 

    Connect with your family and colleagues who are receiving chiropractic treatment. If there is none, ask those who visited a chiropractor in your area even if it was a year ago. 

    Ask about their experience in the clinic. Take note of the pros and cons that they will share. Also, consider talking to your primary care doctor. 

    Ask if they can refer you to a chiropractor they personally know. From there, you can check the credentials of every referral that you will receive.


    Credentials Matter

    Speaking of credentials, this is one of the most crucial aspects of your search. The chiropractors’ credentials will give you an idea about what to expect from their practice.

    To probe deeper, go to the state licensing board’s official website. Confirm the qualifications of the chiropractors. You can learn about the chiropractors’ respective chiropractic college, their training clinic, and the certifications they earned through the website.

    Your goal is to cross-check if they are telling the truth or not.

    Also, keep watch of any disciplinary actions that they may have. Do the same thing to determine if they have any malpractice claims, pending or otherwise.

    And of course, you want to make sure that they have the license to practice chiropractic care. The license ensures that the chiropractor holds ample knowledge, skills, and training to administer appropriate chiropractic care.


    Check the Experience

    Solid credentials are good, but if you add extensive experience, then all the better. Generally, the more experience your chiropractor has, the better he will be able to treat you. An experienced chiropractor will know how to handle musculoskeletal problems of various severities.

    Also, a good chiropractor can treat a wide range of ailments. They can treat simple back pains, anxiety attacks, and depression. One easy way to determine if a chiropractor can help you is to ask if he already treated a patient with the same condition as yours.

    If he doesn’t, then it is best to revisit your shortlist and look for another option.


    The Tech and Techniques

    dr dody adjusting child with KST techniqueWhen it comes to treating chiropractic problems, the technology and techniques matter a lot. Ask about the techniques they use in treating their patients. During the initial consultation, ask about their methods and the equipment that they use.

    If you already know the procedure that you need, find out if they are offering it- some of the unique techniques to consider are the Koren Specific Technique and ArthroStim.

    Know the Fees

    Last but not least, you need to research the service fees. It would be best if you did this before agreeing to any procedure. 

    Are you paying in cash? Then find out how much a visit will cost you. But if you have insurance, determine the services the insurance provider will cover. 

    And if your injury was a result of an accident, find out if the chiropractor works with a lawyer on a lien basis. This will keep you from worrying about who will shoulder the bills.

    Don’t hesitate to compare prices. And when you do, don’t automatically go for the cheapest. Instead, consider all the other factors before making your final choice.

    Tips Before Seeing a Chiropractor

    Before visiting a chiropractor, make sure to prepare not only your body but also your mind. Start by having a mindset that is open to making key changes.

    There is a possibility that your chiropractor will advise you to shift to a healthier lifestyle. Hence, be ready to make some sacrifices.

    Also, don’t expect a miracle to happen during the visit. Yes, a chiropractic session will likely give you a little relief. However, don’t expect it to eliminate the pain in one session. 

    You may need to visit a few more times before you can finally say goodbye to that nagging back or hip pain.

    Lastly, be ready to tell everything to your chiropractor. The majority of chiropractic concerns link to the spine. The spine is a complex part of the body that requires careful attention. 

    Hence, you need to divulge everything that you feel.

    If you are having trouble sleeping at night, say it. Moreover, be ready to share about your current habits and lifestyle. Never hold back any information concerning your condition.


    Enjoy Top-notch Chiropractic Care Today!

    Now that you know the answers to the question “how to find the best chiropractor near me,” you can take the first step toward effective pain relief. And if you’re searching for a reputable chiropractor in Colorado, you came to the right place.

    Connect with us today and schedule an appointment. We offer comprehensive chiropractic care using a holistic approach.

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  • 4 Reasons Why You Should be Choosing a Littleton Chiropractor

    4 reasons to see a chiropractor in littleton colorado

    4 Reasons Why You Should be Choosing a Littleton Chiropractor

    Are you tired of your chronic pain and are looking for relief? Are you considering seeing a chiropractor? Did you know that about 27 million Americans see one each year?

    In this article, explore all about why you’ll want to see a chiropractor in Littleton CO. You shouldn’t have to suffer from chronic pain. Read on to learn how a Littleton chiropractor can help you with your pain, and why the pain can be a thing of the past.

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    What Does a Chiropractor Do?

    A Colorado chiropractor uses a unique and gentle technique to help treat pain, especially in the spine. They believe in healing your body and avoiding medication and surgery.

    Chiropractic adjustments are used to restore nervous system function and your mobility in your joints that are restricted by a tissue injury. The tissue injury can be from falling, slouching, or repetitive stress.

    1. Treating the Problem

    When you’re looking for the best chiropractor in Littleton, you’ll be happy to know that chiropractors won’t just help your symptoms, but treat the root of the problem. They’ll try to get to the bottom of it without turning to surgery or medication.

    2. Alleviates Chronic Pain

    Your Littleton chiropractor will ask you questions, take a look at the problem, and try to find a solution to the pain. Whether your pain is short-term or long-term, the best chiropractor in Littleton will find the root of the problem.

    3. Reduces Inflammation

    The gentle adjustment a chiropractor uses can reduce the inflammation you’re experiencing. When you go to a chiropractor for regular adjustments, it’ll help the problem.

    4. Managed Blood Pressure

    There are many different reasons why you can be experiencing high blood pressure. Instead of being stuck on medications for the rest of your life, a chiropractor can help you with managing your blood pressure. In Littleton, a chiropractor will adjust your spinal column to ensure a proper balance is achieved in your nervous system.


    Top Reasons People See a Chiropractor

    The main reason people go and see a chiropractor is for pain relief. Common reasons can include neck and back pain.

    Improve Your Range of Motion

    If you’re recently in an accident or fall, it can help you with improving your range of motion. Many professional athletes will see a Littleton CO chiropractor to help their musculoskeletal system.

    When the musculoskeletal system is improved, this leads to more balance overall. This can lead to a quicker recovery and a reduction in injuries.

    Back Pain Relief

    Chiropractors in Littleton CO are known for providing back pain relief. Many choose them over physical therapy, acupuncture, pharmaceuticals, and medical care. You can enjoy long-term pain relief after seeing a Colorado chiropractor.

    Headache Relief

    You can be suffering from a headache for a variety of reasons, and a chiropractor will narrow it down. Some headaches are from a misalignment in your spine or neck. Many headaches are from neck pain.

    Your Littleton CO chiropractor will help improve your symptoms by increasing blood flow. The increase in blood flow will lead to an increase in oxygen that goes to your brain.

    Recent Accident

    Were you in an accident? Whether it’s a fall at work or a car crash, you’ll want to see a chiropractor. They can help heal any pain or injuries that you’re experiencing. The last thing you want to do is ignore the pain and let it become worse.

    Helps Fatigue

    If you’re in pain, you’re more likely to have trouble sleeping at night. Did you know that you need at least 7 hours of sleep per night? Many in Littleton say that after seeing a chiropractor,  their body feels better overall, and they can sleep better.

    Even if you have fatigue, the pain can keep you up at night. It can lead to sleep disturbances as well. Not getting enough sleep can lead to more pain over time.

    Reducing Stress

    Experiencing stress can take a toll on your body and lead to physical ailments. Many choose to see a chiropractor due to stress.

    When you see one of the best chiropractors in Littleton, they’re not just going to treat your pain, but they’re going to get to the bottom of your stress. A high-quality chiropractor will offer holistic nutritional services as well.

    Healthy Pregnancy

    If you’re pregnant, you’ll want to go to a chiropractor to ensure a happy and healthy pregnancy. When you have a baby growing inside of you, it can have an effect on the alignment and placement of your spine and organs.

    Over time, pregnancy can take a toll on your body. A chiropractor can help with the tension you’re feeling from pregnancy.


    What to Expect

    When you go in for your appointment in Littleton, your chiropractor will do a physical examination, ask about your medical history, and will perform state-of-the-art nervous system scans.

    Treatment options can include adjustment of the joints, exercise, and nutritional counseling. The goal is to prevent pain and restore your body to it’s natural healthy condition.

    Surface Electromyography

    Your chiropractor might use what’s called surface electromyography. This is where they measure any changes and the baseline status of your muscles’ electrical activity.

    The importance of this is due to the fact that muscle spasms are a common finding in the spinal column. It’s a safe way to measure your muscle tone along with nerve activity. This is just one of the scans your chiropractor will perform.


    Exploring Why to Choose a Littleton Chiropractor

    Now that you’ve explored why to choose a Littleton chiropractor, you should be well on your way to deciding if they’re right for you. Are you experiencing pain or stress, and wish you could get relief?

    Do you dream of going back to your old range of motion and going back to your old activities again? Contact us today, and we’ll come up with an action plan that’s specific to your needs. Don’t delay on getting the treatment you need and deserve today.

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  • Can Neurofeedback Therapy Help Insomnia?

    Neurofeedback and Insomnia

    Neurofeedback therapy is an effective method to reduce and resolve insomnia and other sleep disorders. Disruptive brain wave activity will be altered in a 100% safe and non-invasive manner. Furthermore, there is no risk of side effects, and the benefits of following neurofeedback therapy have shown to be long-term. The focus of neurofeedback therapy is on resolving the underlying cause of the sleep disorder instead of only suppressing the symptoms.

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    How Neurofeedback Helps Against Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders

    By monitoring people with insomnia and other sleep disorders, we discovered disru[tive and divergent brain activity patterns. Neurofeedback impacts the brain areas that regulate sleep behavior. Through neurofeedback therapy, many people can adopt healthier brain activity patterns, which in turn boost the quality of sleep. Many people who receive neurofeedback therapy report improved quality of sleep. If you are suffering from sleep disorders for many years without any improvement despite several efforts, this could be a life-changing decision. Get back your energy, focus, and overall well-being by restoring your sleep quality.

    Why Is Sleep So Important?

    High-quality sleep is crucial for our physical and mental health. It supports the healing of blood vessels and the heart. On the brain level, it reduces toxic cells that we build up during the day and improves our memory function, to name a few. Unfortunately, many people suffer from sleep disorders, putting them at higher risk for physical illnesses and mental deprivation.

    What are some of the most common sleep disorders?

    sleep disordersInsomnia is the problem of falling asleep or staying asleep. Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders that people struggle with. Most people have experienced periods in their life when they struggled with acute insomnia. We call it acute insomnia when it is a short-term problem of a few nights or a few weeks. When the problem exists for at least three nights a week for more than three months, it becomes chronic insomnia.

    Obstructive sleep apnea is another common sleep disorder that is caused by a narrow, flaccid throat. Air cannot flow freely while breathing, causing the person to wake up several times a night almost unnoticeable before falling asleep again. This cycle happens several times a night. During the day, people who suffer from this disorder feel exhausted. Sleep apnea is often accompanied by excessive snoring, another sleep disorder that causes sleep disturbances for both you and your partner.

    Rapid Eye Movement (REM) behavior disorder causes the person to physically act out his dreams during the REM phase of sleep. It can physically hurt both yourself and your partner by uncontrolled, sometimes even violent movements.

    The above are just a few of the most common sleep disorders. Some of these disorders are physical in nature. Others are due to stress, which neurofeedback therapy has been shown to help alleviate the symptoms.

    What is Neurofeedback Therapy?

    Neurofeedback therapy utilizes EEG sensors to capture brainwaves in real-time. Brainwaves are the electrical impulses moving from one cell to another to communicate between them. These images are used to self-train the brain of the client. When your brain displays the preferred activity, the client will receive positive neurofeedback, while simply watching a movie or listening to music. Similiar with the muscles of the body, you will regularly train your brain to reach the desired state. Your brain will become more skilled at reaching and staying in the desired state, without drifting off into undesired brain activity. To find out more about, check out this article- What Is Neurofeedback?

    Research on Neurofeedback Therapy for Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders

    A growing body of research in the last decade backs up the positive effects of neurofeedback therapy on insomnia and other sleep disorders. For example, Cortoos et al. (2010) have shown improvement in total sleeping time only in individuals who received neurofeedback therapy. Recent research suggests that the circadian phase delay plays a central role in the onset of insomnia. Arns and Kenemans (2014) showed an increased sleep spindle density resulting in the normalization of insomnia after receiving neurofeedback therapy.

    Conclusion-

    Neurofeedback therapy is a safe, effective treatment of insomnia and other stress-related sleep disorders. Neurofeedback therapy does not use medications to reduce symptoms. This therapy has been shown effective by research and often alleviates the symptoms that people struggle with on a nightly basis for good. If you want to find out if neurofeedback therapy can help you have a better night’s sleep, please schedule a free, no-obligation evaluation with the doctor in our wellness clinic.

    Schedule online right now or contact our clinic for any questions you may have. Our friendly staff will get back to you as soon as possible.

    schedule free neurofeedback evaluation today

    Research references:

    Cortoos, A., De Valck, E., Arns, M., Breteler, M. H. M., & Cluydts, R. (2010). An Exploratory Study on the Effects of Tele-neurofeedback and Tele-biofeedback on Objective and Subjective Sleep in Patients with Primary Insomnia. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 35(2), 125-134.

    Arns, Martijn, and J. Leon Kenemans. “Neurofeedback in ADHD and insomnia: vigilance stabilization through sleep spindles and circadian networks.” Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews 44 (2014): 183-94.

  • Can Neurofeedback Therapy Help With OCD?

    OCD and Neurofeedback therapy

    OCD and Neurofeedback Therapy

    Imagine going through your daily routine without your mind thinking about the same thing over and over again. Neurofeedback therapy can be a method to quiet the mental chatter of OCD and help restore your life to normal. As you will learn, neurofeedback therapy has been successfully helping people overcome debilitating OCD, regain energy, and allow you to function at your highest level.

    The Pressure of Modern Society

    In modern society, we receive a daily overload of information brought to us by countless different channels like social media. Adults, teenagers, and even children have ever-expanding agendas and feel the pressure to
    keep up with the Joneses. It comes as no surprise that so many people struggle with mental problems and disorders from all the stresses we face each day. All this stress and anxiety leads to mental disorders of which the obsessive-compulsive disorder is one.

    The Struggle of People with OCD

    OCD quoteObsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is currently prevalent in about 3 million people of the American population. OCD is often triggered in late adolescence and people in their early twenties, but children can develop OCD as well. Stress and anxiety are common causes to elicit an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

    OCD is a mental illness characterized by obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behavior. The underlying cause is irrational anxiety and fears triggering routine compulsive behavior or obsessive thoughts. Performing this behavior gives temporary stress relief to the person suffering from OCD. A person with OCD often feels that their obsessive thoughts or compulsive behavior can avert adverse events from happening.

    A person with OCD described it as, “For me, it’s an ever-present nagging feeling that something is just ‘not right.’ I can never really, truly, ‘make it right.’ I have to learn to live with the all-consuming feeling of mental discomfort.”

    What is Neurofeedback Therapy?

    Neurofeedback therapy is a reward-based training to change the activity of your brain. No medication is used during neurofeedback therapy, and it is 100% safe. EEG sensors will monitor your brainwaves during all kinds of activities. When the brain operates optimally, positive feedback will be given to promote these brainwaves. But if the brain is showing non-optimal activity, you will receive “negative” feedback. Your brain can learn from this feedback to construct more effective brain neuropathways. These newly formed brain pathways will help to mitigate numerous symptoms. If you want to find out more check out this article- What Is Neurofeedback?

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    How does Neurofeedback therapy works?

    The first step is to assess the brain with a brain map. A brain map uses sensors on your scalp and ears to measure brainwave activity. The brain map gives us a baseline for the function of your brain.

    The doctor will explain everything you need to know about the result of the brain map. Together with the doctor, you will set up a treatment plan.

    During the treatment, your brainwaves will be monitored. The process can be as simple as watching a movie. As long as the preferred brain waves are present, the screen stays bright, but the screen darkens when unwanted brain waves are active. By positive reinforcement, the client learns to adjust and reshape its brainwave activity. The changes in the brain will help to reduce obsessive thoughts, fear, and anxiety.

    What Does Research Say About Neurofeedback Therapy and OCD?

    A study performed at Yale University showed great promise with neurofeedback therapy and OCD. The researchers found that a person battling OCD can train their brain to reduce symptoms of the disorder. The authors of the study also noted that neurofeedback training might help understand the unlying causes of this disorder.

    Another study looked at 36 people who had drug-resistant OCD to see if neurofeedback therapy would help symptoms. Thirty-three of the 36 research subjects showed a significant reduction in OCD symptoms. A follow up with the individuals of this study after 26 months was conducted, and a majority maintained the improvements.

    How Can Neurofeedback Therapy Help People with OCD?

    When you complete the neurofeedback therapy, your brain will be less emotionally reactive. It will give you more control over your emotions, feelings, and behavior. In turn, it will reduce and finally eliminate the symptoms of your obsessive-compulsive disorder, bringing you peace of mind and the freedom to choose your response. Moreover, neurofeedback therapy is free of any side-effect risks and completely painless. Your brain will learn to perform better after just a few treatments and permanently change after receiving the full treatment.

    Conclusion-

    Neurofeedback therapy has been shown to help people suffering from OCD. Research and clinical findings have shown that with neurofeedback therapy, symptoms of OCD improve significantly. Neurofeedback therapy is a drug-free, non-invasive, safe, and natural treatment option. Find out today if this therapy would work for you.

    You can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with the doctor online or call our office at 303-794-1737. Let us help you live a better life without the anxiety and symptoms of OCD. Contact us today!

    schedule free neurofeedback evaluation today

  • How Neurofeedback Therapy Can Help TBI

    Can Neurofeedback Therapy Help TBI

    The use of neurofeedback therapy to alleviate and treat the symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has evolved significantly, becoming a promising option for the treatment of this condition. This process works by measuring patterns and outputs of your brain and then comparing it to ideal brain function and cognitive states.

    What Is A TBI?

    TBI pertains to a sudden injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. It is known to cause problems with behavior, cognition, attention, and emotional sensitivity. According to an analysis by Jacobson (2015), two million cases of brain injuries occur every year in the United States. Some of the patients recover entirely, but around 50% continue to endure symptoms for six months or more after the injury.

    When a brain injury occurs, the damage is usually focused on the frontal lobe. Frontal lobe damage can cause changes in a person’s personality and mood and affect one’s ability to plan, concentrate, control their emotions, sustain attention, and form memories. In some cases, the loss of the sense of self occurs. However, most of the brain injury patients remember themselves and how they use to function.

    What Are The Symptoms of a TBI?

    The symptoms that come with TBI ranges from mild to severe. While it is possible for the symptoms to be serious, most patients experience only mild symptoms such as concussions. TBI’s more severe symptoms sometimes lead to severe psychological and physical problems, coma, and death, in some cases.

    How Does Neurofeedback Therapy Help TBI?

    In cases of TBI, neurofeedback is probably better than any medication or supplement. – Richard Brown, MD; Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia 
College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY

    Neurofeedback therapy is one of the most common methods used to treat and alleviate TBI’s symptoms. By utilizing Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG) and specialized computer software, the neural functions are regulated, training the brain’s self-regulating activities through the process of operant conditioning. If you want to find out more about neurofeedback check out this article- What Is Neurofeedback?

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    What Does The Research Say About Neurofeedback Therapy and TBI?

    From a systematic review conducted by Wang, Mantini, and Gilbert (2017), the outputs demonstrated that training promotes learned brain signal modulations, varying at both behavioral and neural levels. Furthermore, the review showed that this technique is also a useful option for stroke rehabilitation.

    A review of Foster and Thatcher’s (2014) research verified the efficiency of using neurofeedback therapy in treating mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The studies established that it only takes around ten neurofeedback sessions before starting to see improvements in patients. As the neurofeedback methods improve, the number of sessions needed to see gains are reduced.

    Zorcec (2011) studied the utilization of neurofeedback training and its effects on 6 TBI patients, all of them sustaining car accident injuries. Cognitive difficulties were considered the primary concern after conducting a QEEG assessment on the patients. After 20 neurofeedback sessions, 5 out of 6 patients were able to resume their education, all reported improved quality of sleep, mood, and cognitive abilities.

    Moreover, neurofeedback was used to treat brain injury patients in a study performed by Ayers (1987). Two groups were involved throughout the process. One received psychotherapy while the other received neurofeedback. The neurofeedback group reported reduced symptoms of anger, outbursts, anxiety, and mood issues. On the other hand, the other group showed no improvement with these symptoms.

    Conclusion-

    Neurofeedback therapy is a research-proven method to improve brain function through the use of intensive brain-training exercises. As a patient, you can expect the process to be simple, non-invasive, and painless. The program is generally developed to help you alter your brain activity, just like how you learn other skills through practice and feedback.

    If you are looking for a safe, effective, and drug-free way of relieving symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, you need to check out neurofeedback therapy. At our wellness center in Littleton, CO, we help people daily improve and heal from TBIs. Find out if neurofeedback therapy will work for you we offer a free, no-obligation, evaluation to see if this is the right treatment for you. Schedule online today or call our office to find out more information.

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  • New Vaccinated vs Un-Vaccinated Study- Health Outcomes

    NEW STUDY VACCINATED VS. UNVACCINATED HEALTH OUTCOMES

    One of the most significant holes in vaccine research is that there are no studies on the health outcomes of vaccinated vs. unvaccinated children. Well, a new study is out that looks directly at that issue.

    Most people are aware of the “anti-vaccine” movement that has been gaining traction for some time. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, a new study by epidemiologist Brian Hooker, Ph.D., has cast some more light on the situation.

    Read on to see how this new knowledge might change how you view vaccines for anyone curious about the different health outcomes of vaccinated children and unvaccinated children.

    The Study Uses Medical Clinic Data

    Hooker looked at three different data sets from three medical clinics across the United States. The final data set analyzed 2047 children under the age of 1, spanning a decade from 2005 to 2015. The authors of the study compared children who received vaccinations in their first year of life, to those who did not receive vaccinations.

    The researchers followed each child from birth to the age of three to look for specific diagnoses. The study looked at four particular diagnoses: developmental delays, asthma, ear infections, and gastrointestinal disorders in the children.

    Health Outcomes of Vaccinated Children vs. Unvaccinated Children

    This study aimed to compare the health of vaccinated versus unvaccinated pediatric populations. The research shows that vaccinated children are, ironically, suffering from more health issues than unvaccinated children.

    Based on the information, it appears that problems such as developmental delays, asthma, and ear infections all occur at an increased rate in vaccinated children compared to unvaccinated children.

    healthy kids play tug of warEven more importantly, these issues, when present, seem to have a more severe presence in those children who have received a higher amount of vaccines.

    What Was The Increase In Health Problems with Vaccinated Children

    The vaccinated group had a 4.5 times higher chance of having asthma. This increased risk of asthma was highly statistically significant. There was over a two times greater risk of ear infections and developmental delays. The study’s authors wanted to look for specific developmental delays such as autism. Due to the limitations of the data set, for example, these were medical clinics that cared for unvaccinated children. The data was not sufficient to draw any conclusions.

    Inspired By CDC Whistleblower

    This new study was inspired by a whistleblower from the CDC, who contacted Brian Hooker. At that point, Hooker had made somewhat of a name for himself in the anti-vaccine, or anti-vax, movement. The whistleblower, a CDC scientist named Dr. William Thompson, gave Hooker some new hints about where he should be focusing his research on vaccines. With these hints leading him in a new direction, Brian Hooker went about performing this study. The results don’t shed vaccines in a very positive light.

    Things Don’t Look Good for Vaccines

    On top of the revelations above, some aspects of the study indicate things might be even worse than they seem. For instance, the study primarily focused on three-year-olds who had been vaccinated; however, they included some five-year-olds as well. The five-year-olds appeared to show higher and more severe instances of the issues mentioned above than their three-year-old counterparts.

    What this suggests is that issues caused at a young age by vaccines may not even show up until many, many years later. Further research is certainly going to be needed to figure out just how much damage vaccines truly cause infant children as they progress through life.

    Stay Skeptical and Stay Safe!

    Admittedly, this data should be fascinating to skeptics who aren’t sure where to stand on the whole “anti-vaccine” issue. While it’s hard to reach an utterly conclusive judgment based on the information we currently have, we can undoubtedly say that some of these health problems need to be examined further. Certainly, there’s more to the story than we know, and approaching the issue of vaccines and children with a healthy amount of skepticism seems like an absolute must going into the future. If you want to read more about this topic check out our other article on this subject, Vaccinated vs Un-vaccinated Kids: Who is Healthier?

     

    Source:
    1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32537156/

  • What Is Functional Nutrition? You Need to Know

    What Is Functional Nutrition

    Functional nutrition, what is it? You need to know! This article will walk you through the basics of functional nutrition and how it has the potential to change your health forever! 

    Most of us know what it’s like to be stuck in a dieting cycle that never seems to end. Maybe the goal is to lose weight, or have more energy, or even to reduce gastrointestinal issues. Whatever your reason, the constant adjusting and readjusting of one’s diet can be exhausting. 

    It’s time to put an end to the dieting cycle and start eating for health and wellbeing.

    So stop with the one size fits all such as fasting and the low-carb and the no-dairy nonsense. Try something that will actually make you feel better—functional nutrition.

     

    What Is Functional Nutrition?

    Functional nutrition was developed based on the ideas of functional medicine. Functional medicine is a unique way of treating and preventing illness. This method addresses the whole self, not just the apparent symptoms.

    For example, say you went to visit your doctor because you were experiencing flu-like symptoms. They might send you home with a prescription and check in with you after a few days.

    But with functional medicine, the doctor would try to address why you developed these symptoms in the first place. Was it stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, or some combination of those things? The doctor would then try to address those underlying issues from all body systems. 

    The goal of functional medicine is not only to cure any existing issues but to prevent future ones.

    These same principles can be applied to nutrition. Functional nutrition is a highly personalized plan of eating for health. Functional nutrition is all about using food as medicine, mainly to help a person increase their health and wellness.

    How Does It Work?

    Now you know the basics—functional nutrition is based on functional medicine, aiming to treat all body systems. It does this by addressing the root cause of the symptoms rather than the symptoms themselves.

    So now, let’s review how functional nutrition works in practice.

    A person visits their doctor complaining of abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and bloating. While a standard diet or nutrition expert may suggest a particular meal plan, a functional medicine dietician would likely run more tests.

    nutritional lab testingThey may try food sensitivity testing or other labs to learn more about your individual system. Then they can use the tests to see how your body responds to certain foods. These types of tests can narrow down which foods or additives are causing the body to react negatively.

    Additionally, a functional medicine dietician can test for specific vitamin and mineral deficiencies that could contribute to your symptoms. 

    A functional medicine dietician may recommend an elimination diet. An elimination diet is when you cut out certain foods to determine whether they may be the culprit of your health issues.

    Then, the functional medicine practitioner might suggest certain supplements or foods that will replenish levels of vitamins or minerals that may have been missing from your diet.

    Once your functional medicine dietician has established the right diet for you, they may want to dive deeper into other lifestyle conditions. 

    Sleep, stress, activity level, and other factors can make have an effect on how and when you experience certain symptoms. Therefore, functional nutrition aims to address these factors, as well.

    Increasing sleep and activity level while reducing stress may have just as big of an impact on symptoms as the foods you consume. 

    How Is This Approach To Nutrition Unique?

    Maybe you have already sought help from a professional for your gastrointestinal or other gut health issues. How would seeing a functional nutrition expert be any different from that?

    Here’s how!

    1. Treating the Whole Person-

      A functional nutrition practitioner’s ultimate goal is to help you alleviate your symptoms. But more than that, they want to make sure you are holistically well. They believe that each of the body systems is interconnected. So, in order to promote optimal wellness, functional nutrition advises on diet and lifestyle conditions.

    2. A Personalized Approach –

      Functional nutrition is all about personalized care. No two people are exactly alike—even if their symptoms are the same. Functional nutrition diet plans take into consideration everything that makes you unique.

      This approach increases the likelihood that you can find a sustainable, long-term solution to your health issues.

    3. Different Models For Care-

      Functional nutrition practitioners use unique systems and models in practice -for example, the functional medicine matrix. The matrix is made up of various sections, each of which addresses factors that contribute to your health. 

      The 5-R protocol is another common tool used by functional nutritional practitioners. This protocol is defined by the following steps: remove, replace, repopulate, repair, and rebalance. It describes the way in which a functional nutrition practitioner would study and treat a person with gastrointestinal issues.

    Where Can I Get Personalized Nutritional Services?

    If you are interested in getting a consult with a functional nutrition practitioner, there a few places you can look. There are independent dieticians that are experts in functional nutrition as well as groups that use functional medicine, including functional nutrition.

    Centers for wellness may be another good place to look. When you are looking for functional nutrition services, check out testimonials from other patients to see what you can expect. 

    When you meet with a functional nutrition practitioner, feel free to ask any questions you may have. They can walk you through the testing and treatment processes.

    Now That You Know What Functional Nutrition Is, What Are You Waiting For?

    Now that you know much more about what functional nutrition is, it is time to take action. If you have consistently struggled with diet, GI issues, or nutrition-related illnesses, it is time to try functional nutrition.

    Now that you can answer the question, what is functional nutrition, it is time to experience the benefits for yourself. Find a functional nutrition expert in your area and contact them today!

    If you want more information on functional nutrition and overall wellness promotion, check out our other blogs!

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  • What Is Koren Specific Technique? The Ultimate Guide

    Koren Specific Technique Ultimate Guide

    What Is Koren Specific Technique? The Ultimate Guide

    Looking to learn more about what the Koren Specific Technique is? Not sure where to start? 

    Well, you’re in the right place. KST is a revolutionary adjusting chiropractic technique, and now you can learn more about it. 

    In this article, we will cover what the KST is, what ArthroStim is, the three Cs of KST, and the benefits. 

    Keep reading to learn more.

    What Is KST?

    The Koren Specific Technique is a revolutionary chiropractic adjusting technique, which provides any practice members with lasting and effective results. It was discovered in 2003 by Dr. Tedd Koren, and the entire premise of it is powerful results through gentle adjustment.

    Most often, the process is done via a tool called the ArthroStim, which allows precise and accurate adjustment without the need for popping, cracking, or twisting. 

    All people of all ages can benefit from KST. And because of its neurological nature, KST chiropractic is an ideal method for asking the body to naturally make its corrections.  

    Allowing the body to make corrections is vital because the process honors the wisdom and knowledge of the brain/nervous system by never over-exceeding or undermining its ability.

    What Is ArthroStim?

    arthrostimArthroStim is an FDA-approved tool that has been developed in Oregon by IMPAC technology. It has been perfected, refined, and updated over its 22-year presence in the industry. 

    It involves introducing force and energy to the body for the removal of nerve pressure and segment realignment at a speed of 12 hertz (taps) per second. It is accurate, fast, and low-force.

    The device allows patients to experience specific adjustment, which only attributes to a particular area of the body, and does not involve cracking, turning, or twisting the entire body. This technique allows adjustment to be made in a variety of positions and postures.

    And this is critical to the healing process’s success because some problems can only be reproduced in a specific posture. An injury might not reveal itself unless it is placed under certain conditions, shown only in a particular position of the body. 

    The “position of subluxation” is even more noticeable when people experience pain, neurological issues, TMJ, and much more.

    The Three Cs of KST

    As mentioned earlier, KST has three crucial Cs. And they are:

    Challenge

    The challenge is the analytical part of the process. In a short period of time, the entire human body’s infrastructure can be challenged and checked. The technique starts with the skull, spine, discs, all the way to the legs, hands, and feet. 

    Anything out of position can be analyzed.

    Check

    The check allows the practitioners to determine if a body part is out of position. The base of the skull is the metric for a yes/no response. It’s called the occipital drop. However, Dr. Dody has progressed to using the shoulder blades to assess the body.

    This system is very similar to muscle testing in kinesiology, where a muscle weakness when attached via a negative impulse. The occipital drop is the same principle, but passive.

    Correct

    The “correct” portion of this technique is the adjustment of the area that requires the Arthrostim device. There is no manual adjustment, no popping, no cracking, no noise, except for that produced by the device.

    What Are the Benefits of KST?

    If you’re not sure of the benefits, let’s take a look at some. Here is a shortlist of some reasons why you might want to add KST to your health regiment. 

    KST adjustmentMinimal Force

    If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy high pressure on the body, then KST is ideal for you. As mentioned earlier, it applies steady-paced quick low-pressure taps, which are comfortable, unlike twisting the spine. It is very different from the traditional manual chiropractic adjustment. 

    Immediate Effects

    KST often provides immediate positive results of the issues that bring people into the office in the first place. The improvement means that you can perform functional movements without pain. Seeing quick changes helps us make sure you are in the right place to get the care you need.

    All-Positional Adjustment

    KST is useful because it can be applied in all positions of the body. Sitting, standing, lying, whatever is comfortable for you, works with KST.

    Works on Stubborn Bodies

    Even the most stubborn of bodies experience great results with KST. We often see tough cases that other therapies have not helped. You are no exception.

    Good for All Ages

    KST is perfect for people of all ages, and it does not discriminate. It involves gentle manipulation, which can work for anyone at any age.

    No Testing Required

    With KST, you don’t CAT scans or X-rays. The entire process is designed for minimally invasive testing and quick adjustment.

    A Note on KST

    Through KST, subluxations in the body that represent locked stress in the body/mind can be found out and addressed directly. These can include but are not limited to allergies, ADD/ADHD, asthma, dyslexia, PTSD, emotional issues, bad habits, toxicity, disc issues, athletic performance, neuromusculoskeletal pain, and weight issues.

    The most significant breakthrough of KST is the value of correction of a patient in the position of subluxation, whether emotional or physical. 

    So what are subluxations? Well, they are quite sneaky. They come and go as they like, and move when we move, sit when we sit, stand when we stand. 

    An example of this could be a car accident victim. If they were to sit and hold the steering wheel (imaginary), you could visibly see subluxations, which might not be seen when the patient is lying down on a correction table. 

    Therefore, correction through all-positional KST can address these subluxations and correct issues stored in the body and physiological memory.

    The Koren Specific Technique for You

    Now that you know all you need to know about the Koren Specific Technique, you are well on your way to experiencing it first hand. If you want to take your health to the next level, say goodbye to traditional chiropractic and say hello to KST.

    If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment, get in touch with us now, and our friendly staff will contact you as soon as possible.

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