Treatments (non-drug) and other things which have helped.

[Razzle]

Over the past 30 years we have come to know so much more about stress and how it effects the body.

 

We also have learned that many biological systems in the body can be altered by our own volition..eg Biofeedback. We know that the hippocampus that is damaged by stress and psyche drugs can regenerate itself through neuroplasticity and we know that a sympathetic dominant nervous system can be Re-Tuned to parasympathetic dominance. (Sympathetic dominance is a major cause of withdrawal symptoms).

 

I have worked with my own and others severe anxiety and stress disorders and some brain injuries like stroke. I have seen near 100% reversal of many disabling symptoms. However chemically injured nervous systems seem particularly resistant to these proven modalities of healing the nervous system. So here is my question, have any of you used these accepted CNS tools with any success:

 

Biofeedback

Neurofeedback

Meditation

Intentions

Diet

Skilled Relaxation

HRV - Heart Rate Variability (Hottest new CNS tool)

Spiritual Alignment

Breath Work

??????

 

We need to understand that the nervous system is entirely built on thresholds. You can be 359 degrees from a neuron shutting off or just 1 degree and still have every symptom just as severe - once you drop below threshold the suffering or at least that symptom stops.

 

We really need some tools and the only way we are going to find them is personal trial and error - the medical community has no incentive to explore this.

Edited June 19, 2011 by Altostrata
clarified topic purpose

[Altostrata]

....We need to understand that the nervous system is entirely built on thresholds. You can be 359 degrees from a neuron shutting off or just 1 degree and still have every symptom just as severe - once you drop below threshold the suffering or at least that symptom stops....

 

I agree with this. We are enculturated to think healing involves quick fixes -- 3 days on a medication and you're better. Given our hypersensitivities from withdrawal, we have to look for very gentle, perhaps subtle ways to guide our nervous systems back to health.

 

A lot of people start out being very skeptical of this and expend a lot of energy looking for defined, guaranteed solutions to symptoms. But small changes can truly help.

[Sunny]

Greetings to all,

I am new to this site and am anxious to share my experiences with everyone seeking answers. I just happened to want to quickly search here for any topics involving neurofeedback and found this post. I have been very curious about the work at Brain State Technologies with what they call brain wave optimization. I first heard about through articles written about Naomi and Wynonna Judd. Does anyone have an awareness or feedback on this non envasive treatment?

 

I will be putting together my introduction and profile to share my experience with fellow members.

 

Sunny

[Nadia]

I'm interested in this as well, though still have very little experience. I'm still trying out ways of meditating, for example. Since I'm so "bad" at meditating, one thing I've been doing is just belly-breathing, and I think it HAS helped. It's one of those things that builds... not always immediate. In order to try to keep my focus without pressuring myself, this is what I've been doing:

 

Long breath in, long breath out, 3 times

Long breath in, 2 breaths out, 3 times

Long breath in, 3 breaths out, 3 times

etc. all the way to 7 breaths out, and then in reverse

 

If you lose focus and forget what breath you are on for any of the steps, it doesn't matter. Just do three more.

If you forget which of the steps you are on, it doesn't matter, just start up where you think you were (best guess, it doesn't matter... or you can start from 1 or 7 again if you want). Remember to breathe slowly. If you're pretty focused and not forgetting which step you are on, then focus on making your breaths out of an equal length, and focus on having your breathing be slow and steady. Also try to fill and empty your lungs completely with each breath. Don't worry if you are thinking about other stuff while you breathe, though try not to engage the thoughts, and focus on the breathing.

 

I've noticed a pretty big difference in my anxiety doing this. But I think it's important to do it without expecting too much of it.

 

I'm wondering how I can do biofeedback stuff as well... heart rate, body temperature...

 

As for diet, I've cut out all grains and sugar. It's too soon to know for sure, but it could partially be responsible for my recent improvements (sleep and mood).

[bruno2016]

Over the past 30 years we have come to know so much more about stress and how it effects the body.

 

We also have learned that many biological systems in the body can be altered by our own volition..eg Biofeedback. We know that the hippocampus that is damaged by stress and psyche drugs can regenerate itself through neuroplasticity and we know that a sympathetic dominant nervous system can be Re-Tuned to parasympathetic dominance. (Sympathetic dominance is a major cause of withdrawal symptoms).

 

I have worked with my own and others severe anxiety and stress disorders and some brain injuries like stroke. I have seen near 100% reversal of many disabling symptoms. However chemically injured nervous systems seem particularly resistant to these proven modalities of healing the nervous system. So here is my question, have any of you used these accepted CNS tools with any success:

 

Biofeedback

Neurofeedback

Meditation

Intentions

Diet

Skilled Relaxation

HRV - Heart Rate Variability (Hottest new CNS tool)

Spiritual Alignment

Breath Work

??????

 

We need to understand that the nervous system is entirely built on thresholds. You can be 359 degrees from a neuron shutting off or just 1 degree and still have every symptom just as severe - once you drop below threshold the suffering or at least that symptom stops.

 

We really need some tools and the only way we are going to find them is personal trial and error - the medical community has no incentive to explore this.

 

 

I have been off AD for about a month and just started neurofeedback. I have a friend who was on AD for many years and says neurofeedback helped her withdrawal tremendously. Check out her website at http://www.baltobunny.com. I am also doing transcranial electrical stimulation that has helped balance me out. I truly hope I do not have permanent issues. I meditate as much as possible, perhaps only a few times a week. But I always notice benefits. I also did reiki and healing touch while on AD, also saw some improvement. Not where I want to be yet, though.

[Altostrata]

What methods do they use for neurofeedback and transcranial electrical stimulation?

[bruno2016]

What methods do they use for neurofeedback and transcranial electrical stimulation?

 

what do you mean what methods?

[Altostrata]

what do you mean what methods?

 

What exactly do they do in these treatments? What is the brand of machine, if any?

 

Shanti and Bar -- Did you intend your posts about the astral plane to go in this topic or another one? They're pretty far off topic. Please let me know where they were intended to go and I'll move them.

[Shanti]

 

what do you mean what methods?

 

What exactly do they do in these treatments? What is the brand of machine, if any?

 

Shanti and Bar -- Did you intend your posts about the astral plane to go in this topic or another one? They're pretty far off topic. Please let me know where they were intended to go and I'll move them.

 

Idk. I did get a little off topic there. But originally I was referring to Spiritual Alignment. Sorry about that. Maybe it can be it's own topic about the astral. I'd call it "The Astral Trap" lol

[Altostrata]

Okay, moved the posts to a new topic, The Astral Trap, in Finding Meaning.

[bruno2016]

 

Over the past 30 years we have come to know so much more about stress and how it effects the body.

 

We also have learned that many biological systems in the body can be altered by our own volition..eg Biofeedback. We know that the hippocampus that is damaged by stress and psyche drugs can regenerate itself through neuroplasticity and we know that a sympathetic dominant nervous system can be Re-Tuned to parasympathetic dominance. (Sympathetic dominance is a major cause of withdrawal symptoms).

 

I have worked with my own and others severe anxiety and stress disorders and some brain injuries like stroke. I have seen near 100% reversal of many disabling symptoms. However chemically injured nervous systems seem particularly resistant to these proven modalities of healing the nervous system. So here is my question, have any of you used these accepted CNS tools with any success:

 

Biofeedback

Neurofeedback

Meditation

Intentions

Diet

Skilled Relaxation

HRV - Heart Rate Variability (Hottest new CNS tool)

Spiritual Alignment

Breath Work

??????

 

We need to understand that the nervous system is entirely built on thresholds. You can be 359 degrees from a neuron shutting off or just 1 degree and still have every symptom just as severe - once you drop below threshold the suffering or at least that symptom stops.

 

We really need some tools and the only way we are going to find them is personal trial and error - the medical community has no incentive to explore this.

 

 

I have been off AD for about a month and just started neurofeedback. I have a friend who was on AD for many years and says neurofeedback helped her withdrawal tremendously. Check out her website at http://www.baltobunny.com. I am also doing transcranial electrical stimulation that has helped balance me out. I truly hope I do not have permanent issues. I meditate as much as possible, perhaps only a few times a week. But I always notice benefits. I also did reiki and healing touch while on AD, also saw some improvement. Not where I want to be yet, though.

 

 

*update8

 

I completed 10 neurofeedback sessions and have noticed that i have less racing, intrusive thoughts and less overall anxiety. 10 sessions is not enough from what I understand so I am not sure how long the benefits will last. Usually they say 20-30 sessions. I would like to start again once the holidays are over and I fix my old car. But I can say that I have experienced a positive result, but it was very subtle and did not happen until about the 4 or 5 session. I found that using deep breathing and meditation enhance the benefits of neurofeedback.

[Altostrata]

Zepp, did you have one session a week, over 10 weeks?

 

What were the sessions like?

[poodlebell]

I am trying the Charles Linden method, using the visualisation cds, tried it once before but gave up, this time I am determined to keep going with it. It does help me to relax but my mind does wander off. I have had a change in one area, gross the toilet, and feel that this is slowing my system down.

 

fingers crossed that it does help

 

poodlebell

[Nadia]

I started looking into neurofeedback a few months back. I've heard it can help with anxiety. I think it makes sense, in relation to what they know abour neuroplasticity and biofeedback in general. But it also probable that there are some "quacks" out there offering neurofeedback-like programs that perhaps are no good.

 

I've also considered hypnotherapy...

[Shanti]

Okay, I give a course in Self Kinesiology and Theta Healing. These are the two things that saved me from the horrible positive effects of Schizophrenia. I still have some issues, but believe me, I was much much worse 10 years ago with hallucinations and horrible paranoia and persecution. This takes a very open mind, as I teach how to work with your Higher Self, Spirit Guide or angels. As I was hearing persecuting voices, I was also hearing angels that were helping me deal with the negative voices. Now, unless I'm in the stupid throes of w/d and in that astral, I hear only positive. I normally charge for this but I would be happy to let any of you view the video lessons for free, just send me a pm. Here is a link to my other website where I have the class.

[Altostrata]

Shanti, thanks so much for sharing your beautiful gift with our community.

[Shanti]

You're welcome Alto. Anything I can do to help I'd be happy.

[bruno2016]

Zepp, did you have one session a week, over 10 weeks?

 

What were the sessions like?

 

they say you must go at least twice a week and 3 times is recommended. I did a combo of three and two. Not enough though as I can feel my racing thoughts coming back. Wonder how long people benefit from a full course of neurofeedback. They claim it can have permanent changes.

[Altostrata]

What were the sessions like?

[bruno2016]

I am trying the Charles Linden method, using the visualisation cds, tried it once before but gave up, this time I am determined to keep going with it. It does help me to relax but my mind does wander off. I have had a change in one area, gross the toilet, and feel that this is slowing my system down.

 

fingers crossed that it does help

 

poodlebell

 

I too began the Linden Method, but then gave up as well. It takes a lot of hard work.

[dalsaan]

Hi

 

This is an older thread. Am thinking of trying neurofeedback for my insomnia. Has anyone had experience with this and want to share what happens and whether it heps?

 

Any info much appreciated

 

Dalsaan

[RubyTuesday]

I am not all that computer savvy: but I have figured out this much:

I go to youtube and type in something like Bach's greatest hits or you can use whatever you like but I am pretty sure studies have been done that prove classical music is best for the brain

then I open up another tab and go here:

these are visuals, like a kaleidescope, I watch it while I listen to the Bach

it is fantastic.

it lifts me out of that flat depersonalized space I fall into every afternoon

Ruby

[btdt]

I was thinking today maybe it would be good to make a list of the best helpful things that helped during every stage of wd to help others have a idea of what to try maybe we will come up with a master list of things that never made anyone worse this may turn out to be just food or meditation videos so be it.  

 

What always helped or at least did not make me worse beets never once made me worse and almost always helped... I craved them first when I was on effexor and had a drug reaction or interaction with a ppi not sure if it was the purple pill that time or one of the others from the same family doc tried them all I reacted to them all... beets saved me then I ate a huge pot full of boiled beets that is all I wanted.

 

I have since juiced beets grated beets into salads I wish I could grow beets if I ever have land again be sure I will grow beets.  

 

Cd of the ocean cold packs on my neck/head quiet and dark epson salt baths heating pad on the spine amazingly effective for pain in most places of the body when done with the cold pack on the neck ... I suspect it confuses the nervous system having hot and cold at the same time it seems to reset...sometimes it has never made me worse. 

peace all 

B

Edited January 11, 2016 by Petunia
Removed redundant words because of topic merge.

[Pretzle]

Sleep. Especially taking naps. Maybe I'm lucky, but I don't get grumpy from napping and it often seems to 'resets' my symptoms to a manageable level. 

[KarenB]

Soaked oats, nuts and seeds.  I've craved them all through my w/d, and they are so healthy and soothing and filling.  I've since read there is actually something in oats that makes us feel less depressed. 

 

Calling a friend and saying I'm not doing so well.  I always agonise over this first, telling myself how could it help.  But it does help - every single time.

 

I like this idea for a topic btdt - thanks.

[Junglechicken]

or at least did not make you worse. 

 

I was thinking today maybe it would be good to make a list of the best helpful things that helped during every stage of wd to help others have a idea of what to try maybe we will come up with a master list of things that never made anyone worse this may turn out to be just food or meditation videos so be it.  

 

What always helped or at least did not make me worse beets never once made me worse and almost always helped... I craved them first when I was on effexor and had a drug reaction or interaction with a ppi not sure if it was the purple pill that time or one of the others from the same family doc tried them all I reacted to them all... beets saved me then I ate a huge pot full of boiled beets that is all I wanted.

 

I have since juiced beets grated beets into salads I wish I could grow beets if I ever have land again be sure I will grow beets.  

 

Cd of the ocean cold packs on my neck/head quiet and dark epson salt baths heating pad on the spine amazingly effective for pain in most places of the body when done with the cold pack on the neck ... I suspect it confuses the nervous system having hot and cold at the same time it seems to reset...sometimes it has never made me worse. 

peace all 

B

Are you in Alberta by any chance?!! The beets thing, haha!! Glad its working for you - I love them too. I have completely gone off bread/wheat.  All I want to eat is quinoa for breakfast as my carb.

[Hibari]

Acupuncture has helped me tremendously in the wd process.  It seems to have helped strengthen my nervous system and energy so that when I am in a wave, I can withstand it better.

 

I have to list a couple of other things;

A friend I call when I am in the peak of wd who I just sob with on the phone.  This happens monthly and she just keeps reassuring me I am getting better.

Good old ginger ale when I am nauseous, it really works for me.

Going to meetings, which helps me with my faith when I am scared. 

The people on this site, especially my friend Leahy who is withdrawing from the same drug I am. 

 

Great idea to share this way.

[btdt]

Soaked oats, nuts and seeds.  I've craved them all through my w/d, and they are so healthy and soothing and filling.  I've since read there is actually something in oats that makes us feel less depressed. 

 

Calling a friend and saying I'm not doing so well.  I always agonise over this first, telling myself how could it help.  But it does help - every single time.

 

I like this idea for a topic btdt - thanks.

Thanks it could be a place to join our forces how do you soak the oats in what for how long do you eat them raw I was told once raw oats cause worms... when I was a kid and loved to eat oats raw.  What type of nuts?  If I am going to try this I don't want to make mistakes and thanks for sharing. 

peace B

[btdt]

 

or at least did not make you worse. 

 

I was thinking today maybe it would be good to make a list of the best helpful things that helped during every stage of wd to help others have a idea of what to try maybe we will come up with a master list of things that never made anyone worse this may turn out to be just food or meditation videos so be it.  

 

What always helped or at least did not make me worse beets never once made me worse and almost always helped... I craved them first when I was on effexor and had a drug reaction or interaction with a ppi not sure if it was the purple pill that time or one of the others from the same family doc tried them all I reacted to them all... beets saved me then I ate a huge pot full of boiled beets that is all I wanted.

 

I have since juiced beets grated beets into salads I wish I could grow beets if I ever have land again be sure I will grow beets.  

 

Cd of the ocean cold packs on my neck/head quiet and dark epson salt baths heating pad on the spine amazingly effective for pain in most places of the body when done with the cold pack on the neck ... I suspect it confuses the nervous system having hot and cold at the same time it seems to reset...sometimes it has never made me worse. 

peace all 

B

Are you in Alberta by any chance?!! The beets thing, haha!! Glad its working for you - I love them too. I have completely gone off bread/wheat.  All I want to eat is quinoa for breakfast as my carb.

 

Ontario... 

how do you make the quinoa do you eat anything with it?

[btdt]

Acupuncture has helped me tremendously in the wd process.  It seems to have helped strengthen my nervous system and energy so that when I am in a wave, I can withstand it better.

 

I have to list a couple of other things;

A friend I call when I am in the peak of wd who I just sob with on the phone.  This happens monthly and she just keeps reassuring me I am getting better.

Good old ginger ale when I am nauseous, it really works for me.

Going to meetings, which helps me with my faith when I am scared. 

The people on this site, especially my friend Leahy who is withdrawing from the same drug I am. 

 

Great idea to share this way.

I have used up all my friends it has been a long time they gave up on me and walked. Or I pushed them I am not quite sure I have a couple who are far away and did not get the brunt of full wd... not wanting to push them away too I tie my tongue. I am glad you have friends who are still with you. I do miss that. 

Faith I do not have a church where I live now and have not bothered to get one...but I surely do pray a lot and watch a lot of services on tv it has helped me too. 

Thanks for sharing.

peace B

[btdt]

At one point I felt very toxic and ate some activated charcoal pills it turned my stool black but other than that I really think it helped my health. 

I can't use it just now as my stool is black off and on so waiting for that to settle then I may try it again. 

peace

[Junglechicken]

 

 

or at least did not make you worse. 

 

I was thinking today maybe it would be good to make a list of the best helpful things that helped during every stage of wd to help others have a idea of what to try maybe we will come up with a master list of things that never made anyone worse this may turn out to be just food or meditation videos so be it.  

 

What always helped or at least did not make me worse beets never once made me worse and almost always helped... I craved them first when I was on effexor and had a drug reaction or interaction with a ppi not sure if it was the purple pill that time or one of the others from the same family doc tried them all I reacted to them all... beets saved me then I ate a huge pot full of boiled beets that is all I wanted.

 

I have since juiced beets grated beets into salads I wish I could grow beets if I ever have land again be sure I will grow beets.  

 

Cd of the ocean cold packs on my neck/head quiet and dark epson salt baths heating pad on the spine amazingly effective for pain in most places of the body when done with the cold pack on the neck ... I suspect it confuses the nervous system having hot and cold at the same time it seems to reset...sometimes it has never made me worse. 

peace all 

B

 

Are you in Alberta by any chance?!! The beets thing, haha!! Glad its working for you - I love them too. I have completely gone off bread/wheat.  All I want to eat is quinoa for breakfast as my carb.

Ontario... 

how do you make the quinoa do you eat anything with it?

I have the quinoa with Becel and black pepper. Delicious!

[Junglechicken]

You just cook the quinoa in boiling water until it has fully expanded, kind of like cooking pasta.

 

I cook a huge batch and eat it when I feel hungry.

[SarahLeo]

I am doing the neuroptimal Neurofeedback training through my Psychologist. The brand of the machine is Zengar. I am doing 2 or 3 sessions a week. My sessions are 33 mins long with counselling before and after. I am on session 6 & have signed up for 15 sessions. From what I understand, you start noticing improvements on session 5, but after 15 sessions you know if it's working or not.

 

After my session yesterday, I woke up today feeling way better. I am not nearly as irritable & I am starting to get my brain back. I am happy with my progress so far and will continue my training. I have no side effects from the training & find it very relaxing.

 

https://www.zengar.com

[Hibari]

 

Acupuncture has helped me tremendously in the wd process.  It seems to have helped strengthen my nervous system and energy so that when I am in a wave, I can withstand it better.

 

I have to list a couple of other things;

A friend I call when I am in the peak of wd who I just sob with on the phone.  This happens monthly and she just keeps reassuring me I am getting better.

Good old ginger ale when I am nauseous, it really works for me.

Going to meetings, which helps me with my faith when I am scared. 

The people on this site, especially my friend Leahy who is withdrawing from the same drug I am. 

 

Great idea to share this way.

I have used up all my friends it has been a long time they gave up on me and walked. Or I pushed them I am not quite sure I have a couple who are far away and did not get the brunt of full wd... not wanting to push them away too I tie my tongue. I am glad you have friends who are still with you. I do miss that. 

Faith I do not have a church where I live now and have not bothered to get one...but I surely do pray a lot and watch a lot of services on tv it has helped me too. 

Thanks for sharing.

peace B

 

I actually don't go to church but I do go to a 12 Step program that offers me so much spiritual support-very unexpected. 

[btdt]

You just cook the quinoa in boiling water until it has fully expanded, kind of like cooking pasta.

 

I cook a huge batch and eat it when I feel hungry.

I have tried it like this and can't quite stomach it I guess we all have different tastes maybe I should try it again as I have found my taste buds changeable during this wd process. Thanks for the recipe