Alpha-Stim machine for insomnia, anxiety & depression

[Guest guest]

Has anyone tried this gadget? It's expensive, but I just heard from a

reader who says this works. The Alpha-Stim® SCS (Stress Control

System) cranial electrotherapy stimulator treats anxiety, depression,

insomnia and other stress related disorders.

http://www.alpha-stim.com

Dom

[Guest guest]

Yes, I use it as do a couple of my friends. It hasn't given me a complete night's rest yet, but it helps immensly. I can feel my body relax when I'm using it and often wake up with the clips still on my ears because I've fallen asleep with them on.

Deb Halvorson

Alpha-Stim machine for insomnia, anxiety & depression

Has anyone tried this gadget? It's expensive, but I just heard from areader who says this works. The Alpha-Stim® SCS (Stress ControlSystem) cranial electrotherapy stimulator treats anxiety, depression,insomnia and other stress related disorders.http://www.alpha- stim.comDom

[Guest guest]

Wow, Deb! That's great about the alpha-stim machine

http://www.alpha-stim.com

(broken link in my original post).

Can you venture a guess as to why it helps with sleep? Do you still

need sleep meds? Is there anything else it helps with?

Dom

>

> Yes, I use it as do a couple of my friends.  It hasn't given me a

complete night's rest yet, but it helps immensly.  I can feel my body

relax when I'm using it and often wake up with the clips still on my

ears because I've fallen asleep with them on.  

>  

> Deb Halvorson

>

[Guest guest]

I think it helps with anxiety as well as muscle tightness and that's how it helps sleep. It helps remove the "I can't turn off my mind" syndrome. My health care professionals refuse to give me any sleep meds at all.

I was using the CPAP machine and sleeping pills, but cannot use it without sleep meds. Unfortunately, the machine was already paid for by the time docs quit giving me sleep meds, so, machine is collecting dust now and I only use the Alpha-Stim. I have the one that has the tens unit so you can use it on sore muscles in the neck and shoulders.

Deb Halvorson

Re: Alpha-Stim machine for insomnia, anxiety & depression

Wow, Deb! That's great about the alpha-stim machinehttp://www.alpha- stim.com(broken link in my original post).Can you venture a guess as to why it helps with sleep? Do you stillneed sleep meds? Is there anything else it helps with?Dom>> Yes, I use it as do a couple of my friends. It hasn't given me acomplete night's rest yet, but it helps immensly. I can feel my bodyrelax when I'm using it and often wake up with the clips still on myears because I've fallen asleep with them on. > > Deb Halvorson>

[Guest guest]

Wow! That sounds great!

Dom

>

> I think it helps with anxiety as well as muscle tightness and that's

how it helps sleep.  It helps remove the " I can't turn off my mind "

syndrome.  My health care professionals refuse to give me any sleep

meds at all. 

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I believe that this Alpha-Stim machine is a similar treatment to the more sophisticated ones described below.

I am currently enrolled in a brain stimulation study for FM led by Dr. Lee Esty, who appears as the last reference at the bottom of the article. I am beginning to feel some positive changes. Marielle

From the Townsend LetterApril 2008

Order this issue!

Letter to the Editor:Restoring Optimal Brain Function Helps Many Health Problems

Online publication only

Restoring Optimal Brain Function Helps Many Health Problems:ADD; Autism; Depression; Fibromyalgia; Anxiety; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Learning Disorders; Strokes; Parkinson's Disease; Multiple Sclerosis

After reading the 2006 book, The Healing Power of Neurofeedback: The Revolutionary LENS Technique for Restoring Optimal Brain Function, by Larsen, PhD, I am very encouraged to believe that the originator of this technique, Dr. Len Ochs, has discovered one of the "missing links" in healing many types of health problems: central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. Larsen's book is filled with actual research results as well as amazing case histories of real people. Some of the case histories document people with conditions that have been almost impossible to correct by any means, who have subsequently derived tremendous benefit from sessions with Ochs' neurofeedback technique. It is hard to convey how very excited I am about the potential of this system to provide a means of help -- that has not been available before -- to people with CNS dysfunction! Over the last 16 years, Dr. Len Ochs has

been working to perfect his unique non-invasive procedure presently called Low-Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS). His technique distinguishes itself from more well-known interactive neurofeedback techniques by the passive involvement of the participant and the extremely low electromagnetic signal, less than a trillionth of a watt that is used in the feedback signal. To really appreciate the difference between the LENS passive system and the active neurofeedback system that is presently utilized by most neurofeedback practitioners, one only needs to picture the active system with someone sitting for hours in front of a computer monitor, hooked up with wires, and trying to get their brainwaves into a desired pattern. It is a very difficult task; I personally know two young people with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and depression who just gave up trying after a while; they found it too frustrating.The LENS technique has a completely

different goal, one of actually encouraging the brain to a state of disentrainment, where flexibility and elasticity are more pronounced. The LENS is a passive system, where the participant does not try to change any brain wave and does not feel or know when the incredibly short neurofeedback session is even being given. The patient does not feel anything at all, because as Dr. Larsen writes, the energy delivered in radio waves from the LENS system is "much tinier than what goes right through our heads when we use any cell phone." Yet, over the last ten years, this new system has been helping people with all types of difficult health issues.Dr. Len Ochs has discovered something about the brain that is revolutionary. He has found that one does not need to tell the brain what to do as the active neurofeedback systems have been doing. He has found that by feeding back the very same brain waves that various areas of the brain are emitting and adding

the slightest amount of change, called an offset, the brain takes that brainwave feedback and over several treatment sessions, self-adjusts, self-rectifies, self-regulates, balances, harmonizes, and minimizes its dysfunction by itself by creating a healthy homeostasis. It does so with an input that is so small and so short as to be almost unbelievable, but all the children, adults, and their families and friends who have witnessed their improved functioning, do believe it and are immensely grateful for it. The feedback from the LENS technique is individually adjusted to each patient. As the brain gradually adjusts itself with continued sessions and corrects its central nervous system dysfunction, all sorts of behavioral and physical symptoms change, too. In his fascinating book about the LENS, Dr. Larsen reports that the changes occur in three important dimensions: "Force (mental and physical energy), Focus (directing and sustaining

attention), and Feeling (mood and affect)."That translates in behavioral changes such as sleeping better, thinking better, feeling better, reacting better in relationships with others, and, overall, just being more flexible in living. Anxiety and panic feelings decrease; sleep problems such as restless leg syndrome decrease; depressive thoughts lighten up; foggy, cloudy thinking gets more clarity; fatigue eases up; even emotional issues may be brought to the surface and released, freeing the person in that dimension. Dr. Ochs and his trained practitioners have found that LENS neurofeedback can often accomplish what psychotherapy was not able to do.Of course, these wonderful changes do not happen all at once, or even to every person. There is a gradual change and improvement, although every once in a while, someone experiences such a rapid relief of their symptoms that it is akin to a miracle. The average number of sessions to "brain

homeostasis" is between 15 and 20, although significant improvement may be experienced in three to six sessions. Long-term, deep-seated, or chronic problems like autism, life-long depression, recovery from strokes, or staving off deterioration in serious neurological diseases may take many more sessions to resolve or show strong improvement. In my excitement to tell you what is so important about this technique, I am sort of jumping ahead of myself. I jumped over the first part, where a LENS practitioner must make a "brain map" of the brainwaves coming from each of the 19-plus spots on the scalp that correlate to areas in the brain. These readings, which are charted on Dr. Ochs' special computer program, spell out for the practitioner where to place the EEG electrodes for each person and in what sequence. The results guide the treatment plan; the computer program figures it out for the practitioner. With the aid of the computer program, the

practitioner is then able to know where to start the neurofeedback. Surprisingly, Dr. Ochs has found that it is better to start at the area of best function and, gradually, over several sessions, move to the area of poorest function. He has found this is the best way to minimize negative responses and provide the most "comfort" for the patient, which is one of his primary goals. I have alluded to the brief nature of the neurofeedback session, but have failed to clarify the exact amount of time the input is given, because this is the factor that most people find hardest to believe. In the delivery of the LENS feedback, only one to seven sites are treated in each session, and each site is given feedback for only one second! Dr. Ochs reports that the weekly neurofeedback sessions average only four seconds of actual feedback. The more sensitive the participant is, the fewer sites will be addressed in one session. The people who most benefit

from the LENS technique have what is called EEG slowing, meaning they have a lot of Delta-Theta-Alpha predominating in their brainwaves. Beta waves correlate with a highly active brain state such as problem solving, alpha with a relaxed but still alert consciousness, theta and delta with sleep and deep sleep states. These excessive slow waves of theta or delta are found in people with learning disorders, ADD, autism, depression, chronic fatigue, PTSD, TBI/closed head injury, migraine, and other disorders. Falls, bumps on the head, accidents and other "hard" injuries may also disrupt the communication flow and result in areas of slow brainwave activity. In the same way, emotionally traumatic events, "soft injuries," leave their effect on the operational flexibility of the brain. The LENS process is not a treatment for any specific condition or symptom. It is a general process that helps the brain recognize and respond to feedback signals. As this

self-regulation occurs in the brain, many symptoms that have their basis in central nervous system dysfunction begin to improve. This improvement can manifest in less pain for people with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It can manifest in better balance and coordination in other CNS disorders such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or Parkinson's. It can manifest as improved mental clarity and memory in people with dementia or Alzheimer's. It can manifest as mood improvement in people with anxiety, depression, and explosiveness. It can manifest in improved sleep in people with sleeping disorders, restless leg syndrome, or night teeth grinding. This unique neurofeedback technique may also benefit people who are already healthy and are interested in peak functioning and improving their inner resilience to stress. Presently, there are about 200 LENS practitioners in the world.

Dr. Ochs' website (www.ochslabs.com) offers a list of trained providers. With the publication of Dr. Larsen's book on LENS, I am sure that number will be rapidly increasing all across the United States. SUMMARY: Points to Remember about the LENS Technique:

extremely low power used participant is passive and awake - doesn't have to do anything brain self-adjusts itself from feedback improvements occur in mental and physical states, mood and emotional well-being, attention and focus, pain relief helps brain restore elasticity and flexibility in cortical functioning

WhiteEducational CoordinatorBrewer Science Library325 N. Central AvenueRichland Center, Wisconsin 53581

Schoenberger N, Shiflett S, Esty ML, et al. Flexyx neurotherapy system in the treatment of traumatic brain injury: an initial evaluation. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. June 2001; 16 (3): 260-274.Larsen S. The low energy neurofeedback system (LENS). A study of 100 patient clinical outcomes, with a comparison to changes in the EEG. To be published in the Journal of Neurotherapy.Mueller H, son CS, D, Layman M. Treatment of fibromyalgia incorporating EEG-Driven stimulation: A clinical outcomes study. Mueller, Journal of Clinical Psychology. 2001;57 (7):933-952. son CS, Sella G, Mueller H. Fibromyalgia. A retrospective study of 252 consecutive referrals. Canadian Journal of Clinical Medicine. 1998; 5 (6).

Related Websites

1. Dr. Len Ochs, PhD: Available at: www.ochslabs.com. Good information found under Articles (Background)2. Larsen, PhD: Available at: www.stonemountaincenter.com. 3. Lee Esty, PhD, LCSW: Available at: www.neurotherapycenters.com.

Consult your doctor before using any of the treatments found within this site.

Subscriptions are available for Townsend Letter, the Examiner of Alternative Medicine magazine, which is published 10 times each year.

Search our pre-2001 archives for further information. Older issues of the printed magazine are also indexed for your convenience. 1983-2001 indices ; recent indices

Once you find the magazines you'd like to order, please use our convenient form, e-mail subscriptions@..., or call 360.385.6021 (PST).

Who are we? | New articles | Featured topics | Articles online | Tables of contents | Subscriptions | Contact us | Links | Classifieds | Advertise | Alternative Medicine Conference Calendar | Search site | Archives |EDTA Chelation Therapy | Home

© 1983-2008 Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients All rights reserved. Website by Sandy Hershelman DesignsApril 6, 2008

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Découvrez les styles qui font sensation sur Québec Avatars

[Guest guest]

------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------

>Hey Deb: I guess a doctor's order is needed for one of these. There

seems to be several different ones out there. Do you know the

approximate cost?

S.

[Guest guest]

Hi Marielle,Thank you so much for sharing this newsletter article with us. For the past 15 years, I have suffered with multiple neurological conditions, which most doctors passed off as hypochondria. I won't bore you with all my neurological trials and tribulations, over the years. But, suffice it to say, that this sounds like it might be the answer to many of my neurological problems. >> > Hi,> I believe that this Alpha-Stim machine is a similar treatment to the more sophisticated ones described below.> I am currently enrolled in a brain stimulation study for FM led by Dr. Lee Esty, who appears as the last reference at the bottom of the article. I am beginning to feel some positive changes. Marielle> From the Townsend Letter> April 2008> Letter to the Editor:> Restoring Optimal Brain Function Helps Many Health ProblemsOnline publication only> Restoring Optimal Brain Function Helps Many Health Problems:> ADD; Autism; Depression; Fibromyalgia; Anxiety; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Learning Disorders; Strokes; Parkinson's Disease; Multiple Sclerosis> After reading the 2006 book, The Healing Power of Neurofeedback: The Revolutionary LENS Technique for Restoring Optimal Brain Function, by Larsen, PhD, I am very encouraged to believe that the originator of this technique, Dr. Len Ochs, has discovered one of the "missing links" in healing many types of health problems: central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. Larsen's book is filled with actual research results as well as amazing case histories of real people. Some of the case histories document people with conditions that have been almost impossible to correct by any means, who have subsequently derived tremendous benefit from sessions with Ochs' neurofeedback technique. It is hard to convey how very excited I am about the potential of this system to provide a means of help -- that has not been available before -- to people with CNS dysfunction! > > Over the last 16 years, Dr. Len Ochs has been working to perfect his unique non-invasive procedure presently called Low-Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS). His technique distinguishes itself from more well-known interactive neurofeedback techniques by the passive involvement of the participant and the extremely low electromagnetic signal, less than a trillionth of a watt that is used in the feedback signal. > > To really appreciate the difference between the LENS passive system and the active neurofeedback system that is presently utilized by most neurofeedback practitioners, one only needs to picture the active system with someone sitting for hours in front of a computer monitor, hooked up with wires, and trying to get their brainwaves into a desired pattern. It is a very difficult task; I personally know two young people with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and depression who just gave up trying after a while; they found it too frustrating.> > The LENS technique has a completely different goal, one of actually encouraging the brain to a state of disentrainment, where flexibility and elasticity are more pronounced. The LENS is a passive system, where the participant does not try to change any brain wave and does not feel or know when the incredibly short neurofeedback session is even being given. The patient does not feel anything at all, because as Dr. Larsen writes, the energy delivered in radio waves from the LENS system is "much tinier than what goes right through our heads when we use any cell phone." Yet, over the last ten years, this new system has been helping people with all types of difficult health issues.> > Dr. Len Ochs has discovered something about the brain that is revolutionary. He has found that one does not need to tell the brain what to do as the active neurofeedback systems have been doing. He has found that by feeding back the very same brain waves that various areas of the brain are emitting and adding the slightest amount of change, called an offset, the brain takes that brainwave feedback and over several treatment sessions, self-adjusts, self-rectifies, self-regulates, balances, harmonizes, and minimizes its dysfunction by itself by creating a healthy homeostasis. It does so with an input that is so small and so short as to be almost unbelievable, but all the children, adults, and their families and friends who have witnessed their improved functioning, do believe it and are immensely grateful for it. > > The feedback from the LENS technique is individually adjusted to each patient. > As the brain gradually adjusts itself with continued sessions and corrects its central nervous system dysfunction, all sorts of behavioral and physical symptoms change, too. In his fascinating book about the LENS, Dr. Larsen reports that the changes occur in three important dimensions: "Force (mental and physical energy), Focus (directing and sustaining attention), and Feeling (mood and affect)."> > That translates in behavioral changes such as sleeping better, thinking better, feeling better, reacting better in relationships with others, and, overall, just being more flexible in living. Anxiety and panic feelings decrease; sleep problems such as restless leg syndrome decrease; depressive thoughts lighten up; foggy, cloudy thinking gets more clarity; fatigue eases up; even emotional issues may be brought to the surface and released, freeing the person in that dimension. Dr. Ochs and his trained practitioners have found that LENS neurofeedback can often accomplish what psychotherapy was not able to do.> > Of course, these wonderful changes do not happen all at once, or even to every person. There is a gradual change and improvement, although every once in a while, someone experiences such a rapid relief of their symptoms that it is akin to a miracle. The average number of sessions to "brain homeostasis" is between 15 and 20, although significant improvement may be experienced in three to six sessions. Long-term, deep-seated, or chronic problems like autism, life-long depression, recovery from strokes, or staving off deterioration in serious neurological diseases may take many more sessions to resolve or show strong improvement. > > In my excitement to tell you what is so important about this technique, I am sort of jumping ahead of myself. I jumped over the first part, where a LENS practitioner must make a "brain map" of the brainwaves coming from each of the 19-plus spots on the scalp that correlate to areas in the brain. These readings, which are charted on Dr. Ochs' special computer program, spell out for the practitioner where to place the EEG electrodes for each person and in what sequence. The results guide the treatment plan; the computer program figures it out for the practitioner. With the aid of the computer program, the practitioner is then able to know where to start the neurofeedback. Surprisingly, Dr. Ochs has found that it is better to start at the area of best function and, gradually, over several sessions, move to the area of poorest function. He has found this is the best way to minimize negative responses and provide the most "comfort" for the patient, which is> one of his primary goals. > > I have alluded to the brief nature of the neurofeedback session, but have failed to clarify the exact amount of time the input is given, because this is the factor that most people find hardest to believe. In the delivery of the LENS feedback, only one to seven sites are treated in each session, and each site is given feedback for only one second! Dr. Ochs reports that the weekly neurofeedback sessions average only four seconds of actual feedback. The more sensitive the participant is, the fewer sites will be addressed in one session. > > The people who most benefit from the LENS technique have what is called EEG slowing, meaning they have a lot of Delta-Theta-Alpha predominating in their brainwaves. Beta waves correlate with a highly active brain state such as problem solving, alpha with a relaxed but still alert consciousness, theta and delta with sleep and deep sleep states. These excessive slow waves of theta or delta are found in people with learning disorders, ADD, autism, depression, chronic fatigue, PTSD, TBI/closed head injury, migraine, and other disorders. Falls, bumps on the head, accidents and other "hard" injuries may also disrupt the communication flow and result in areas of slow brainwave activity. In the same way, emotionally traumatic events, "soft injuries," leave their effect on the operational flexibility of the brain. > > The LENS process is not a treatment for any specific condition or symptom. It is a general process that helps the brain recognize and respond to feedback signals. As this self-regulation occurs in the brain, many symptoms that have their basis in central nervous system dysfunction begin to improve. This improvement can manifest in less pain for people with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It can manifest in better balance and coordination in other CNS disorders such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or Parkinson's. It can manifest as improved mental clarity and memory in people with dementia or Alzheimer's. It can manifest as mood improvement in people with anxiety, depression, and explosiveness. It can manifest in improved sleep in people with sleeping disorders, restless leg syndrome, or night teeth grinding. This unique neurofeedback technique may also benefit people who are> already healthy and are interested in peak functioning and improving their inner resilience to stress. > > Presently, there are about 200 LENS practitioners in the world. Dr. Ochs' website (www.ochslabs.com) offers a list of trained providers. With the publication of Dr. Larsen's book on LENS, I am sure that number will be rapidly increasing all across the United States. > SUMMARY: Points to Remember about the LENS Technique:> > extremely low power used > participant is passive and awake - doesn't have to do anything > brain self-adjusts itself from feedback > improvements occur in mental and physical states, mood and emotional well-being, attention and focus, pain relief > helps brain restore elasticity and flexibility in cortical functioning >  > White> Educational Coordinator> Brewer Science Library> 325 N. Central Avenue> Richland Center, Wisconsin 53581> > Schoenberger N, Shiflett S, Esty ML, et al. Flexyx neurotherapy system in the treatment of traumatic brain injury: an initial evaluation. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. June 2001; 16 (3): 260-274.> > Larsen S. The low energy neurofeedback system (LENS). A study of 100 patient clinical outcomes, with a comparison to changes in the EEG. To be published in the Journal of Neurotherapy.> > Mueller H, son CS, D, Layman M. Treatment of fibromyalgia incorporating EEG-Driven stimulation: A clinical outcomes study. Mueller, Journal of Clinical Psychology. 2001;57 (7):933-952. > > son CS, Sella G, Mueller H. Fibromyalgia. A retrospective study of 252 consecutive referrals. Canadian Journal of Clinical Medicine. 1998; 5 (6).> Related Websites> 1. Dr. Len Ochs, PhD: Available at: www.ochslabs.com. > Good information found under Articles (Background)> 2. Larsen, PhD: Available at: www.stonemountaincenter.com. > 3. Lee Esty, PhD, LCSW: Available at: www.neurotherapycenters.com. > > >  > > Consult your doctor before using any of the treatments found within this site.> > Subscriptions are available for Townsend Letter, the Examiner of Alternative Medicine magazine, which is published 10 times each year.> Search our pre-2001 archives for further information. Older issues of the printed magazine are also indexed for your convenience. > 1983-2001 indices ; recent indices> Once you find the magazines you'd like to order, please use our convenient form, e-mail subscriptions@..., or call 360.385.6021 (PST).>  > Who are we? | New articles | Featured topics | Articles online | > Tables of contents | Subscriptions | Contact us | Links | Classifieds | Advertise | Alternative Medicine Conference Calendar | Search site | Archives |> EDTA Chelation Therapy | Home >  > © 1983-2008 Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients > All rights reserved. > Website by Sandy Hershelman Designs> April 6, 2008 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Who are we?> > > Articles > > > Place an order> > > Townsend Links> > > Contact us> > > About Townsend Letter> > > Subscriptions> > > Advertise with us!> > > Classified ads> > > Contact us> > > New articles online> > > Featured topics> > > Tables of contents> > > EDTA Chelation Therapy> > > Townsend Weekly> > > Search recent indices> > > Search 1983-2001 indices> > > Visit our pre-2001 archives> > > Search this site> > > Submit an Article> > > Subscribe to our magazine> > > Order back issues> > > Advertise with us!> > > Classified ads> > > Interesting links> > > Alternative Medicine Conference Calendar> > > Contact us> > > Join our mailing list> > > Address change> > > Submit an Article> > > Découvrez les photos les plus intéressantes du jour.> http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/>

[Guest guest]

Marielle: Thank you. There is evidently one practioner in the

Atlanta area, a Dr. Grant Bright. I have contacted him by phone and

left a message for him to call back to discuss the treatment.

S.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Who are we?

> >

> >

> > ArticlesÂ

> >

> >

> > Place an order

> >

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> >

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> >

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> >

> >

> > Advertise with us!

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> >

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> >

> > Contact us

> >

> >

> > New articles online

> >

> >

> > Featured topics

> >

> >

> > Tables of contents

> >

> >

> > EDTA Chelation Therapy

> >

> >

> > Townsend Weekly

> >

> >

> > Search recent indices

> >

> >

> > Search 1983-2001 indices

> >

> >

> > Visit our pre-2001 archives

> >

> >

> > Search this site

> >

> >

> > Submit an Article

> >

> >

> > Subscribe to our magazine

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> > Découvrez les photos les plus intéressantes du jour.

> > http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I found an interesting phrase in this information. I use the Alpha-Stim machine and recently went through a phase where a lot of the pent up anger that I felt toward my parents regarding past abuse came to the surface forcing me to work through those issues. I couldn't understand why I was now being faced with these before buried feelings and when this information stated that this procedure can bring emotions to the surface I was stunned. This is certainly not one of the functions of the machine that I was aware of. It was uncomfortable dealing with those feelings but am happy I am now on the other side of the issue and seem to be in a healthier mind set than previously.

Thanks for sharing this.

Deb Halvorson

Re: Alpha-Stim machine for insomnia, anxiety & depression

Hi Marielle,Thank you so much for sharing this newsletter article with us. For the past 15 years, I have suffered with multiple neurological conditions, which most doctors passed off as hypochondria. I won't bore you with all my neurological trials and tribulations, over the years. But, suffice it to say, that this sounds like it might be the answer to many of my neurological problems. >> > Hi,> I believe that this Alpha-Stim machine is a similar treatment to the more sophisticated ones described below.> I am currently enrolled in a brain stimulation study for FM led by Dr. Lee Esty, who appears as the last reference at the bottom of the article. I am beginning to feel some positive changes. Marielle> From the

Townsend Letter> April 2008> Letter to the Editor:> Restoring Optimal Brain Function Helps Many Health ProblemsOnline publication only> Restoring Optimal Brain Function Helps Many Health Problems:> ADD; Autism; Depression; Fibromyalgia; Anxiety; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Learning Disorders; Strokes; Parkinson's Disease; Multiple Sclerosis> After reading the 2006 book, The Healing Power of Neurofeedback: The Revolutionary LENS Technique for Restoring Optimal Brain Function, by Larsen, PhD, I am very encouraged to believe that the originator of this technique, Dr. Len Ochs, has discovered one of the "missing links" in healing many types of health problems: central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. Larsen's book is filled with actual research results as well as amazing case histories of real people. Some of the case histories document people with conditions that have been almost impossible

to correct by any means, who have subsequently derived tremendous benefit from sessions with Ochs' neurofeedback technique. It is hard to convey how very excited I am about the potential of this system to provide a means of help -- that has not been available before -- to people with CNS dysfunction! > > Over the last 16 years, Dr. Len Ochs has been working to perfect his unique non-invasive procedure presently called Low-Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS). His technique distinguishes itself from more well-known interactive neurofeedback techniques by the passive involvement of the participant and the extremely low electromagnetic signal, less than a trillionth of a watt that is used in the feedback signal. > > To really appreciate the difference between the LENS passive system and the active neurofeedback system that is presently utilized by most neurofeedback practitioners, one only needs to picture the active system with

someone sitting for hours in front of a computer monitor, hooked up with wires, and trying to get their brainwaves into a desired pattern. It is a very difficult task; I personally know two young people with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and depression who just gave up trying after a while; they found it too frustrating.> > The LENS technique has a completely different goal, one of actually encouraging the brain to a state of disentrainment, where flexibility and elasticity are more pronounced. The LENS is a passive system, where the participant does not try to change any brain wave and does not feel or know when the incredibly short neurofeedback session is even being given. The patient does not feel anything at all, because as Dr. Larsen writes, the energy delivered in radio waves from the LENS system is "much tinier than what goes right through our heads when we use any cell phone." Yet, over the last ten years, this new system has

been helping people with all types of difficult health issues.> > Dr. Len Ochs has discovered something about the brain that is revolutionary. He has found that one does not need to tell the brain what to do as the active neurofeedback systems have been doing. He has found that by feeding back the very same brain waves that various areas of the brain are emitting and adding the slightest amount of change, called an offset, the brain takes that brainwave feedback and over several treatment sessions, self-adjusts, self-rectifies, self-regulates, balances, harmonizes, and minimizes its dysfunction by itself by creating a healthy homeostasis. It does so with an input that is so small and so short as to be almost unbelievable, but all the children, adults, and their families and friends who have witnessed their improved functioning, do believe it and are immensely grateful for it. > > The feedback from the LENS technique is

individually adjusted to each patient. > As the brain gradually adjusts itself with continued sessions and corrects its central nervous system dysfunction, all sorts of behavioral and physical symptoms change, too. In his fascinating book about the LENS, Dr. Larsen reports that the changes occur in three important dimensions: "Force (mental and physical energy), Focus (directing and sustaining attention), and Feeling (mood and affect)."> > That translates in behavioral changes such as sleeping better, thinking better, feeling better, reacting better in relationships with others, and, overall, just being more flexible in living. Anxiety and panic feelings decrease; sleep problems such as restless leg syndrome decrease; depressive thoughts lighten up; foggy, cloudy thinking gets more clarity; fatigue eases up; even emotional issues may be brought to the surface and released, freeing the person in that dimension. Dr. Ochs and

his trained practitioners have found that LENS neurofeedback can often accomplish what psychotherapy was not able to do.> > Of course, these wonderful changes do not happen all at once, or even to every person. There is a gradual change and improvement, although every once in a while, someone experiences such a rapid relief of their symptoms that it is akin to a miracle. The average number of sessions to "brain homeostasis" is between 15 and 20, although significant improvement may be experienced in three to six sessions. Long-term, deep-seated, or chronic problems like autism, life-long depression, recovery from strokes, or staving off deterioration in serious neurological diseases may take many more sessions to resolve or show strong improvement. > > In my excitement to tell you what is so important about this technique, I am sort of jumping ahead of myself.. I jumped over the first part, where a LENS practitioner must make

a "brain map" of the brainwaves coming from each of the 19-plus spots on the scalp that correlate to areas in the brain. These readings, which are charted on Dr. Ochs' special computer program, spell out for the practitioner where to place the EEG electrodes for each person and in what sequence. The results guide the treatment plan; the computer program figures it out for the practitioner. With the aid of the computer program, the practitioner is then able to know where to start the neurofeedback. Surprisingly, Dr. Ochs has found that it is better to start at the area of best function and, gradually, over several sessions, move to the area of poorest function. He has found this is the best way to minimize negative responses and provide the most "comfort" for the patient, which is> one of his primary goals. > > I have alluded to the brief nature of the neurofeedback session, but have failed to clarify the exact amount of time the

input is given, because this is the factor that most people find hardest to believe. In the delivery of the LENS feedback, only one to seven sites are treated in each session, and each site is given feedback for only one second! Dr. Ochs reports that the weekly neurofeedback sessions average only four seconds of actual feedback. The more sensitive the participant is, the fewer sites will be addressed in one session. > > The people who most benefit from the LENS technique have what is called EEG slowing, meaning they have a lot of Delta-Theta- Alpha predominating in their brainwaves. Beta waves correlate with a highly active brain state such as problem solving, alpha with a relaxed but still alert consciousness, theta and delta with sleep and deep sleep states. These excessive slow waves of theta or delta are found in people with learning disorders, ADD, autism, depression, chronic fatigue, PTSD, TBI/closed head injury, migraine, and other

disorders. Falls, bumps on the head, accidents and other "hard" injuries may also disrupt the communication flow and result in areas of slow brainwave activity. In the same way, emotionally traumatic events, "soft injuries," leave their effect on the operational flexibility of the brain. > > The LENS process is not a treatment for any specific condition or symptom. It is a general process that helps the brain recognize and respond to feedback signals. As this self-regulation occurs in the brain, many symptoms that have their basis in central nervous system dysfunction begin to improve. This improvement can manifest in less pain for people with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It can manifest in better balance and coordination in other CNS disorders such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or Parkinson's. It can manifest as improved mental clarity and memory in people with

dementia or Alzheimer's. It can manifest as mood improvement in people with anxiety, depression, and explosiveness. It can manifest in improved sleep in people with sleeping disorders, restless leg syndrome, or night teeth grinding. This unique neurofeedback technique may also benefit people who are> already healthy and are interested in peak functioning and improving their inner resilience to stress. > > Presently, there are about 200 LENS practitioners in the world. Dr. Ochs' website (www.ochslabs. com) offers a list of trained providers. With the publication of Dr. Larsen's book on LENS, I am sure that number will be rapidly increasing all across the United States. > SUMMARY: Points to Remember about the LENS Technique:> > extremely low power used > participant is passive and awake - doesn't have to do anything > brain self-adjusts itself from feedback > improvements occur in mental and

physical states, mood and emotional well-being, attention and focus, pain relief > helps brain restore elasticity and flexibility in cortical functioning > Â > White> Educational Coordinator> Brewer Science Library> 325 N. Central Avenue> Richland Center, Wisconsin 53581> > Schoenberger N, Shiflett S, Esty ML, et al. Flexyx neurotherapy system in the treatment of traumatic brain injury: an initial evaluation. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. June 2001; 16 (3): 260-274.> > Larsen S. The low energy neurofeedback system (LENS). A study of 100 patient clinical outcomes, with a comparison to changes in the EEG. To be published in the Journal of Neurotherapy.> > Mueller H, son CS, D, Layman M. Treatment of fibromyalgia incorporating EEG-Driven stimulation: A clinical outcomes study. Mueller, Journal of Clinical Psychology. 2001;57

(7):933-952. > > son CS, Sella G, Mueller H. Fibromyalgia. A retrospective study of 252 consecutive referrals. Canadian Journal of Clinical Medicine. 1998; 5 (6).> Related Websites> 1. Dr. Len Ochs, PhD: Available at: www.ochslabs. com. > Good information found under Articles (Background)> 2. Larsen, PhD: Available at: www.stonemountaince nter.com. > 3. Lee Esty, PhD, LCSW: Available at: www.neurotherapycen ters.com. > > > Â > > Consult your doctor before using any of the treatments found within this site.> > Subscriptions are available for Townsend Letter, the Examiner of Alternative Medicine magazine, which is published 10 times each year.> Search our pre-2001 archives for further information. Older issues of the printed magazine are also indexed for your convenience. > 1983-2001 indices ; recent indices> Once

you find the magazines you'd like to order, please use our convenient form, e-mail subscriptions@ ..., or call 360.385.6021 (PST).>  > Who are we? | New articles | Featured topics | Articles online | > Tables of contents | Subscriptions | Contact us | Links | Classifieds | Advertise | Alternative Medicine Conference Calendar | Search site | Archives |> EDTA Chelation Therapy | Home >  > © 1983-2008 Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients > All rights reserved. > Website by Sandy Hershelman Designs> April 6, 2008 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Who are we?> > > Articles > > > Place an order> > > Townsend Links> > > Contact us> > > About Townsend Letter> > > Subscriptions> > > Advertise with us!> > > Classified ads> > > Contact us> > > New articles online> > > Featured topics> > > Tables of contents> > > EDTA Chelation Therapy> > > Townsend Weekly> > > Search recent indices> > > Search 1983-2001 indices> > > Visit our pre-2001 archives>

> > Search this site> > > Submit an Article> > > Subscribe to our magazine> > > Order back issues> > > Advertise with us!> > > Classified ads> > > Interesting links> > > Alternative Medicine Conference Calendar> > > Contact us> > > Join our mailing list> > > Address change> > > Submit an Article> > > Découvrez les photos les plus intéressantes du jour.> http://www.flickr. com/explore/ interesting/ 7days/>

[Guest guest]

Mine, with the tens unit, cost about $900. I am able to rent mine, which is great if you aren't sure its going to work for you. Rental goes towards purchase. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and they pay about 50% if I decide to buy.

Deb Halvorson

Re: Alpha-Stim machine for insomnia, anxiety & depression

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------->Hey Deb: I guess a doctor's order is needed for one of these. There seems to be several different ones out there. Do you know the approximate cost? S.

[Guest guest]

>

> Mine, with the tens unit, cost about $900.  I am able to rent mine,

which is great if you aren't sure its going to work for you.  Rental

goes towards purchase.  I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and they pay

about 50% if I decide to buy.

>  

> Deb Halvorson

>

>

Deb: Thanks. How did you get it? Through a doctor? Was an order

needed? How did you find out about rental/purchase and such?

S.

>

>

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> --------

>

>

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[Guest guest]

A friend of mine got hers through her therapist. I got mine through a regular doctor who is also an acupuncturist. She wrote me a prescription for it and sent me to an associate who works in the same building. My machine comes from Allevia Health. They have a website: www.alleviahealth.com

I believe any doctor can write a prescription for the machine. You will probably need to send in the paperwork for reimbursement for it. You can print off information about it to present to your doc to look over.

Deb Halvorson

Re: Alpha-Stim machine for insomnia, anxiety & depression

>> Mine, with the tens unit, cost about $900. I am able to rent mine, which is great if you aren't sure its going to work for you. Rental goes towards purchase. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and they pay about 50% if I decide to buy.> > Deb Halvorson> > Deb: Thanks. How did you get it? Through a doctor? Was an order needed? How did you find out about rental/purchase and such? S.> > > ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -> --------> >> >