Serendipity Healing Arts ~ Lexington, NC
(336) 406-3006 or (336) 409-2554
Overview
Welcome to Serendipity Healing Arts Stress Reduction Clinic & Biofeedback Lab. At Serendipity we believe that optimum health comes from taking care of the body, mind, and spirit.
Serendipity Healing Arts (SHA) provides patients with current, relevant education and training in managing stress, anxiety, sleep problems, pain, and other conditions that can affect your overall health.
SHA uses a holistic health model and believes it is important to understand that mental health issues and physical health (medical) are inter-related. Discussion of mental health will often address physical health.
All SHA patients must sign an informed consent, undergo an assessment, and fill out a pre-treatment survey.
Patients participating in SHA services have the desire to assume a greater responsibility for their own health, and therefore chose to have a greater involvement in their treatment services.
SHA staff are not medical doctors, naturopathic or homeopath doctors, and are not professionals in the physical health field. The SHA staff does not purport to perform conventional medical diagnosis or treatment of disease.
Serendipity Healing Arts Staff
Robert E. Longo, LPC, NCC. Director, Rob is a Licensed Professional Counselor in North Carolina, and a National Board Certified Counselor.
Deborah P. Longo, BSW, ACBSW. Associate, Deb has her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is retired from the State of North Carolina.
SERVICES (The following are excerpts from our Patient Manual ~ see full manual)
Stress Reduction
What Is Stress? [1]
Stress is a combination of physiological and emotional responses to an event. Many people with high levels of stress feel anxiety. Some of the physiological responses may include:
· Increased heart rate and blood pressure
· Sweating
. Dry mouth
· Tight muscles
. Headaches
Some of the cognitive or emotional responses include:
· Negative Self-talk
· Restlessness
· Inability to concentrate
· Sleep problems
· Lack of focus
· Physiological problems
What You Can Do to Reduce Stress
It is not uncommon for people to experience stress and anxiety in everyday life. A positive attitude, a balanced approach to life, a healthy diet, and relaxation exercises are just some of the ways you can combat stress. This manual provides tips on how to reduce stress in your life. Sometimes stress can grow into a more serious problem. If you feel depressed, have prolonged insomnia or indigestion problems due to your anxiety, seeing a professional is important.
[1] http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/success/stress.html
Biofeedback
What is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback is a non-invasive, non-medical technique in which people learn to use their own body’s signals to improve their health. Biofeedback training teaches how to consciously change and control the body's vital functions that are normally unconscious, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, through information provided by electronic devices/sensors that take readings through a software program. This process gives the patient moment by moment information about their physiological conditions, of which they are normally unaware.
SHA provides patients with the opportunity to learn basic biofeedback techniques through the use of the Wild Divine Project® hardware and software [2] , and HeartMath®. Patients place sensors on the fingers of one hand which measure heart rate and skin conductivity levels (sweaty hands); both of which increase when you are anxious and stressed, and decrease as you become more relaxed. Another probe will be placed on your finger to measure your skin temperature; which increases as you become more relaxed and less anxious.
Biofeedback has been shown to be effective with many stress related disorders and conditions that may be made worse under stress such as high blood pressure, muscle pain, migraine and tension headaches, and anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks, phobias, and obsessive –compulsive disorder. The biofeedback professional serves as a coach and the patient as the trainee.
The Healing Rhythms® software guides the patient through 15 relaxation steps. Each step includes an overview (Inspiration) two (Mind/Body) practice events, and a Biofeedback Event that guides the patient through the various components of practicing stress reduction and biofeedback techniques. HeartMath® software guides the patient through detailed relaxation and breathing techniques
Patients are encouraged to practice learned relaxation techniques at home between sessions.
How Biofeedback Works
Sensors are placed on your fingers or ear lobe. You are then instructed to use relaxation, meditation, or visualization to bring about the desired response, whether it is muscle relaxation, lowered heart rate, or lower temperature. The biofeedback device reports progress by changes in the vital signs being monitored. The results of biofeedback are measured in the following ways:
· skin temperature (Thermo-feedback)
· electrical conductivity of the skin (SCL)
· heart rate, with an electrocardiograph (ECG)
· brain-wave activity, with an electroencephalograph {EEG)
Biofeedback Measures:
Thermofeedback Temperature: The measure of body temperature via the finger in degrees Fahrenheit. 90+ is very relaxed; 82-89 = relaxed; 70-81 stressed; <72 very stressed and tense.
Skin Conductivity Level (SCL): The measure of sweat and moisture in the fingers, the lower the measure the more calm and less anxious, measures over 2.0 indicate anxiety/stress.
Coherence (Coh): Coherence is the interaction of the body’s heart rate, SCL, and breathing which then registers in the brain as a relaxed state. To achieve good coherence the patient needs to have a coherence of .80 or higher up to .99
Heart Rate Variance (HRV): During biofeedback when the heart rate becomes rested and even between beats; the body and mind are more relaxed and a smooth sinus rhythm appears.
Conditions Treated by Biofeedback
Biofeedback is particularly useful and can help with stress-related conditions where there is sympathetic or adrenal stress. It is also useful for conditions where there is inadequate control over muscle groups or muscle dysfunction. Conditions treated with biofeedback include but are not limited to:
● stress ● headaches ●asthma ●muscle injury ●pain relief ●insomnia ● TMJ
● high blood pressure ● digestive disorders ● attention deficit disorder
● irritable bowel syndrome ● hyperactivity
Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) [3]
What is CES (Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation or Neurotherapy)
Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) involves the use of the Alpha Stim 100®, a small hand held device that delivers small electrical pulses, one milliampere (mA) or less, directly to the brain, using electrodes attached to the earlobes. Pulses are used to promote relaxation, sleep, and relieve some psychological and emotional conditions like depression and anxiety. CES electro-technology causes production or reduction of certain neurochemicals in the brain. For example, levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, (that reflect relaxed mental and emotional states), can increase using CES technology, and biochemical compounds related to emotional stress can be seen to decrease. Cortisol is an important hormone (also know as the stress hormone) in the body, is secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in many functions including regulation of blood pressure. Cortisol is an important and helpful part of the body’s response to stress. Higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol in the bloodstream (like those associated with chronic stress) have been shown to have negative effects.
How does CES work?
The Alpha Stim 100 the proven ability to alter brain wave patterns through electronic stimulation. This stimulation is delivered through two small earclips attached to the ear lobes. The micro-current stimulation quickly and gently coaxes the brain into the desired state ....without effort. Effectively, CES offers a host of benefits. All of these benefits are centered around the brain, which is in control of the rest of the body.
[3] http://alpha-stim.com/default.htmCortisol and Your Body [5]
Cortisol is an important hormone in the body, secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in the following functions and more:
● Proper glucose metabolism
● Regulation of blood pressure
● Insulin release for blood sugar maintenance
● Immune function
● Inflammatory response
Normally, it’s present in the body at higher levels in the morning, and at its lowest at night. Although stress isn’t the only reason that cortisol is secreted into the bloodstream, it has been termed “the stress hormone” because it’s also secreted in higher levels during the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response to stress, and is responsible for several stress-related changes in the body. Small increases of cortisol have some positive effects:
● A quick burst of energy for survival reasons
● Heightened memory functions
● A burst of increased immunity
● Lower sensitivity to pain
● Helps maintain homeostasis in the body
While cortisol is an important and helpful part of the body’s response to stress, it’s important that the body’s relaxation response to be activated so the body’s functions can return to normal following a stressful event. Unfortunately, in our current high-stress culture, the body’s stress response is activated so often that the body doesn’t always have a chance to return to normal, resulting in a state of chronic stress. Higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol in the bloodstream (like those associated with chronic stress) have been shown to have negative effects, such as:
● Impaired cognitive performance
● Suppressed thyroid function
● Blood sugar imbalances such as hyperglycemia
● Decreased bone density
● Decrease in muscle tissue
● Higher blood pressure
● Lowered immunity and inflammatory responses in the body, slowed wound
healing, and other health consequences
● Increased abdominal fat, which is associated with a greater amount of health
problems than fat deposited in other areas of the body. Some of the health
problems associated with increased stomach fat are heart attacks, strokes,
the development of, higher levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels
of “good” cholesterol (HDL), which can lead to other health problems!
To keep cortisol levels healthy and under control, the body’s relaxation response should be activated after the fight or flight response occurs. You can learn to relax your body with various stress management techniques, and you can make lifestyle changes in order to keep your body from reacting to stress in the first place.
Electroencephalography - Mini-Q qEEG
Mini-Q qEEG
Electroencephalography (e-lec-tro-enceph-a-lo-graphy ~ EEG) is a neurological diagnostic procedure that records the changes in electrical potentials ( brain waves, Delta, Theta, Alpha & Beta) in various parts of the brain. The EEG is a recording of the electrical activity of the brain from the scalp.
Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG) is the measurement, using digital technology, of electrical patterns at the surface of the scalp which primarily reflect cortical activity or "brainwaves". A multi-electrode recording of brain wave activity is recorded and converted into numbers by a computer. These numbers are then statistically analyzed and are converted into a color map of brain functioning. The SHA staff will explain your brain map to you.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback , also called neurotherapy , neurobiofeedback or EEG biofeedback is a therapy technique that presents the patient with realtime feedback on brainwave activity, as measured by sensors on the scalp, typically in the form of a video display, and sound.
Neurofeedback is a subset of biofeedback and before beginning neurofeedback, patients are encouraged to begin Biofeedback in order to reduce anxiety.
When brain activity changes in the direction desired by the neurofeedback protocol, a positive "reward" feedback is given to the patient. Rewards/Reinforcements can be as simple as a change in pitch of a tone or as complex as a certain type of movement of a character in a video game.
The most common and well-documented use of neurofeedback is in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Multiple studies have shown neurofeedback to be useful in the treatment of ADHD.
Other areas where neurofeedback has been researched include treatment of substance abuse, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), learning disabilities, Bipolar Disorder, Conduct Disorder, anger and rage, cognitive impairment, migraines, headaches, chronic pain, autism spectrum disorders, sleep dysregulation, post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI).
The FDA notes that Biofeedback is a standard relaxation “Therapy”. Biofeedback and neurofeedback are primarily operant conditioning, reinforcement of a naturally occurring event. The patient can reinforce the desired brain activity with EEG. When a patients EEG trains (neurofeedback) enough he/she gets permanent change in 15-40 sessions; and the average change occurs in 20-25 sessions.
Our daily lives are filled with times when we use feedback to help us improve performance of a task. Consider, for example, how much easier it is to control the speed of a car when you can look at the visual feedback provided by the speedometer. You also get clues about your speed from the sound of the engine (auditory feedback). Shaving in the morning is a lot easier (and safer!) with the visual feedback provided by one's reflection in the bathroom mirror. Neurofeedback works by giving you instant real-time information about your brain waves. You can then use that information to control brain wave activity.
Some Common Disorders and How We can Help
Biofeedback is not yet a widely recognized method to address sleep disorders; however, it can help you get in tune with your body and its rhythms, ultimately aiding sleep. As we've said before, stress can put a major dent in your ability to sleep. And since no one can completely escape stress, the best way to keep it from stealing your shut-eye is to learn to manage your response to it. Toward that end, you may want to give a technique called biofeedback a try.
Biofeedback training can help you learn to consciously control certain physical responses to stress. It begins with the use of a simple electronic device that monitors your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and/or muscle tension through sensors that are placed on your fingers. These sensors give "feedback" about what your body is doing under certain conditions. You can then use this feedback to retrain your responses.
For instance, when you are in a stressful situation - or even when you are just thinking about one - your heart rate tends to speed up, your breathing quickens, your blood pressure increases, and your muscles tense up. Conversely, by shifting your thoughts to calming scenes or situations or by consciously taking slow, deep breaths, you can slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and ease muscle tension. The biofeedback machine makes these reactions easier to recognize. For example, the machine may be set to beep at every heartbeat, so you can hear when your heart is racing or when it's slowing.
The combination of this feedback with training in relaxation techniques, such as visualization, meditation, or even simple breathing exercises, can thus help you to notice when stress is negatively affecting your body and actively take steps to reverse those effects. With practice, you become better able to recognize stress responses so that eventually you no longer need the biofeedback machine. In this way, biofeedback can help individuals whose sleep problems stem from poor stress management, anxiety, or obsessive thoughts.
Sleep Disorders [1]
There are various sleep disorders including but not limited to, difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, waking up frequently throughout the night, and not getting enough sleep (i.e., the average adult needs 7-8 hours per night, the average adolescent needs 8-10 hours per night. Biofeedback is not yet a widely recognized method to address sleep disorders; however, it can help you get in tune with your body and its rhythms, ultimately aiding sleep. Anxiety and stress can put a major dent in your ability to sleep. No one can completely escape stress therefore, the best way to keep it from affecting your sleep, is to learn to manage your response to it. Biofeedback can help.
Biofeedback training can help you learn to consciously control certain physical responses to stress. For instance, when you are in a stressful situation ₋ or even when you are just thinking about one ₋ your heart rate tends to speed up, your breathing quickens, your blood pressure increases, and your muscles tense up. Conversely, by shifting your thoughts to calming scenes or situations or by consciously taking slow, deep breaths, you can slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and ease muscle tension.
The combination of biofeedback with training in relaxation techniques, such as visualization, meditation, or even simple breathing exercises, can thus help you to notice when stress is negatively affecting your body and actively take steps to reverse those effects. With practice, you become better able to recognize stress responses so that eventually you no longer need the biofeedback machine. In this way, biofeedback can help individuals whose sleep problems stem from poor stress management, anxiety, or obsessive thoughts.
Insomnia is a classification of sleep disorders in which a person has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. These disorders may also be defined by an overall poor quality of sleep. As a result, insomnia can lead to severe daytime fatigue, poor performance at school and work, physical symptoms such as headaches and, in some cases, depression.
Pain Management
The following are excerpts from articles that address pain management through the use of biofeedback. Serendipity Healing Arts uses all of the techniques described in the referenced information below. [2] , [3]
Non-medication Treatment for Pain
If you’ve been suffering with pain for more than six months, then your pain has become chronic. You are not alone. More than 17 percent of U.S. patients seen by primary care physicians have persistent pain, according to the World Health Organization. And pain medications are the second most prescribed drugs (after cardiac-renal meds) in ER and physician office visits.
A recent National Institutes of Health panel concluded that self control and awareness techniques, like biofeedback, relaxation training and cognitive behavioral techniques can help control pain in arthritis, cancer, irritable bowel, headache, low back pain, and other medical syndromes. Numerous studies have shown that these approaches can be as effective as medication in producing relief from pain and the disabilities associated with it. Studies of both migraine and muscle contraction headaches show that behavioral methods such as relaxation and biofeedback can be quite effective in helping people control their pain and reducing pain medication intake.
Chronic pain sufferers are also at risk (30-65%) for developing depression, alcohol or substance abuse and anxiety disorders. We’ve seen that it is common for pain sufferers to shut off their feelings. People start out trying to shut out the pain feelings, but end up shutting off the anger, sadness, frustration associated with pain. They end up shutting off all their feelings as they widen the "net" trying to avoid painful feelings. This creates a situation where they don’t even allow themselves to feel good-- to experience happiness, joy or fun.
Chronic pain adds to the stress in life. We know that arthritics can ease their arthritis pain dramatically by learning to relax muscles near the sites where their arthritis flares. Back pain sufferers may start with a pulled muscle in the low back, but they end up by tensing up other muscles to guard the sore spot, and can end up with headaches or neck pain.
Some of the techniques which have been found to be helpful include pain management training and structured psychotherapy. The use of biofeedback relaxation and learning how to build your emotional intelligence entails developing new skills and taking responsibility for your health, rather than handing the responsibility over to a health care provider or depending on medication. Once you learn these skills, they will serve you throughout your life. The bottom line is YOU can do something about your pain.
Pain centers around the country incorporate biofeedback into their treatments, often in concert with other relaxation therapies. These techniques rarely bring complete relief on their own, but, in the hands of a competent technician, they can be a valuable addition to the standard treatments of exercise and medication. There is ample evidence that biofeedback can also ease the pain of chronically sore backs, necks, and shoulders. It may even help relive some of the most serious and vexing forms of pain. Not every type of pain responds to biofeedback. The therapy is not recommended for sudden, severe lower-back pain and other aches caused by temporary injuries.
Mind-body therapies are treatments that are meant to help the mind’s ability to affect the functions and symptoms of the body. Mind-body therapies use various approaches including relaxation techniques, meditation, guided imagery, biofeedback, and HeartMath. Relaxation techniques can help alleviate discomfort related to chronic pain.
“Making a Good Brain Great” [1]
Facts about the Brain:
1) The brain is involved in all we do.
2) When the brain works right, you work right
3) The brain is the most complex organ
a. 100 billion nerve cells
b. more connections than there are stars
4) The brain is a very soft organ housed in a hard shell
a. The brain’s consistency is like a combination of custard, egg whites, tofu, butter, and Jello
b. The inner surface of the scull is not smooth, but rather rough and jagged
c. Brain injury matters – TBI can change lives
5) Many things can hurt the brain
a. TBI, stress, drugs, alcohol, smoking, sleep deprivation (less than 6-7 hours per night, negative thinking, excessive caffeine, too much TV, environmental toxins
6) Many things help the brain be healthy
a. Social connections, new learning, healthy diet, multi-vitamins, omega 3 fish oils, exercise, gratitude, meditation, making love
7) One size does not fit everyone
a. Obesity, ADD, depression, etc. are not simple, single disorders
8) Brain imagery is an essential tool to help people
9) The brain can change
Things you can do to create and keep a healthy Brain!
1) Protect your brain 4) Exercise
2) Eat right 5) Choices and attitudes
3) Work your brain with new learning
Top 12 Brain Foods:
● Avocado ● Blueberries ● Broccoli ● Green tea
● Oatmeal ● Oranges ● Red Peppers ● Salmon
● Spinach ● Tuna ● Turkey ● Walnuts
[1] Daniel Amen, M.D.
[2] www.wilddivine.com
[3] Pain Relief without Pills ~ by Rob Kall, M.Ed. and Rhonda Greenberg, Psy.D.
[4] Biofeedback and Pain Relief ~ by Chris Woolston; Consumer Health Interactive
[5] http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/cortisol.htm