January 25th, 2016
Today was an exciting day. I visited Carol Williams in North Augusta to try Neurofeedback. I have read quite a bit about it but I still wasn't sure what to expect. I would like to share this experience with you.
In July 2014, after the car accident, my brain had a concussion and needed a lot of rest. I went for a year of physiotherapy and slept a lot. Then I started drinking more coffee to give me the energy to get through the day. I recently started working out at the gym to help heal my body. Most of the symptoms have gone away but I do get dizzy quite often and I reach a point, every day, where I hit a wall of fatigue and can't go any further. Unfortunately, my daughters don't understand this and, as they insist that they are not tired and beg me to stay up later, I get grumpy. I don't have the energy to negotiate with them or play with them. I say: "I'm done. I love you. Go to bed. I'll see you in the morning".
I was hoping neurofeedback would help my brain so I could experience less dizziness and fatigue. Carol uses the NeurOptimal System. She showed me someone's brain map and explained that each side represents one of the brain's hemispheres. The graph helped to visualize the level of activity in different parts of the brain and, whether there was more activity on one side of the brain or not. I sat in a cozy chair and she draped a thick, warm blanket over my lap. She then placed some sensors on either side of my head and onto my ears. She took a baseline reading which took 15 seconds with my eyes open and 15 seconds with my eyes closed. I saw a squiggly line across the screen. I was given ear buds and she checked the volume of the music. It was perfect. She presented two options: 1-watch the graph lines move on the screen of her computer or, 2-watch a moving kaleidoscope of colour, also on her computer screen. I chose the kaleidoscope. There were circles growing and shrinking, one expanding, the other swallowing itself, dots crossing the screen, vibrating squares, all in a variety of colours, very psychedelic.
The music was meditative, instrumental and, put me in a bit of a trance. Carol left the room but informed me that I could knock on the wall or call out for her if I wished to stop the session prematurely for any reason. I was quite comfortable, watching the computer screen and listening to music. The session lasted just under 35 minutes. Carol returned and took another reading with eyes open and eyes closed. Some of the spikes had softened and the second line was much lower, indicating that I was very relaxed.
Throughout the session, periodically, I would hear a bit of static. This is when my brain was getting distracted. The static is a cue to the brain to bring it back to the task at hand. This is like a workout for your central nervous system, increasing your brain's plasticity and improving its functioning. Most people notice an improvement within six weeks. You generally go to one session per week and the amount of sessions you'll need depends on the individual. On one website, www.zengar.com, they suggest 20 sessions to deal with current issues and 30+ sessions for early life problems.
Neurofeedback is helpful for a variety of challenges from ADD/ADHD and Autism to Insomnia and depression. It has been used for Ptsd, anxiety and brain injuries and, is recommended to treat chronic pain as well. Some people stop the treatments once they obtain the results they want, others space out their sessions to monthly appointments.
Carol says some people feel energized after a session and others feel relaxed. I was definitely in the latter category. I felt like I might fall asleep during treatment. Carol suggested we prop my head with a pillow next time so I can sit back and sleep. I was yawning as we chatted after my appointment. The appointment was just over two hours ago and I am feeling calm and energized. I am going back next week for more healing. I should mention that Carol herself is very calm and gentle, friendly and non-judgemental. She answered all of my questions patiently and did not pressure me to book any additional sessions.
If you would like to learn more about Neurofeedback or try it for yourself, go to www.cwilliams.ca.
Anne Walsh
www.artnsoul.org
Showing posts with label merrickville. Show all posts
Showing posts with label merrickville. Show all posts
Monday, 25 January 2016
Saturday, 2 January 2016
Fitness-4-2
Over the summer, I took my daughters out for ice cream on a weekly basis and we snacked throughout the day. When my daughters went back to school in the fall, I decided to focus on my health. It was time to get into a workout schedule and take a good look at my eating habits. I suffered a concussion following a car accident just over a year ago and, after a year of physio, I was ready to get my strong, healthy body back. I researched the gyms in my area and chose Anytime Fitness. I contacted them for a tour of their facility and requested a female fitness trainer. They matched me up with a trainer who had recovered from a concussion. She understood my symptoms and limitations and we got started. I have been working out for three months now and my confidence in my own body is growing. Initially, the workouts gave me headaches. Sometimes I would get dizzy. Catherine, my trainer, adjusted the exercises to lessen the strain on my neck. This helped me enjoy the workouts, knowing I would not be in pain.
This morning, I branched out and decided to join a Pound fitness class in Merrickville. I know and respect the instructir, Katie. She is a naturopath and I participated in her group cleanse a few years ago. She also organized mindfulness training with Louise and I thoroughly enjoyed those classes so I felt that I would not be disappointed. The classes are on for six weeks, at 8:30am on Saturday mornings. The roads were dry and I was up at 6:30am so I went for it. It was a beautiful, sunny drive up to Merrickville. I listened to the new Adele cd, signing along. What I wouldn't give to have her voice!
I was a bit nervous as I entered Ahimsa. I brought a water bottle, a yoga mat and running shoes. I wasn't sure if I would need anything else. We were encouraged to work out in bare feet because it provides better traction. Each participant was given two drum sticks. Katie provided an overview of the routine including a few modifications to protect our backs and knees. She did a "dry run" without the music then she turned on the music and we did a series of moves in squat position. It didn't take long for my heart rate to speed up. After a few sips of water, we did another routine with lunges. I was conscious that I needed to avoid jumping, it's one of the exercises that gives me an instant headache. Each time there was a "jumping jack" move, I would simply go up on my tippy toes. We finished the workout seated on our mats doing moves resembling Pilates. By the end of the workout, we were sweating and beat. The music kept me motivated and the drum sticks engaged my arms (just like in Drumfit). I was pleased with the workout. My body felt tired in a good way.
My goal is to lose 20 pounds. I'd love to reach my goal by the end of March, that is when we go to Florida as a family. We spend a great deal of time in the pool and on the beach. It would feel great to wear my swimsuit and look fit. Here is what has helped me so far:
1-Drinking water. I have never been a fan of cold water. I started challenging myself to drink three litres of water per day. I fill a one litre bottle with warm water right after breakfast and focus on drinking it by lunch time. Then I have another bottle with my lunch. I begin drinking my third bottle as I prepare the kids' bath and I finish it after I have put my daughters to bed.
2-Choosing food that is not processed. When I am hungry, I will eat cherry tomatoes, a banana, tuna and avocado, tomato soup, roasted, unsalted nuts etc. If there are ingredients I don't recognize on the label, I don't eat it.
3-I eat much less wheat. Instead of having whole wheat toast forbreakfast every day, I switch it up with oatmeal, rice cereal or eggs and I try to eat more salads and soups rather than pasta and bread.
4-I have been trying to flatten my belly with crunches but this exercise seems to push all the fat out so I look pregnant. This is because my abdomen muscles were pulled to each side during my second pregnancy. I felt defeated like there was nothing I could do. My physiotherapist told me about a surgery where they reconnect your stomach muscles. I really don't want to go through surgery but I don't want to look pregnant either. Strengthening my core with lunges, squats, pelvic tilts, hip extensions, scissor legs, doing the dead bug, bridges and planks has helped reduce the bulk around my midsection.
I titled this post, Fitness-4-2 because my husband has decided to join me on my quest to lose weight. Starting on January 4th when our daughters return to school, we will start working out in an attempt to lose 20lbs each by the end of March. This will make things easier. We will both be eating healthier and I will be working out at the gym while he meets with his trainer, Craig. I want to be agoid role model for our daughters so they make healthy food choices and lead an active lifestyle.
Here's to your health!
Anne Walsh
www.artnsoul.org
This morning, I branched out and decided to join a Pound fitness class in Merrickville. I know and respect the instructir, Katie. She is a naturopath and I participated in her group cleanse a few years ago. She also organized mindfulness training with Louise and I thoroughly enjoyed those classes so I felt that I would not be disappointed. The classes are on for six weeks, at 8:30am on Saturday mornings. The roads were dry and I was up at 6:30am so I went for it. It was a beautiful, sunny drive up to Merrickville. I listened to the new Adele cd, signing along. What I wouldn't give to have her voice!
I was a bit nervous as I entered Ahimsa. I brought a water bottle, a yoga mat and running shoes. I wasn't sure if I would need anything else. We were encouraged to work out in bare feet because it provides better traction. Each participant was given two drum sticks. Katie provided an overview of the routine including a few modifications to protect our backs and knees. She did a "dry run" without the music then she turned on the music and we did a series of moves in squat position. It didn't take long for my heart rate to speed up. After a few sips of water, we did another routine with lunges. I was conscious that I needed to avoid jumping, it's one of the exercises that gives me an instant headache. Each time there was a "jumping jack" move, I would simply go up on my tippy toes. We finished the workout seated on our mats doing moves resembling Pilates. By the end of the workout, we were sweating and beat. The music kept me motivated and the drum sticks engaged my arms (just like in Drumfit). I was pleased with the workout. My body felt tired in a good way.
My goal is to lose 20 pounds. I'd love to reach my goal by the end of March, that is when we go to Florida as a family. We spend a great deal of time in the pool and on the beach. It would feel great to wear my swimsuit and look fit. Here is what has helped me so far:
1-Drinking water. I have never been a fan of cold water. I started challenging myself to drink three litres of water per day. I fill a one litre bottle with warm water right after breakfast and focus on drinking it by lunch time. Then I have another bottle with my lunch. I begin drinking my third bottle as I prepare the kids' bath and I finish it after I have put my daughters to bed.
2-Choosing food that is not processed. When I am hungry, I will eat cherry tomatoes, a banana, tuna and avocado, tomato soup, roasted, unsalted nuts etc. If there are ingredients I don't recognize on the label, I don't eat it.
3-I eat much less wheat. Instead of having whole wheat toast forbreakfast every day, I switch it up with oatmeal, rice cereal or eggs and I try to eat more salads and soups rather than pasta and bread.
4-I have been trying to flatten my belly with crunches but this exercise seems to push all the fat out so I look pregnant. This is because my abdomen muscles were pulled to each side during my second pregnancy. I felt defeated like there was nothing I could do. My physiotherapist told me about a surgery where they reconnect your stomach muscles. I really don't want to go through surgery but I don't want to look pregnant either. Strengthening my core with lunges, squats, pelvic tilts, hip extensions, scissor legs, doing the dead bug, bridges and planks has helped reduce the bulk around my midsection.
I titled this post, Fitness-4-2 because my husband has decided to join me on my quest to lose weight. Starting on January 4th when our daughters return to school, we will start working out in an attempt to lose 20lbs each by the end of March. This will make things easier. We will both be eating healthier and I will be working out at the gym while he meets with his trainer, Craig. I want to be agoid role model for our daughters so they make healthy food choices and lead an active lifestyle.
Here's to your health!
Anne Walsh
www.artnsoul.org
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