At-Home Exercises
In conjunction with NewBrain™ neurofeedback therapy Dr. Montes recommends you follow these guidelines at home.
Below are two documents that cover the basics of brain mapping and neurofeedback, including what to do before your appointment. Please take some time and read over the information because it is extremely important and can negatively impact you map or neurofeedback training.
Brain Mapping
Neurofeedback
Tension Relief
Tension can negatively influence not only your map but your neurofeedback therapy sessions. If we see tension in your EEG during your map or session we can reduce the tension but not eliminate it. Below we have included an list of exercises to help reduce tension before your appointment.
Balanced Diet
The first thing that Dr. Montes recommends is eating a balanced diet. Neurofeedback therapy is all about exercising the brain, and this exercise can deplete essential vitamins and nutrients. To help neurons form strong synapse's we need to be on top of our nutritional intake. If you are struggling to get the proper nutrients Dr. Christy offers supplements to help you achieve your daily intake.
Sleep
Sleep is essential for the brain to heal and form stronger synapses. According to the Center for Disease Control more than a third of American adults are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommend that adults aged 18–60 years sleep at least 7 hours each night to promote optimal health and well-being.
Exercise
Exercise is vital to achieving overall health, especially when done outdoors. The Cleveland Clinic found that 80% of Americans do not get enough exercise. Getting outside for at least 30 minutes a day has a myriad of health benefits like increasing vitamin D, lowering stress levels, allows us to get fresh air, and more.
Polyvagal Exercise
The polyvagal nerve begins in the brain, leads down the neck, and branches out to the lungs, heart, stomach, and other parts of the body. This nerve is associated with social engagement and the fight or flight response. Relaxing this nerve can make you more open to others and bring a relaxed state to the autonomic nervous system. Below is a link to a YouTube video demonstrating the polyvagal exercise.
