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The brain is truly an amazing organ that science is uncovering new information about every day.
Our brains are involved in virtually every function of our bodies both conscious and unconscious. To move our arms, stand, dance, speak, or remember we actively use our brains. Digestion, breathing, pulse rate, blood pressure, and blinking are things that we don’t even have to think about. Our brains take care of regulating these functions.
The American Psychological Association administers a program to provide credits for psychologists that are required by some states to maintain their licenses. There are some topics like ethics, that might seem not to be very interesting to some people but are important and required. There are also other topics that psychologists might find of personal interest like learning a new skill or testing method.
Let’s face it, drugs are not the best answer to all medical conditions. No matter what the symptom, there seems to be a medication to treat it. Whether it is indigestion, acid reflux, insomnia, anxiety, depression, hypertension, or headaches, there is a pill for it. For the most part, these drugs only treat the symptoms temporarily. They usually are not getting to the cause of the problem or stopping the symptoms permanently.
What is it?
Continuing education in psychology is a process during which psychologists participate in educational programs that are related to the practice of psychology. It is a way for them to learn about the most up- to-date science on treatment, testing, and learning. Psychologists can also learn about changes in laws that may affect them. Just as in most of the professions I can think of, many things change over the years after you complete your schooling and training before starting a career. Without continuing your education you cannot effectively work as a professional without continuing to learn about how best to perform your job now, not as it would have been done 5, 10, or even 40 years ago.
Biofeedback equipment has many applications including stress management, pain management, and peak performance. When you decide that you want to make a purchase there are several things to consider.
The Problem of Stress
Biofeedback training is an effective method for reducing the negative effects of stress. There are many sources of stress including politics, natural disasters, terrorist acts, work, family, and financial problems, and traffic. In this world of 24 hour TV and radio news plus news on our computers, we are constantly bombarded with stressful, negative information. If that wasn’t enough we have smart phones, tablets, and smart watches with us at all times to make sure that we don’t miss anything. Wherever we are we can stay up on what is happening. Besides the information we get from news sources, we also get blogs and podcasts. In addition to these stress sources, the people who we interact with who cause us stress are able to call, text, or email us 24 hours a day 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
You wouldn’t want to have to make that choice for children. Many children diagnosed with ADHD are prescribed medications to help with the symptoms. Some popular medications in use are Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall. These medications are helping some people. The drug companies themselves are listing sleep problems as a possible side effect.
According to a November 23, 2015 online article in Pediatrics, research analysis led by Katherine Kidwell of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that children given stimulants tended to have sleep problems more often. One of the studies compared the sleep of children given methylphenidate (generic Ritalin) with children given a placebo. The children who took the generic Ritalin slept an average of 20 minutes less per night. They also found that taking a stimulant medication more often during the day caused a child to take longer to fall asleep at night.
The start of the holiday season is upon us. This should be a wonderful time to look forward to and yet many people experience this as one of the most stressful times of the year. What makes it stressful? The crowds and expense of shopping, the traffic, spending time with people who get on your nerves – shall I go on? I’m sure you could easily add to my list.
What can you do to make it less stressful?
Give thanks. The season starts with the Thanksgiving holiday. Take some time to actually give thanks for all of the things that you are blessed with. All of us kind find at least a few things to be thankful for. Here is a list of things you can pick through to find something that applies to you:
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The following chapter is excerpted by permission from Mr. Crane’s forthcoming book.
What is “R – Tech” (Relationship Technology) and Consciousness Processing Technology? What are the implications for Neurofeedback, Biofeedback, Applied Psychophysiology, the evolution of science, our individual and collective mental health?
August 10, 1994 I had the opportunity to present at the Forum co sponsored by the Wisdom Society and the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center. The Forum was conceived as an opportunity to exchange ideas on “The Place of Science and Technology in our Culture”.
Since I feel that the material that emerged in that presentation may be useful to others and (all things being relative) I feel the evening went well, I would like to offer this edited version of that talk. Read more
Abstract
The history of muscle pain and dysfunction is viewed through the lens of a four factor theory of histologic (tissue related) issues, psychologic (emotional) issues, sensory motor (movement) issues and biomechanical (postural) issues. The historical antecedents of both bodywork and surface electromyography are reviewed.
Key words: Surface EMG, SEMG, bodywork, trigger points, posture, emotions, movement.
Note: Parts of this article have appeared in The History of SEMG, Jour App Psychophys and Biof, In Press. Read more