Biofeedback Therapy is a unique treatment option that can allow people improve their own health by using signals from their own bodies rather than using external treatments or pharmaceutical drugs. Although it has been around since the 1960’s when the term “biofeedback” was first introduced, it has only recently begun to gain momentum in the mainstream medical communities. In practical applications, Biofeedback Therapy is used to treat pain and neurological conditions, and it is also used in psychological settings where therapists often use it to help anxious or tense patients relax. It has even been used by specialists with more serious diseases such as epilepsy, cardiovascular disease and even stroke. But what exactly is Biofeedback Therapy? 

While “Biofeedback Therapy” sounds complex and daunting, chances are you’ve already used a biofeedback device without actually knowing it. For example, when you step onto a scale to weigh yourself, you register the number and determine whether or not you’re at your target weight. You then can make adjustments to your diet and exercise routine to either lower or raise the number. The feedback of that number on the scale affects your behavior. Another classic example is a thermometer which tells you how high your temperature is. If the number is high and you have a fever, you take steps to reduce that fever, and continue to do so until the thermometer registers a normal temperature. These are two examples of basic biofeedback in action. Modern Biofeedback Therapy goes much further than merely monitoring weight or temperature, but the basic principle remains the same. 

But - can Biofeedback Therapy cure disease or illnesses?

We live in a world where technology and science are used to make our lives easier and more efficient. We have developed machines that can assemble products of all sorts on their own through complicated mathematical algorithms. Our computers allow us to work away from an office and enjoy our days spending time listening to music, watching movies, or playing video games. The Internet allows us to connect with anybody anywhere in the world at speeds that were a thing of science fiction just a few decades ago. But despite all of our technological and engineering feats, the most important technological advancements were achieved in healthcare. 

The combined knowledge of modern medicine and technology has allowed us to treat almost any ailment with few exceptions. Even these exceptions are given immediate attention, and medicines and cures are being researched and tested every day. However even with the awesome healing powers that we have access to today, some people look at modern medical practices with skepticism. These people consider modern medicine just another way of making money, and they feel the drugs used to treat many ailments are engineered in such a way that they may heal us at first, but at the same time also weaken our bodies so that we need to take more and more medicine the next time we will get sick. This passive addiction and dependence on drugs that may affect one’s health has been proof enough for many people of modern medicine’s failings, and it leads them to look for alternative, holistic medicines.

Recently more and more people have turned to alternative approaches to healing. Some of these methods include using herbs to make healing brews, teas, and ointments, going to witchdoctors who have been said to heal people in unorthodox ways, and even trusting people who claim to have bio-energetic powers. While these methods may be questionable from a scientific perspective, there are holistic methods of treatment that are more concrete, analytical and professional. Homeopathy is one such field that many people are turning to for the treatment of various ailments in a more natural way than modern medicine. But what is homeopathy?

Top 5 Natural Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome

RLS Overview
Many diseases are very deceptive. You may never know that you are suffering from an actual ailment or condition. One such condition is known as Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), consisting of a restless feeling in the legs and an urge to move the legs that is beyond control. It is a type of neurological disorder, and more than 12 million Americans are affected by it. The symptoms typically appear when you are in bed trying to fall asleep. It can also present itself in the daytime, especially if you work for prolonged periods in a sitting position. The major symptoms of RLS include tingling, burning, itching, aching, or a feeling of tugging behind the skin in the lower legs. This feeling sometimes moves up to the thighs and can even be experienced in the hands, feet and arms. Although the intensity and duration of RLS differs in every individual, it is disruptive nonetheless. RLS can deprive the patient from sleep, disrupting the resting period. This can cause insomnia that can lead to several mental and physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease if left untreated. 

What Causes RLS?
Just like diabetes and blood pressure, RLS patients typically have a family history of the disorder. According to a study published in 2009, the risk of RLS increases if the person is obese and carries excess of weight around his abdomen and waistline. Other researchers have suggested that the abnormalities in the dopamine level, a brain chemical, can cause RLS. There are also numerous other chronic conditions that are associated with this syndrome including Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and kidney failure. 

Surgeries and Medications for RLS
Different medications such as benzodiazepines, dopaminergic, or opioids are typically prescribed for patients that suffer from RLS, however they cannot give permanent relief. In most cases the relief is temporary, and the patient again starts feeling the restlessness once the medications are stopped. This can lead to dependency on the drugs, and heavy, prolonged intake of these medicines can affect the quality of life of the patient. 

As for surgical procedures, many healthcare providers are of the opinion that RLS is an overrated problem and surgical treatments are not required. Many hey believe that surgery can actually worsen the symptoms.
 
Five Best Natural Remedies for RLS 

Until recently, acetaminophen (also known as APAP) was considered to be a fairly harmless painkiller. After all, it’s found in commonly used over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol, as well as stronger prescription medications like Vicodin and Oxycodone. Acetaminophen has been sold in modest quantities all across the world, and has been used to treat everything from mild headaches to more severe forms of pain. But is it really a good idea to ingest this drug?

In 2011 an FDA advisory panel asked drug manufacturers to consider lowering the suggested dose and maximum daily dose of acetaminophen.  This request was followed by a recommendation by an FDA advisory panel in 2009, made up of 37 expert doctors, to implement a total ban of certain acetaminophen-containing prescription drugs such as Vicodin. 

People in the U.S. take too many prescription drugs. That’s not a distortion of the truth – that’s a fact.  Let’s look at the statistics:

According to an IMS Institute report titled The Use of Medicines in the United States: Review of 2010 (published April 2011), Americans spent more than $307 billion on medicines in 2010.

This is out of control. That’s a ton of money to throw down the drain, especially considering that many medications merely mask symptoms instead of resolving the real issue.

If we’re going to spend that much money, I think we should spend it on something that will bring us real health - lasting changes, less side effects, less invasiveness.

Fortunately, there are plenty of natural alternative remedies to prescription drugs.

A fairly controversial discussion revolves around holistic medicine vs. traditional therapy. What are the differences between the two? What are the similarities? Is one approach better than the other?

As we see it, the only similarity between holistic and traditional therapies is that they’re both intended to fix problems related to health. However, they’re vastly different in terms of how they solve problems, and their level of effectiveness in doing so.

To understand the underlying issues at stake, it’s important to first know that vitamin and mineral deficiencies lie at the heart of many health problems. Beyond that, toxicity and high sugar intake are also key contributors to people feeling tired, cranky, or generally in poor health.

Billions of people have made cell phones a non-negotiable part of their daily lives. Cell phone carriers are excitedly rushing to expand 4G LTE networks (the next step up from 3G and 2G “EDGE” technologies), which are capable of performing extremely powerful wireless data transfers. Fancy smart phones are impressing everyone with their ability to make life more convenient and fun.

But is anybody questioning the health costs of all this technology?

Today it’s common for senior citizens and retirees to take 5-10 or more different prescription medicines for various health conditions. One pill for high blood pressure, one for arthritis, one for high cholesterol, one for heart health... the list goes on.

In fact, you might be one of these people who is burdened by endless medications. Perhaps you spend hundreds of dollars per month, or thousands per year on pills that act largely as a band-aid instead of as a true solution to your health ailments.

Well, there’s good news and bad news.