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 Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention deficit disorder is one of the most frequent diagnosed childhood disorders in North America. In some school districts, up to one out six children have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. Conventional treatments include the use of Ritalin, a class 2 narcotic, putting this medication in the same family as cocaine. Prolonged use of Ritalin has been associated with heart failure, growth impairments, anorexia and brain damage.
While there are many things to consider when working with ADD/ADHD such as diet, sleep, allergies and structural alignment, and often overlooked yet exceedingly important aspect of treatment is balancing out brain wave patterns.
People with ADD/ADHD typically have brain wave activity that is in the lower end of the spectrum - a large number of theta waves. When the brain is in theta wave activity, we often find ourselves in a daydreaming state where we can be very creative and our mind wanders. In the theta state, it is very hard to focus and apply oneself. This is often the classic picture of someone with ADD/ADHD - a very creative person who is disorganized and has trouble applying themselves. The conventional Ritalin approach helps speed the brain into high alpha and beta waves - the brain waves that are associated with focused concentration. The only downside, beyond the side effects, is that once the Ritalin wears off, the brain goes back into its old patterns.
Brain Music Therapy has had excellent results with ADD/ADHD because it focuses on teaching the brain how to alter its own patterns by first balancing and calming the brain then accelerating brain wave activity to the alpha and beta zones. By analogy, Ritalin is like taking steroids to build muscles - you will build muscles, but at what cost and when you are off the steroids you will lose your gains. Brain Music Therapy is like hiring a personal trainer - the program is specifically modified for you and the gains come about naturally with no side effects.
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