Annie mathew

Source: shutterstock This is the fifth post in a series on non-pharmacologic approaches for alcohol and drug abuse. Previous posts included a general overview of alternative and integrative treatments of substance abuse , a discussion of research evidence supporting the use of weak electrical current ( neurelectric therapy ) for managing symptoms of opiate withdrawal, and a review of research findings on herbals and other natural supplements for managing craving and withdrawal from alcohol and drugs. This post is offered as a concise review of mindfulness training for relapse prevention. Mindfulness training and meditation reduces alcohol and drug relapse risk Many studies show that regular mindfulness training can modify these neural mechanisms resulting in decreased substance use and lower risk of relapsing. Research findings suggest that substance abuse is related to abnormal functioning of brain mechanisms underlying reward learning and executive … [Read more...] about Mindfulness Practice Reduces Relapse Risk

Woman with Jaw Pain Source: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels After surgery for endometriosis, which ultimately resulted in a complete hysterectomy in 2005, my migraine cycle worsened for an extended period of time, and I gradually developed unusual jaw pain with constant aching on both sides. The increase in discomfort and the resulting limitations were gradual, but eventually opening my mouth wide enough to eat was difficult, and yawning was agony. I saw my chiropractor, Dr. Leslie Lange, who worked on the inside of my jaw, (intraoral myofascial release) and outside of my jaw, which did (and does) help, but he eventually ordered an MRI, resulting in a diagnosis of severe TMJ dysfunction and dislocation. In 2008, my headache specialist, Dr. Joseph Mann, made the connection between my surgery, my worsening migraines, and the ensuing battle with my jaw problems, concluding that the extended intubation during my surgery may have offset what was previously a tenuous balance of my … [Read more...] about The Connection Between TMJ Dysfunction and Migraine