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3 Brain Exercises to Fight OCD Impulses

3 Brain Exercises to Fight OCD Impulses – Obsessions (repetitive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors) that significantly interfere with one’s daily activities affect over 2 million American adults diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, according to the National Institutes for Mental Health (NIMH). Associated with other conditions including eating disorders, tic disorders (i.e. Tourette Syndrome), addictions, and phobias.

It is extremely difficult for a brain that is “stuck” on a certain behavior to be productive in any way, shape, or form. Although OCD traits are sometimes seen in “peak performers”. Such as high-level athletes and CEOs, there is a point where the behaviors become the only focus of the affected individual. This, as you could well imagine, could lead to significant anxiety and distress. Essentially crippling an individual psychologically (and sometimes physically).

There are many well-known interventions for OCD and its associated disorders including medications (typically antidepressants and antianxiety agents). Exposure and Response Prevention (a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to desensitize individuals from their “problem” stimulus. Psychological counseling, or some combination of the above.

As the numbers of those affected continue to grow each year. More than ever and are in increasingly greater demand. Millions of Americans are now seeking therapies such as neurofeedback, transcranial magnetic stimulation, metabolic and nutritional therapies, chiropractic care, and acupuncture in hopes of decreasing, and possibly eliminating, their obsessions and compulsions.

Recent research from the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam has demonstrated increases in the “feel good” neurotransmitter dopamine in the brains of those with OCD. Also singled out over the years is a decrease in Serotonin levels; which has a negative impact on mood, memory, and learning. Chemical regulation and improvements in the underlying “wiring” of pathways in the brain through Brain Training must be addressed to increase the effectiveness of the more common approaches to OCD mentioned above. Improvement in chemical regulation and brain “wiring” can occur safely and quite cost-effectively through a number of approaches.

Very likely more effective than the standard interventions for OCD.

  1. Exercise. Physical exercise has been hailing by some of the leading scientists as the greatest medication on the planet. In his groundbreaking book Spark, Dr. John Ratey of Harvard Medical School discusses the impact of certain types of exercise on specific brain chemicals. Exercise also helps to strengthen nerve connections, create new nerve cells, and improve fuel delivery to the brain.
  2. Meditation/Relaxation. Mindful meditation, breathing exercises, progressive relaxation, guided imagery, biofeedback. Many other relaxation techniques empower individuals with the ability to take the focus off of their problem thoughts and behaviors. While engaging them in more productive behaviors. This can have a profound impact on brain chemicals and body systems as with exercise.
  3. Interactive Metronome.  A bit more on the hi-tech end, training the brain’s internal timing mechanisms through repetitive body movements. Made in concert with sound commands. One can begin to dramatically improve their focus, attention, and cognitive control; critical brain “wiring” factors that need to be addressing when dealing with OCD.

From training the brain systems that govern control over our impulses, to improving the chemical interactions that are involving in these systems, there is hope for those under the stranglehold of OCD. If you or a loved one is battling OCD and/or any of its associated disorders, understanding that the brain can be training and returned to a state of normalcy is the first step in beating this elusive disorder – 3 Brain Exercises to Fight OCD Impulses!

Dr. Michael S. Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Neurofeedback Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the practice of advanced functional neurology. He is one of the most highly sought-after brain rehabilitation specialists because of the life-changing outcomes his patients consistently experience. After over a decade in private practice and working alongside other pioneers in the field, Dr. Trayford developed his multimodal intensive brain training and rehabilitation program built around the science of Neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to learn and grow dependent upon the stimulation it receives from its environment. He later founded APEX Brain Centers to combine his ground-breaking rehabilitation approach with a unique patient and caretaker-centered care model. Under Dr. Trayford’s leadership, APEX Brain Centers has successfully treated thousands of patients and earned the reputation of a world-renowned brain training and rehabilitation practice. Since its inception, Dr. Trayford has been a leader of the Brain Training revolution treating patients worldwide. In addition, he is a published journal contributor and international lecturer. His experience with various patients of all ages and neurological conditions has given him a unique perspective on brain health and human performance. He is also well-versed in collaborating with other health care professionals, making him an invaluable asset to any care team. Dr. Trayford was awarded the Functional Neurologist of the Year distinction by the International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation, where he is a proud member and conference lecturer. Currently, he serves on the Advisory Council for the Dementia Society of America and the Board of Directors for the International Society for Neuroregulation and Research. He is also a servant leader who has dedicated his adult life to serving multiple communities through Rotary International and other notable causes. When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Trayford usually reads or researches anything related to the brain, human performance, and leadership. He also loves spending time outdoors with his wife Denise, their two daughters, and dogs in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaeltrayford/

6 Comments

  1. Albin Wilson on April 19, 2017 at 1:59 am

    Iam an 17 year OCPD patient.Even now iam more comfortable with this desease.Coz i visited a doctor atlast of the mental torcure of this desease.What there depressed me.They said to me things that i already know.I renamed it a waste of time.Really iam the one and the only person realised proper about my rare OCD.Sometimes i feel energetic and do whatever till death and perfectionalism is an important factor.If any of this selfrules violates all breaks and then now iam in stable condition a worthless condition that i cant do anythings as iam a worthless person(my own thoughts and feelings) always hopeless time.Only sleeping and foodding and *** only.Last i understood it was my desease and stupid ego that i thought that all world is in my countrol.TRUE STORY DONT IGNORE IAM A VICTIM……….;(;(

  2. Albin Wilson on April 19, 2017 at 1:59 am

    Iam an 17 year OCPD patient.Even now iam more comfortable with this desease.Coz i visited a doctor atlast of the mental torcure of this desease.What there depressed me.They said to me things that i already know.I renamed it a waste of time.Really iam the one and the only person realised proper about my rare OCD.Sometimes i feel energetic and do whatever till death and perfectionalism is an important factor.If any of this selfrules violates all breaks and then now iam in stable condition a worthless condition that i cant do anythings as iam a worthless person(my own thoughts and feelings) always hopeless time.Only sleeping and foodding and *** only.Last i understood it was my desease and stupid ego that i thought that all world is in my countrol.TRUE STORY DONT IGNORE IAM A VICTIM……….;(;(

  3. Maya Rajan on September 16, 2016 at 6:46 pm

    How come chemical imbalance can be regulated by mindfulness & brain training for rewiring the brain .

    • Dr. Michael Trayford on September 18, 2016 at 12:02 am

      Maya:

      Thank you for your reply.

      Although there are no simple answers here, mindfulness activities and brain training can assist in regulating the autonomic nervous system; most notably our sympathetic ‘fight or flight’ responses. This can be exceptionally helpful in situations where folks are dealing with persistent anxiety disorders and perseverative behaviors experienced in conditions like OCD, among others.

      If you’d like to discuss further, please call us at 828.708.5274 for a free consultation to talk about specific concerns you might have.

      Take care and thank you!

  4. Maya Rajan on September 16, 2016 at 6:46 pm

    How come chemical imbalance can be regulated by mindfulness & brain training for rewiring the brain .

    • Dr. Michael Trayford on September 18, 2016 at 12:02 am

      Maya:

      Thank you for your reply.

      Although there are no simple answers here, mindfulness activities and brain training can assist in regulating the autonomic nervous system; most notably our sympathetic ‘fight or flight’ responses. This can be exceptionally helpful in situations where folks are dealing with persistent anxiety disorders and perseverative behaviors experienced in conditions like OCD, among others.

      If you’d like to discuss further, please call us at 828.708.5274 for a free consultation to talk about specific concerns you might have.

      Take care and thank you!

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