Neurofeedback - An Internal Medicine

Dermatologists get paid to look at our skin. They are comfortable in that world. However, our skin issues can run outside of their jurisdiction. Usually, they do.

A book about the impact of traumatic experiences

Recently, I finished a psychology book by Bessel van der Kolk.

"The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" dives into how our traumatic (or negative) experiences can ferment inside of us, marinating in our system. We relive them, over and over. Sometimes these experiences, believe it or not, can show up on our skin. No cream will magically make them disappear.

In order to move on from them, we must deal with them. One way to do this is through neurofeedback.

What is neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback*, in simple terms, is a way for us to change our brain's activity. As a therapy, it provides immediate feedback from a computer-based program that assesses our brainwaves and then reorganizes or retrains these brain signals.

In essence, we want to retain our good activities and alter the ones that are holding us back.

*It is also known as EEG (electroencephalogram) biofeedback.

Why change brain waves?

Bessel van der Kolk's research found that those with repressed trauma have disproportionate activity in the right temporal lobe - our fear center. Additionally, there is also more frontal slow-wave activity.

Conclusion: This makes for a hyper-aroused emotional state. The survival mode switch is indefinitely on.

By turning the switch off, so to speak, these areas can go back to a more normal state. Decreasing fear equals decreasing bodily stress.

Human experience

Though this type of treatment has been around since the 1950s, the first human subject wasn't until 1971. Her name was Mary Fairbanks, and she had epilepsy, having two or more massive seizures a month. It was debilitating. She started neurofeedback twice a week for one-hour sessions. Within three months, she was basically seizure-free. This was revolutionary.

What does eczema have to do with it?

Eczema isn't just a physical inconvenience. Socially, it can be painful, shame-inducing, and downright embarrassing. We allow what others say and think to affect us. Basically, we live in a world of anxiety. We worry about what we wear. We stress over what to eat and not eat. That amount of fear can be excruciating on the body and mind.

Neurofeedback is perfect for this type of trauma.

"... it had also shown good results for numerous issues and conditions that go beyond the scope of this book, including relieving tension headaches, improving cognitive functioning following a traumatic brain injury, reducing anxiety and panic attacks, learning to deepen meditation states, treating autism, improving seizure control, self-regulation in mood disorders, and more." - p. 330.

We are already aware that meditation can be our friend. It takes deep inner stabilization in an itchy world to keep it at bay. There is absolutely a connection between our experiences with eczema and how our fears and traumas play out in our bodies.

Is this accessible?

We discover many hurdles with our condition, including insurance. Most will not cover this type of therapy. In my own conspiracy world, why would they wish to rid us as patients? This mode has clearly helped many with anxiety disorders. However, keep those creams coming!

But, neurofeedback definitely has its place. More products are emerging using this type of research in order to help patients and civilians. Mendi is one such product.

Dive in

Overall, we must start understanding not just what our skin is showing us, but how it connects to our inner self. This may not be necessary for everyone, but it is disturbing to see how many eczema patients suffer with depression and anxiety. More research needs to be done in this area pertaining to skin health. I think we could unlock a deeper level of healing than ever imagined.