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Health: Training Your Brain

By Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- People take medication every day for anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Now, a new technique could someday help make all of that go away by simply using your mind.

3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl shows us how you can train your brain.

It's hard to believe, but a patient is manipulating the brightness of the screen with the power of her mind. It's a treatment called Brain Core Therapy.

LINK: BrainCore Therapy Information

"Your brain is constantly being molded with a feedback mechanism, a positive reinforcement to show you that this is the proper brain wave pattern," said Dr. Keri Ciappins, a Board Certified Neuro Feedback Specialist.

The therapy also entails, keeping a roller coaster moving smoothly. It works, according to Dr. Keri Chiappino, by measuring brainwaves while the patient concentrates on these activities.

She says research shows that over time the brain can establish new connections that can help break the cycle of depression, insomnia and certain pain.

"I'm not about to get a face lift, but I can give my brain a lift," said Marilyn Sokol, a patient.

She says she was having issues with mood, focus, and sleep, so she tried Brain Core Therapy.

"I'm really sleeping and not getting up for any reason," said Marilyn.

She saw other benefits too.

"I was always, always a slow reader. I do believe that there has been an improvement," said Marilyn.

Neurologist Steven Wolf says Brain Core Therapy might be helpful for some patients, but others may see similar results through meditation or yoga.

"If you find something that works for you to get some kind of mindfulness, some kind of meditation, some kind of biofeedback is wonderful, but you have to go to a doctor's office to do it. I don't know. I don't think so," said Dr. Wolf.

Proponents of Brain Core Therapy say patients usually need about 30 hours of treatment to see changes in brainwave patterns. It is sometimes covered my some insurance companies.

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