Mind-Body Approaches

Meditation, Neurofeedback and Biofeedback Can Augment Other Treatments

We often recommend a “brain training” approach to augment treatment of other health and mental health conditions. By improving mental focus, awareness of bodily sensations, and non-reactivity, our patients often find that other treatments work better, and they are also better able to cope with stress and discomfort.

While these approaches do take more time and effort, we believe any investment is often recouped manyfold in the form of better results.

Office Hours

Monday to Friday
9am to 5pm by Appointment

450 Sutter St. – Suite 840
San Francisco, CA 94108

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Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and other Meditation Modalities

Developed by Jon Kabat Zinn PhD in the 1970s based on his experiences with meditation training in India, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is an 8-week class that teaches the basics of mindfulness meditation, focusing on breath and body sensations. Developed for use in academic medical centers with patients suffering from chronic pain or other illnesses, MBSR is non-denominational and compatible with most other forms of treatment, and is widely available throughout the United States and around the world.

We partner with local MBSR teachers in San Francisco and can refer to classes outside of the city. Some mental health conditions are not well suited to silent meditation, so it's important to consult with your treatment provider prior to initiating mindfulness training.

We also often integrate other forms of meditation and mind-body training into our patients' treatment plans, ranging from apps to residential retreats, since what matches each individual's situation can vary.

Neurofeedback and Biofeedback

Neurofeedback uses sensors to detect electrical activity in the brain and use it to provide auditory or visual feedback to the patient, with the goal of improving focus, reducing pain, or other specific goals of changing brain function. This can be done with consumer-grade technology, or professional equipment that requires a licensed professional. We have found that neurofeedback can speed and improve results in some cases.

Biofeedback uses other signals from the body, such as heart rate variability or skin conductance, to provide feedback to the patient, with the goal of improving focus, controlling autonomic function, or other specific goals of changing brain or body function. This can also be done with consumer-grade technology, or professional equipment, and can be more accessible than neurofeedback.

At My Doctor Medical Group, we work with our patients to determine which modalities might best be integrated with their treatment plan, and also the best time to introduce which modalities.

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