If
it is to be human to recognize our weaknesses and to allow ourselves to indulge (for but a short while) in pleasures, releases and escapes, ADDICTION is the neuropsychological
disorder that may result in the overuse and abuse of any specific substance. Addiction is characterized as a disease that is driven by a persistent and intense urge to engage
in compulsive behaviors including psychosocial, neurobiological, a
preoccupation with substances or behavior, and continued use despite negative
consequences. For many, a profound strategy in addressing addiction is tackling the patient's CRAVINGS. It is for this that we asked Dr, Leslie Montoya (from Sta. Barbara, CA) to share her experiences and insights about her recent success with
smoking cessation with her patients. Learn about Dr. Valle-Montoya's custom approach to addressing addiction clinically and her non-invasive modalities of choice.
RECOGNIZING BRAIN HEALTH & ADDICTION By: Dr. Leslie Valle-Montoya
It is well documented that tobacco increases
the risk of different cancers such as lung, liver, and colorectal.
According to the National Health Interview Survey data from 2020, 47.1 million
adults in the United States reported currently using tobacco products with 79.6
% of those being cigarette smokers [1]. If cigarette smoking continues to
be one of the leading causes of preventable disease and deaths, why is
cessation not easier to attain?
First, we must recognize the science behind
nicotine addiction and its withdrawal effects. Addiction is recognized to
be a brain disease. Overcoming an addiction, whether it’s prescription pain
pills, sugar, alcohol, nicotine or anything else, cessation is harder to
exercise when the “pathways” or pleasure circuits of the brain have chronically
been overstimulated.
DOPAMINE is a neurotransmitter that is released and made in the brain as a chemical
messenger. It is known to play a central role in the effects of addictive drugs and
natural rewards such as food and sex. When the reward system in our brain
experiences a stimulation, a pleasurable surge of dopamine is released.
The increased changes in dopamine levels can lead to further neuroplasticity
following repeated exposure to drugs of abuse. Neuroscientists discovered that
addictive substances such as nicotine and cocaine could promote plasticity in
the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain.
Withdrawal
symptoms as cessation begins - will cause irritability, increased eating,
anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression, mood swings, and hedonistic
homeostatic dysregulation. Hedonic dysregulation is a disorder caused by
a cycle of spiraling dysfunction of the brain reward systems which is increased
by its compulsive use of addictive substances. Thus, neuropsychological
behavior with any substance abuse makes cessation almost unattainable.
In
modern days, there are different approaches to addressing addiction such as
smoking cigarettes. Pharmacotherapy and behavioral interventions may be the
first line of treatment; although, the time frame to see results may not be
fast enough to fight the urge to light up again.
NON-INVASIVE BRAIN STIMULATION TO TARGET SMOKINGIn my experience, an effective treatment to
address smoking cessation involves non-invasive neurostimulation to modify
neural oscillations and change the patterns of addiction and support the
psychoemotional state at the same time. Down to a cellular level,
changing the brain wavelengths of cigarette smokers is the start of the
transition into cessation. With the combination of ONDAMED
- frequency medicine (pulsed electromagnetic field) and Binaural beats, we
can remind the body to self-regulate. My approach to smoking cessation is
a nonpharmacological intervention, neurostimulation, brain entrainment, and
lifestyle modifications. It’s important to support the body, the mind,
and the brain during cessation as the process can bring up withdrawal symptoms
and unconscious emotions not expected to address.
ONDAMED is a personalized and non-invasive
approach using biofeedback that a medical practitioner uses to determine which
frequencies of sound, as well as pulsed electromagnetic fields, cause a
response to your autonomic nervous system. ONDAMED has the ability to
deliver specific resonant frequencies to the source of dysfunction. For
smoking cessation, a patient will undergo 8-10 sessions along with water
“charging” treatment. The session will last sixty minutes and must return
the following day to maintain the frequency of the treatment session until the
last day of protocol.
TEST SUBJECT BECOMES SUCCESS STORY:
“SMOKE FREE” ONE YEAR LATER
By: IPHA Editorial Team
3/22/2023- In a recent in-depth interview, IPHA-TV presented Dr. Leslie Valle-Montoya (Sta. Barbara, CA) and the framework behind her Smoking Cessation program at the Biomed Life Center. This unique and specialized protocol addresses the core cravings behind “one of the hardest habits and health hazards to quit”. She is joined by Mr. Howard Binney, (now) former smoker and ex-firefighter/EMT who volunteered to undertake Dr. Valle-Montoya’s rehabilitation and recovery project exactly one year ago today.
In a prior interview, “Dr. Leslie” describes her strategy and the technologies she applied to help address the smoking addiction- by first targeting the smoking urges and cravings. “What makes addiction such a battle to overcome is its habitual ability to recur”, she stated. “The reaction to smoke is muscle memory linked to mental triggers that are linked over time within the parasympathetic nervous system and the fight-or-flight response… to sever that connection is our entry point to removing the addiction from controlling the body and the mind.”
For this disorder, she implements ENERGY THERAPY by using BIOFEEDBACK, PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetism) and a guided meditation device called BRAINTAP®. “A common advantage to energy therapy is managing ANXIETY. To introduce the BrainTap® device while on… the ONDAMED® session has opened up that possibility that they can be able to manage their anxiety, which is sometimes not easy to do with a counselor or a psychologist. There are numerous ways to incorporate different methods of ‘biohacking’ your mind and body into your daily routine”.
“I started working with Howard last year on this protocol about smoking cessation. I continually explored and re-designed a few protocols with different patients and this is my first success story. It was remarkable to see change in a little amount of time. I could say it, the protocol was only for 10 sessions but his progress began to show response after the third day. This included evidence of his body rejecting the taste of a cigarette and he began to repel the smell of cigarette smoke in the air and on others.
One of the primary tools I used was frequency medicine (Ondamed) with a combination of binaural beats and guided meditation. The protocol also called for charging his DRINKING WATER with electromagnetism- so the patient can continue to receive the same frequencies that have been programmed in the 40 minute session at home.” (To be continued below)
Frequency Medicine: Historically Proven
Success in Addressing Smoking Addiction
As the former owner of one of the largest stop smoking franchises, I have firsthand experience with the challenges of quitting smoking and overcoming addiction. Quitting smoking is a complex process that requires a comprehensive approach. Frequency medicine, such as non-invasive brain stimulation, biofeedback, and BrainTap, can be a helpful tool in reducing the stress that comes with transitioning from being a smoker to returning to a natural state of being a non-smoker. Frequency medicine can modify neural oscillations and change patterns of addiction by addressing the underlying psychological factors that drive addiction. By using guided imagery techniques and frequency medicine, individuals can eliminate negative thinking focused on addiction and focus on positive new behaviors. This approach can provide relief from physical cravings and withdrawal symptoms and help individuals build a greater capacity to handle stress as a non-smoker over the following year after stopping.
The most successful smoking cessation programs incorporate a combination of behavioral interventions, strong mental processes, and frequency medicine. This approach provides a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. However, it is important to remember that overcoming addiction requires a deep understanding of oneself and a strong willpower to change. While frequency medicine can provide some relief from physical cravings and withdrawal symptoms, addressing the underlying psychological factors that drive addiction is essential for achieving lasting success. Positive strategies for healthy new thinking must be provided for a true permanent change to occur. In conclusion, quitting smoking is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to change. Frequency medicine can be a helpful addition to a comprehensive treatment plan, but it is important to address the psychological factors that drive addiction for long-term success.
Also see other related articles with Dr. Porter:
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Contd. from part 1
REACTION 1: THE DETOXING PHASE
Upon the application of smoking cessation, a major reaction one may find is the physiological response from the DETOX that would occur from this protocol. “To allow the progression of change toward wellness, we must first remove the chemicals that bind us to the habit and this needs to happen first”, Howard stated. “I experienced a detox (probably) around the fifth day in between the two weeks where I brought myself to the ER thinking it was something worse. We discovered dark stool and was given a low-dose medication for a slightly elevated BP. They ended up conducting an endoscopy and colonoscopy but found no issues whatsoever. As a former EMT, logic dictated that this is a detox in action. Visually, it can be scary if you don’t understand it.”
Like so many, Howard Binney attributes the prevalence of his smoking habit to social exposures – having been surrounded by smokers at work in concert security and then a first responder for government installations. Having drinks in bars and social events also linked to smoking. He began identifying headaches from three to five cigarettes and attempted to quit through the smoking patch, but eventually “it always seemed to come back”. On the job, Howard found much downtime working as a federal fire marshal in military installations where “everybody smoked… it became a habit of sitting around a lot where we used to smoke in the firehouse”. His impetus to tackle smoking head on was having reached two packs a day during his retirement during the Covid-19 pandemic. He earmarks having lost his wife and dear friends to cancer- which added inspiration for his targeting his addiction.
“YOU HAVE TO WANT TO QUIT”
Howard shares his process and the evolution within him. “I think it's very important that people NOT let their minds play games with them and realize that you do have the power. (Dr. Leslie) has the stuff that can do it. But you have to make that commitment to yourself. I might still get cancer from it… but I'm giving myself a chance to live longer. If you want to drive that nail in the coffin, then keep smoking. If not, get ahold of somebody that could do this (treatment) for you and go into it with an open mind. You don't need drugs, gum or patches. Get yourself in a good spot and go for it. I think it works… or I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you smoke free one year later!”
WHAT IS “CHARGED” WATER?
With any addiction protocol I facilitate, such as smoking cessation, placing a “charge” (meaning frequency) is as important as the treatment session for addressing the addiction. The same frequencies I program for a session are a version of what gets delivered to the glass bottle of water I prepare for a patient.
Patients experience a desperate bid to quench their thirst after sessions that can last days. Therefore, having this added bonus of preparing “charged” water for them to take home is the highlight of their day and night when not in my office.
Besides extreme thirst, patients experience a sudden urge not to smoke by choice and find themselves consciously lighting up a cigarette out of habit to test if the first treatment session works. Suddenly, a horrific taste of toxins surges the taste buds that force them not to finish the cigarette. What makes it hard to quit so abruptly is no longer the unpleasant taste but changing their habits of smoking. Most patients use it as an escape or break in their day and others have made it a ritual to always smoke while they start their coffee consumption in the morning and their beer in the evening.
And this is why just treating something at the physical level is not enough. The subconscious needs help, too. Why I integrate the use of binaural beats to allow the body to absorb new brain entrainment not allowing to experience before while a brain in plasticity takes over your conscious decision making.
BINAURAL BEATS is a neuro-algorithm that produces brainwave entrainment, the synchronization of brainwaves to a specialized sound with no user effort. When two different tones, separated in frequency by only a few Hertz, one in each ear- the brain perceived a third, unique tone. These beats establish a deep meditative state within 3 minutes of use, in which, a person will fall into theta brainwave length and might fall asleep while listening to a guided meditation.
Often, what comes out of the first session is a surge of emotions not expected. Besides feeling a little “tingly” after neurostimulation and extremely thirsty, patients experience gradual loosening of their restraints of self-centeredness. This experience of relaxation, calm and warmth, is the ‘natural high’ meditation entrains your brain in minutes passively with binaural beats and guided meditation. I expect patients to feel emotions without explanation and I invite them to release them in their safe space which I call the “Energy Room”.
EPILOGUE: INNOVATIVE SCIENCE
“Years ago, I learned about biofeedback and electromagnetic field therapy. The market was robust with choices, but something called ONDAMED® won me over- largely due to the functional health strategy by design, indicating a heavy focus on a whole-body care. It combined the diagnostic abilities of biofeedback science to "communicate with the body" to monitor conditions and imbalances. Then the intuitive energy healing aspect comes in the form of its PEMF element (pulsed electromagnetic field) to 're-balance' the body or support the body to repair itself painlessly and non-invasively. Treating patients showed many positive results including tissue stimulation for pain relief in soft tissue injuries and wound healing.”
1.
Cornelius
ME, Wang TW, Jamal A, Loretan CG, Neff LJ. Tobacco product use among
adults—United States, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 Mar 18;71(11):397-405. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7111a1.
CONTRIBUTOR:
LESLIE VALLE-MONTOYA, MD is the Founder of Biomed Life and the Santa Barbara Longevity Center. After medical school, Dr. Valle focused on managing chronic disease starting with its links to poor nutrition and then introducing them into the world of energy frequencies. She explores and includes non-invasive modalities such as: frequency therapies (including biofeedback), PEMF, proper detoxification, nutritional guidance and binaural beats as needed. - visit: www.biomedlifesb.com
