What is biofeedback?

Biofeedback involves the use of electronic instruments that measure, record and feed back information about certain physiological processes in the form of auditory or visual displays. This allows a person to become aware of and gain a measure of control over functions which are usually outside of voluntary control.

How is biofeedback used?

There are two main applications of biofeedback training. The first is training of a specific function to help manage a physical problem or disorder. For instance, a migraine sufferer may be taught hand warming with the use of skin temperature feedback. Changes in peripheral hand and foot temperature are indicative of vasoconstriction or dilation in these regions. It may also be reflective of changes in the level of arousal of our autonomic nervous system. Learning to control blood-flow in certain regions of the body may be helpful in managing vascular headaches such as migraines. It has also been applied to other conditions involving the vascular system, such as Raynaud's disease and hypertension.

Another form of biofeedback, electromyographic (EMG) involves the monitoring of muscle activity or muscle tension and is helpful in managing conditions such as muscle contraction headaches, back and neck pain and bruxism (teeth grinding). EMG feedback can also be helpful in the re-education of muscles following stroke or accident.

More recently, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) feedback has come on the scene with practical applications for cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, and chronic pain. It has also been found to be helpful for individuals dealing with autoimmune disorders, digestive problems and as an aid to stress reduction HRV feedback is considered to be a useful tool to foster balance in the autonomic nervous system and to assist individuals in encouraging their emotions in a healthy way.

There are several other types of biofeedback training that are commonly used in the clinical setting: skin conductance response, respiration and electroencephalographic (EEG) or what is sometimes called neurofeedback. EEG feedback has been applied to assist people with various kinds of physical, cognitive and behavioral problems such as attention deficit disorder.

Biofeedback has also been used, not just as a treatment for specific medical problems, but as an aid to stress management and relaxation training. Feedback using the modalities already mentioned, can help a person learn how to achieve a state of low physiological arousal, including deep relaxation of muscles and the nervous system in general Coupled with retraining of physical and mental reaction to certain stress events, a person can learn to reduce the effects of stress upon his or her body and to recover quickly once the stressful event is past.

What are the major stages involved in Biofeedback Training?

Biofeedback training involves three major steps:

1. Developing an awareness of body states.
2. Learning voluntary control over these states.
3. Incorporating these new skills into everyday life.

Why is biofeedback – assisted relaxation training helpful or necessary?

Many people have forgotten what it feels like to relax, to feel rested, to be at ease. Under constant stress the body readjusts to a permanently higher level of tension so that after awhile it feels normal to be keyed up. Other people can relax but it takes them hours or even days to do so. Some people can relax only by going to sleep. They have forgotten that it is possible to be mentally alert and physically relaxed at the same time. With the aid of modern electronic equipment, a person can learn once again to listen to his or her body; to be aware of rising levels of tension and to relax voluntarily when appropriate.

There are many benefits of learning these physical self-regulation strategies. One benefit that many people report is increased energy, because energy is no longer being wasted on maladaptive tension. People may also notice increased alertness and improved efficiency and productivity because of less time spent ‘spinning one’s wheels’. Others may notice improvement in their physical appearance and overall health. The body has a great capacity to heal itself and return itself to normal function under conditions of deep relaxation.

Are there any hazards?

Biofeedback instruments are safe. However, because of the very real physiological changes which take place under conditions of deep relaxation, persons with any serious medical disorder should be monitored by their physician, since medication or other treatment requirements may change.