Biofeedback
What is Biofeedback?
The term "biofeedback" was created in 1969. Biofeedback training is a powerful therapeutic procedure for developing deep relaxation and self-management skills that are important for the prevention and treatment of stress-related disorders. Biofeedback training is also used for regaining muscle function, reducing pain, and improving attention and memory.
The goal of biofeedback training is self-regulation. Clients learn how to regulate both mental and physical processes to improve physical health and mental functioning.
What happens during biofeedback training?
Biofeedback training involves the use of a sensitive instrument designed to measure a specific physiological process, for example the electrical activity of skeletal muscles. A sensor is placed on the skin which detects the degree of relaxation or tension in a particular muscle group. A signal is then "fed back" via a computerized visual display and audio tone. This information is used as a guide while practicing a variety of techniques to achieve deep muscle relaxation.
In addition to learning to reduce muscle tension, clients are typically taught how to regulate their breathing, quiet their cardiovascular system, and lower their emotional arousal levels in order to achieve a deep relaxation response that has been linked with physical well-being.
EEG biofeedback, or neurofeedback, involves self-regulation of brain wave activity, and has been successfully used to manage symptoms of attention deficit disorder and enhance learning and memory abilities.
What are the benefits of biofeedback training?
Adults and children who participate in biofeedback training typically achieve significant symptom reduction and are often able to reduce or eliminate the need for medication.
Numerous studies show that people experiencing panic and anxiety who undertake biofeedback training make significant improvements in their ability to achieve inner quiet, to the point where panic and anxiety no longer interfere with their daily lives.
The American Association for Headache cites biofeedback as an effective treatment for migraine and tension headaches. This has been proven by numerous controlled studies with follow-ups of up to 15 years.
The National Institute of Health endorses biofeedback for the treatment of chronic pain and insomnia.
NASA uses biofeedback as part of their astronaut training program to control motion sickness.
The Italian World Cup Soccer Team and several professional baseball teams, as well as many other athlete training programs use biofeedback to enhance performance. Corporate executive and management programs employ biofeedback as part of "peak performance" training.
What conditions has biofeedback been used for?
Through clinical research, biofeedback training has expanded to successfully treat an ever-lengthening list of conditions. Some of these include:
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- Anxiety and panic - Migraine headaches - Tension headaches - Chronic pain - Motion sickness |
- Irritable Bowel - Hypertension - Cardiac arrhythmias - Raynaud's disease - Epilepsy |
- Insomnia - TMJ - Asthma - Hot flashes - ADHD |
Are home training devices available?
After a minimum of one or two office visits, clients can rent or purchase home trainers. For example, the RESPERATE is a Food and Drug Administration-approved device that lowers blood pressure by helping people breathe more slowly. In a major study sponsored by Rush University Medical Center, clients who practiced with the RESPIRATE were able to significantly lower their blood pressure. This device can also be used for stress management and general relaxation.