What is biofeedback?
Biofeedback is a technique that uses monitoring devices to help people consciously control physical processes that are usually controlled automatically.
How does biofeedback work?
During a biofeedback session, people are monitored with electrodes connected to electronic equipment that measures respiratory rate, perspiration, skin temperature, blood pressure, and heartbeat. The sensors monitor the body's physiological response to stress. Feedback from the biofeedback technology allows people to associate body responses with certain physical functions. Learning associations helps people invoke positive physical changes in the body. The biofeedback technician also recommends a variety of physical and mental exercises designed to teach relaxation and alter the functions being measured. The goal is to produce the responses outside of the therapist's office and without the use of technology.
What are the potential health benefits of biofeedback?
- Controls certain body functions and their responses such as brain activity, blood pressure, muscle tension, heart rate, temperature, sweating, and more
- Relieves stress
- Reduces insomnia
What are some types of biofeedback?
"Electromyogram (EMG). An EMG uses electrodes or other types of sensors to measure muscle tension. By the EMG alerting you to muscle tension, you can learn to recognize the feeling early on and try to control the tension right away. EMG is mainly used to promote the relaxation of those muscles involved in backaches, headaches, neck pain and grinding your teeth (bruxism). An EMG may be used to treat some illnesses in which the symptoms tend to worsen under stress, such as asthma and ulcers.
Temperature biofeedback. Sensors attached to your fingers or feet measure your skin temperature. Because your temperature often drops when you're under stress, a low reading can prompt you to begin relaxation techniques. Temperature biofeedback can help treat certain circulatory disorders, such as Raynaud's disease, or reduce the frequency of headaches.
Galvanic skin response training. Sensors measure the activity of your sweat glands and the amount of perspiration on your skin, alerting you to anxiety. This information can be useful in treating emotional disorders such as phobias, anxiety and stuttering.
Electroencephalogram (EEG). An EEG monitors the activity of brain waves linked to different mental states, such as wakefulness, relaxation, calmness, light sleep and deep sleep. EEG may be used to treat insomnia, epilepsy and other neurological disorders."
-Biofeedback, Mayo Clinic
What is the history of biofeedback?
Studies on how biofeedback works were first performed the 1970s. Biofeedback was originally used by counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals. Today, physicians and other health care providers incorporate biofeedback to promote relaxation and treat a number of conditions.
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