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Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a form of alternative therapy in which information and signals from one's body are used to restore health. The scale and the thermometer are two common types of biofeedback. Both of these common household items provide information about your health that is not evident to the naked eye. Complex biofeedback machines work on much the same premise as these common items. Biofeedback machines are used to detect one's internal functions with greater frequency and precision than our own senses.

Biofeedback is used to treat both physical and psychological conditions. Biofeedback may provide benefit to people who suffer from migraine headaches, stomach problems (i.e. irritable bowel syndrome), TMJ, cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, epilepsy, stroke, and Raynaud's disease. Biofeedback can also be useful in treating stress related conditions, generalized anxiety, and insomnia. Biofeedback is typically performed by a qualified psychologist, dentist, nurse, physical therapist, or other trained health care professional.

During biofeedback treatment, a patient will be asked to examine their daily lives to determine how they may be contributing to their own stress. Relaxation and stress reduction techniques are often taught to biofeedback patients. These must be practiced regularly to achieve the maximum benefit from biofeedback therapy. Biofeedback is a tool that gives people the ability to take greater control over their health .

Though the exact mechanism of biofeedback is not well understood, scientists believe that relaxation is one of the biggest benefits of this alternative therapy. Our emotions, thoughts, and behavior have a profound impact on our health. According to research, 70 to 90 percent of all disease is caused or aggravated by stress. Biofeedback teaches people to become more mindful of stress in their own lives in order to modify their reaction to it. Achieving increased relaxation is thought to promote health and prevent illness.

When the body experiences stress, the body responds as it would to a physical threat. This is called the fight-or-flight response. When our bodies perceive a threat or stressful event our bodies change to prepare for "fight" --we sweat; our pupils dilate; our blood vessels contract near the skin's surface to prevent bleeding while the vessels in the brain and muscle dilate to increase oxygen; the heart beats faster, the gastrointestinal system slows. In some cases this system calms soon after the immediate stressor is removed. In other cases, relaxation of this system is not achieved. When the body's response finds no release, it can actually make us sick. When stress is habitual, illness can develop.

Biofeedback works to help people change the habitual patterns of stress that lead to illness. Biofeedback can be used to measure skin temperature and muscle tension. Becoming aware of our responses to stressors can actually work to reduce their ill effects. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of biofeedback, you may wish to speak with a qualified health care professional.

 

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