Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a mind–body technique in which individuals learn how to modify their physiology for the purpose of improving physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Clinical biofeedback is growing increasingly popular as many people are seeking out relatively new approaches to healthcare.
Biofeedback training requires active participation on the part of the client that may include stress reduction techniques and lifestyle changes. Clinical biofeedback may be used to manage disease symptoms as well as to improve overall health and wellness through stress management training. Research has shown that biofeedback interventions are effective in aiding a variety of medical conditions, and many Americans are turning to biofeedback and other less traditional therapies for their routine healthcare.
During a Biofeedback session, sensors are placed on the head, wrists and ankles. The sensors / electrodes comfortably read electrical impulses from the body and send the information to the computer which acts as a monitoring device. The biofeedback practitioner is able to educate the client as to what specific areas of the
body / mind are most in need of stress reduction and re-education based on the information translated from
the biofeedback device to the computer screen. These data findings allow the client to better understand their reactions to stress and learn how to better control their physiological responses.
While the biofeedback process is completely non-invasive and gentle, this powerful system allows relaxation and an increased ability for the body to heal. It also helps to make clients aware of the thoughts, feelings and behaviors related to their physiology. Biofeedback therapy is a process of training as opposed to a treatment.
Biofeedback is not intended to replace your doctor’s advice. It is a complementary therapy that works alongside your current medical procedures.
Research shows that biofeedback, alone and in combination with other behavioral therapies, is effective for a variety of medical and psychological disorders. Biofeedback is currently used by physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, a host of other professionals.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BIOFEEDBACK?
The body of knowledge around biofeedback continues to grow through scientific investigation. For example, in a study as early as 1987, a researcher by the name of Schneider found that biofeedback is effective in reducing physician visits, medication usage, duration and frequency of hospital stays, as well as reducing mortality and enhancing quality of life.
Biofeedback may also be useful for the following health problems:
Most people find biofeedback soothing, relaxing and beneficial. The side-effects may include:
Biofeedback appeals to people for a variety of reasons:
It's noninvasive.
It may reduce or eliminate need for medications.
It may be a treatment alternative for those who can't tolerate medications for their conditions.
It may be an option when medications haven't worked well.
It may be an alternative to medications for some conditions during pregnancy.
It helps people take charge of their health.
HOW LONG IS A BIOFEEDBACK SESSION?
Allow 90 minutes for your first biofeedback session. There needs to be enough time to get a full understanding of your unique health situation and to answer any questions you may have.
Following sessions are usually 60 or 90 minutes depending on the client.
HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE NEEDED?
Biofeedback is an entrainment process. Entrainment is a well studied phenomenon within physics, by which two separate systems, operating at varying frequencies, will settle into a common frequency when situated within one’s field of influence. It may take the body multiple sessions to entrain or “relearn” healthier patterns. Some people respond very quickly, especially those whose lifestyle choices are already aligned with good health.
Others may need more education, training and support around improving nutrition, exercise and / or sleep patterns, or avoiding addictive substances etc. Generally speaking, the longer a client has held certain stress patterns which are causing them pain or illness, the more sessions they may need to begin re-balancing or re-training those patterns and reactions.
Generally, we recommend clients make a commitment to their health by investing in multiple sessions in order to truly see and feel the results.
Research shows that biofeedback, alone and in combination with other behavioral therapies, is effective for a variety of medical and psychological disorders. Biofeedback is currently used by physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, a host of other professionals.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BIOFEEDBACK?
The body of knowledge around biofeedback continues to grow through scientific investigation. For example, in a study as early as 1987, a researcher by the name of Schneider found that biofeedback is effective in reducing physician visits, medication usage, duration and frequency of hospital stays, as well as reducing mortality and enhancing quality of life.
Biofeedback may also be useful for the following health problems:
- Anxiety
- Asthma
- Autism
- Back pain
- Bed wetting
- Chronic pain
- Constipation
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and overeating
- Epilepsy and related seizure disorders
- Headaches and migraines
- Head injuries
- High blood pressure
- Incontinence
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Learning disabilities
- Motion sickness
- Muscle pain and immobility
- Muscle spasms
- Pain
- Physical performance
- Sexual disorders, including pain with intercourse
- Spinal cord injuries
- Stress
- Raynaud's disease
Most people find biofeedback soothing, relaxing and beneficial. The side-effects may include:
- Ability to relax more quickly
- Deeper state of relaxation during sleep
- Easier to fall asleep and stay asleep
- Reduction of stress and hypertension
- Improved general health
- Increase in amount of calmness and peacefulness
- Reduction of anger
- Less fearfulness
- Fewer anxiety attacks
- Amelioration of sorrow
- Reduction of the depth of depression
- Heightened muscle mobility
- Enhanced mental clarity
- Able to pay attention more consistently
- Better focus of attention
- Deeper concentration and enhanced memory
- Less attention to pain and stressors
- Less concentration on pain and stressors
- Fewer feelings of pain and stress
- Less intense focus on pain and stressors
- Less intensity of any pain or any stress
- More able to manage stress and pain
Biofeedback appeals to people for a variety of reasons:
It's noninvasive.
It may reduce or eliminate need for medications.
It may be a treatment alternative for those who can't tolerate medications for their conditions.
It may be an option when medications haven't worked well.
It may be an alternative to medications for some conditions during pregnancy.
It helps people take charge of their health.
HOW LONG IS A BIOFEEDBACK SESSION?
Allow 90 minutes for your first biofeedback session. There needs to be enough time to get a full understanding of your unique health situation and to answer any questions you may have.
Following sessions are usually 60 or 90 minutes depending on the client.
HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE NEEDED?
Biofeedback is an entrainment process. Entrainment is a well studied phenomenon within physics, by which two separate systems, operating at varying frequencies, will settle into a common frequency when situated within one’s field of influence. It may take the body multiple sessions to entrain or “relearn” healthier patterns. Some people respond very quickly, especially those whose lifestyle choices are already aligned with good health.
Others may need more education, training and support around improving nutrition, exercise and / or sleep patterns, or avoiding addictive substances etc. Generally speaking, the longer a client has held certain stress patterns which are causing them pain or illness, the more sessions they may need to begin re-balancing or re-training those patterns and reactions.
Generally, we recommend clients make a commitment to their health by investing in multiple sessions in order to truly see and feel the results.