Biofeedback Can Help You

Introduction

Main Item

What is Biofeedback

Biofeedback uses computers to help you become more aware of the subtle changes that occur in your body. Once you are more aware of them, you can control them better.

How does Biofeedback work

Many physiological processes in your body are hard to detect, but computerized monitoring allows you to notice them better. The monitored information is then "fed" back to you in an understandable form. By being able to see this information on a computer monitor, you can learn how to control the processes better.

Why would I care about controlling my physiological processes

Most people know that we control our body by using our mind. For example, if we are agitated, we can use our brains to calm our body. But did you know that many nerves that control our behavior actually go from the body to the brain? If you can create a calm body, you can create a calm state-of-mind.

What will biofeedback help me with

Biofeedback has been used for stress and anxiety disorders (including muscle tension and panic), TMJ, low back pain, chronic pain anywhere in the body, migraine headaches, breathing disorders, Raynaud's Syndrome, IBS, hypertension and addiction (when you are calmer cravings tend to diminish). There are also many additional health benefits from biofeedback.

What physical processes does biofeedback monitor

The most common physiological processes monitored are heart rate, respiration (breathing), sweating, peripheral temperature, blood pressure and muscle tension.

How does receiving feedback about physiological processes help me control them

If you shot a basketball in the general direction of the basket, but could not see the basket itself, your shooting would not improve. When you set the goal of relaxing, and then get feedback about exactly what is happening in your body, you will get better at relaxing.

How fast does Biofeedback work

As with any therapy, the results will vary depending on your condition. Although lasting results may take 10 sessions or more, some people see results in 3-4 sessions. As with learning any skill, how fast you improve will depend on how much you practice.

What is a typical biofeedback session like

Your biofeedback therapist usually begins treatment with a comprehensive assessment of your physiological processes and your awareness of them. Then you will jointly design a biofeedback training program to improve your capacity for self-regulation, based on your needs and goals. Electrodes are "pasted" to you so that you can get feedback on the computer monitor. The paste is easily wiped off. The electrodes do not transmit any electricity to you. You therapist will guide you through the entire process. Near the end of each session you will discuss the progress made, and the next steps to take. If you rent or purchase small practice equipment and use it at home you will make faster progress.

This sounds like meditation.

You're right! There are many similarities between meditation, yoga, self-hypnosis, and biofeedback. However, biofeedback can help you achieve awareness of physiological processes much more quickly than other techniques. If you already use other techniques, you can master them faster!

Reference: Julie Myers, Psy.D., BCIAC, CATC, provides biofeedback at Practical Recovery alcohol addiction treatment, where she focuses on resolving problems that give rise to or maintain addiction - www.practicalrecovery.com