Biofeedback Training
Overview
What is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback is a training process that
empowers people to change patterns of behavior or body response patterns. It is a way to learn self-regulation which
can takes several forms. It’s a new way of learning and living!
There are simple and complex forms of
technology used in biofeedback. It
involves using some device or equipment to monitor body function and then feed
the
What
kinds of body function can be measured in biofeedback?
Biofeedback training usually involves the
following body measures:
EEG EEG (Electroencephalograph)
Neurofeedback (AKA EEG Biofeedback involves
monitoring brain wave activity and feeding the
Temperature Training
When we are tense
or stressed, our blood flow is restricted to our body extremities.
Self-relaxation skills can be taught by monitoring levels of blood flow warmth
in the fingers. While this is often done
using computers and software, it can also done using
simple hand thermometers or temperature sensitive cards that change color.
Skin Conductance Level (SCL) AKA
Galvinic Skin Response (GSR)
This form of
measurement passes a light and imperceptible current between two points on the
skin. Commonly finger sensors are used for this. When we are calm, moisture
moves away from the skin. When we are
tense, our sweat glands move moisture closer to the skin’s surface in the event
we need to perspire. As the moisture moves upwards, the skin becomes better
able to pass this mild current between the sensors more easily. .
Surprisingly these levels are changing constantly even with minor
changes in mood and emotion. The trainee is aware of these changes typically by
a tone that rises or falls as their level of relaxation changes. Using relaxation techniques, the user relies
on the tones to guide them downwards into deeper levels of serenity.
Heart Rate Variability
This method
involves relaxation training using abdominal
breathing. A close cousin to this is Respiratory Sinus Arhythmia (RSA). Heart rate variability (HRV) teaches a
conscious skill where people can defuse their intense emotional arousals. With
practice, this can be done very quickly.
In our office we use two software packages. One is called, “Freeze Framer tm” by
the HeartMath Instittute. The second
program is called, “Journey To The Wild Divine tm.” The latter has rich and fanciful virtual
world with interactive characters within a mythical land. Journey
also uses Skin Conductance together with heart rate measurements.
Click Here for additional
Click Here to learn more about Journey To The Wild Divine tm.”
EMG (Electromyography)
This form of biofeedback training measures
electrical activity and tension in key muscle groups. It is commonly used to help users lower
muscle tension to prevent migraines, improve sports performance, and avoid
repetitive motion injuries. Although I
have received training to do EMG work, I do not yet offer this. If needed, I can refer you to other
clinicians in the area who do practice this
Pelvic
Floor Training
This form of biofeedback has been recently
been accepted for reimbursement by Medicare!
It helps with rehabilitative muscle training for better urinary
control. I do not offer this service.
Benefits
of Biofeedback Training
Biofeedback is a well established and
researched form of training since the 1970’s. However, with the explosion of
medication many doctors have prescribed medication rather than encouraging
alternative methods. Some of these medications come with various risks that we
frequently talked about in the media. Biofeedback offers people the chance to
develop new life skills with proven and safe methods.
Many medical conditions have their roots in
chronic stress and anxiety. Many conditions will, often respond very well to
biofeedback training, usually either disappearing altogether or decreasing in
frequency, severity, intensity and duration.
While not everyone responds to biofeedback,
most do with good results. Ask your
therapist how biofeedback may help you!