What Is Biofeedback?




	Biofeedback monitors a physiological process, such as: electrical activity in muscle cells blood flow to hands or feet heart rate blood pressure breathing rate electrical activity in the brain Changes in any of these physiological processes can be translated by the biofeedback instrument into signals, such as: lights that blink tones that change in pitch video displays such as graphs or pictures The biofeedback therapist is specially trained to help you understand the meaning of this "feedback." The biofeedback therapist will also teach you muscle relaxation exercises, deep breathing, and visualization techniques that can be helpful in learning to change your physiological reactions. Together, you can find the relaxation methods that work for you. Practice is important in learning any new skill, and biofeedback is no different. As you improve your relaxation skills through daily practice, you may experience physiological changes such as lower blood pressure, tension relief, better sleep or stress relief. Conditions for which biofeedback may be helpful include: migraine headaches tension headaches anxiety essential hypertension injury-related muscle strain irritable bowel TMJ pain asthma chronic pain insomnia Biofeedback does not "cure" a disease. Instead, persons using biofeedback learn to reduce symptoms and learn to recognize and minimize recurring patterns of stress that may aggravate a disease process.