Biofeedback is a technique used in both traditional and alternative medicine.
Through real-time data regarding physiological processes, such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow, muscle tension, brain waves, and pain perception, obtained through electronic monitoring devices, an individual can learn to exercise more control over their physical functions.
When an individual is under stress, their body changes in ways that can be monitored through electrical devices. Heart and breathing rates will increase while under stress or in pain, and muscles tighten. These changes, and others, can be monitored through sensors attached to the body, providing audio and visual feedback. With the assistance of biofeedback, individuals can develop strategies to identify when they are under stress, and to gain more control over their physical and mental states, thus improving health and well-being.
Biofeedback is a relatively non-invasive and secure method of increasing control over one's body. Biofeedback involves monitoring an individual's physiological state and sending information about it back to the individual. The data allows the individual to take conscious control over aspects of their physiology, such as the use of relaxation techniques to slow the heart rate. The information provided by the data is used to help the individual manage the symptoms of a variety of medical conditions.
There are several types of biofeedback, and the approach used would depend on the issue to be resolved.
Respiratory biofeedback is obtained through the use of sensor bands around the chest and abdomen which monitor breathing rates and patterns. Individuals can learn to exert control over their respiratory rates in order to reduce anxiety.
Heart rate biofeedback is determined through sensors attached to the ears, fingers, wrists, chest, or torso. Heart rate biofeedback is believed to be helpful in controlling a number of disorders, including depression and asthma.
Blood pressure biofeedback is obtained through a device that provides information about the individual's blood pressure, which can be controlled through breathing exercises, music, meditation, or visual cues.
Galvanic skin response involves the measurement of perspiration on the surface of the skin and can provide useful feedback on emotional arousal. Emotional stimulation can also stimulate sweating.
Thermal biofeedback measures changes in body temperatures, as sensors are used to detect blood flow to the skin. During times of stress, individuals often experience a drop in body temperature, so thermal biofeedback can help people determine when they are feeling distressed, which might suggest a need for stress management techniques.
Electromyography involves the placement of sensors at various points on the body, which are connected to an EMG device, which detects changes in muscle tension over time.
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback obtained through the use of an electroencephalogram (EEG), which provides information about brain activity. This non-invasive technique is sometimes used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD), additions, anxiety, depression, pain, and other disorders.
Biofeedback is a type of training rather than a treatment, although, with training and practice, it can be used to help individuals develop better coping skills. In order for it to be effective, biofeedback requires individuals to play an active role in their treatment.
Some of the conditions that biofeedback can be used to assist with include ADHD, anxiety, brain injuries, depression, digestive disorders, high and low blood pressure, mental health problems, migraine headaches, pain, physical reactions to stress, PTSD, stress management, and tension headaches.
Recommended Resources
Offering information about neurofeedback, the site seeks to offer clear explanations of the topic designed for consumers and clinicians, including a FAQ section that answers common questions, informational articles and videos, and a list of qualified neurofeedback providers. Other content includes a monthly content package for neurofeedback practitioners, along with other resources. Conditions that neurofeedback is known to be helpful for are also described. Contacts are posted.
http://www.aboutneurofeedback.com/
Biofeedback Certification International Alliance
The Biofeedback Foundation of Europe (BFE) supports training, education, and research into biofeedback. You can download the foundation's magazine, Psychophysiology Today, from this website. You can also find information on the foundation's annual meeting here. The Foundation's workshops (approved by the American Psychological Association) on topics ranging from ADHD Assessment to dentistry. Informational articles, clinical protocols, expert opinions, and press releases are included.
https://www.bcia.org/
Biofeedback Federation of Europe
The Biofeedback Foundation of Europe (BFE) supports training, education, and research into biofeedback. You can download the foundation's magazine, Psychophysiology Today, from this website. You can also find information on the foundation's annual meeting here. The Foundation's workshops (approved by the American Psychological Association) on topics ranging from ADHD Assessment to dentistry. Informational articles, clinical protocols, expert opinions, and press releases are included.
http://bfe.org/
Founded in 2007, Brainworks is a neurofeedback practice in the United Kingdom. Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that focuses on the neuronal activity in the brain. The training method is based on operant conditioning, in which real-time feedback provided to the subject is designed to reinforce desired brain activity or inhibit undesired activity patterns. Its programs and methods are outlined, with information for home training and for professionals. Its clinics and contacts are posted.
https://brainworksneurotherapy.com/
Various member options are available for biofeedback practitioners. The Education Community membership includes an introductory course, course discounts, group phone consultations, tech support, online video access, a discussion community, and emergency loaner equipment. Other options include a website, directory listing, and/or a premier website with additional enhancements. Biofeedback trainers, providers, and research data are available, and a shopping area is included.
http://www.eeginfo.com/
International Society for Neuroregulation & Research
Founded as the Society for the Study of. Neuronal Regulation in 1995, its name changed a few times before taking its current name. The ISNR is a membership organization with members from several nations and professional disciplines ranging from neurotherapy, neurofeedback training, to neurofeedback research. Also known as EEG biofeedback or EEG operant conditioning, it is the most common form of neuronal regulation, while quantitative EEG is used to guide the application of neurofeedback.
https://isnr.org/
Located in Weston, Florida, the Neurofeedback Institute can treat ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, headaches, PTSD, sleep dysregulation, and tics through neurofeedback, and the Institute offers psychological testing for children, adolescents, and adults, evaluating for autism, ADHD, behavioral conditions, specific learning disorders, emotional conditions, and neurological conditions, and others in collaboration with Weston Psychological Associates.
https://theneurofeedbackinstitute.com/
Founded in 1975, Thought Tech manufacturers biofeedback, neurofeedback, and psychophysiological instruments, monitoring and recording a wide variety of physiological and mechanical signals, as well as analyzing and providing feedback in real-time, through a number of auditory and visual means, promoting self-regulation and conditioning. Its product catalog may be viewed online, including promotions, bundles, hardware, software, feedback games, sensors, educational products, and accessories.
https://thoughttechnology.com/
