Guide to Biofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback, or biofeedback therapy, is the term for learning to voluntarily control body functions that normally occur involuntarily, through measuring and observing information about these functions. Doing so may help an individual improve his or her health conditions, particularly in the areas of stress reduction, chronic pain, hypertension and migraine headaches. Body processes measured during biofeedback may include blood pressure, muscle tension, skin temperature and brain wave activity. Special biofeedback equipment is used to monitor these processes and provide feedback to the participant. The participant responds to the information by using the biofeedback techniques to help his or her body return to normal, healthy levels of functioning.

The word biofeedback originated in the late 1960s, when scientists began studying the effects of relaxation techniques on involuntary bodily functions. "Bio" refers to the living organism, and "feedback" is information received from its source. However, biofeedback techniques were the subject of scientific experiments as far back as the 1950s by American experimental psychologist Neal E. Miller. His work included studying the physiological bases from which fear, curiosity, and hunger originate. By looking for physical and emotional connections, he pioneered this type of research.

Emotions are now known to have an effect on physical health. Stress, anger, fear and anxiety may manifest themselves into physical symptoms such as hypertension, ulcers, migraine headaches or muscle spasms. Learning relaxation techniques and receiving biofeedback therapy can help an individual take control and reduce the physical symptoms by controlling his or her reactions to emotional stress.

In a regular day, a person's body communicates constant feedback, through familiar messages about hunger, temperature or pain. Biofeedback equipment is used to monitor body processes of which we are usually not conscious, such as skin temperature, muscle tension and brain wave activity. The participant watches the monitor, which gives information about the specific body process it is measuring, and the participant responds by finding the thought process or relaxation technique that affects that process and brings about the desired result. The immediate feedback of the biofeedback machine helps the participant get affirmation and encouragement when he or she is successful. The desired goal is in the final step, noticing the symptoms and consciously applying the techniques to invoke positive physical changes, even when away from the biofeedback treatment facility. Biofeedback treatments can train the participant to be self-reliant and take charge of his or her health, invoking the techniques as needed.

Learning to relax when needed is a helpful technique for everyone to master. Biofeedback technicians are familiar with many mental exercises designed to achieve a relaxed state and begin to heal the illnesses related to stress.

There are three most common methods of biofeedback therapy. They are electromyography (EMG), which measures muscle tension, neurofeedback or electroencephalography (EEG), which measures brain wave activity, and thermal biofeedback, which measures skin temperature. Different methods are used to treat different problems, though some may overlap.

EMG is commonly used to increase the relaxation of the muscles associated with neck pain, backaches, headaches, and grinding the teeth. During an EMG treatment, electrodes or other types of sensors are placed in order to measure muscle tension, and alert the participant to muscles experiencing tension. The participant can respond by immediately using biofeedback techniques to try to control that tension. An EMG may be used to treat some illnesses in which symptoms tend to worsen under stress, such as asthma and ulcers.

Neurofeedback is used to monitor brain wave activity associated with different mental states, such as wakefulness, relaxation, calm, light and deep sleep. During EEG biofeedback therapy, electrodes are placed in various locations on the head to measure and monitor brain wave activity. Participants can see when the brain waves are most active, and respond by consciously inducing calm images and relaxing thoughts, until the feedback indicates improvement. EEG may be used to treat insomnia, epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

During thermal biofeedback, sensors attached to the participant's fingers or feet measure skin temperature. Because one's temperature often drops when experiencing stress, a low reading can signal the need to begin relaxation techniques. Thermal biofeedback is often used in the treatment of various circulatory disorders, such as Raynaud's disease, or for patients who experience frequent headaches.

Biofeedback therapy sessions can last from 30-60 minutes; a participant could have up to ten sessions in a week, depending on the severity of his or her condition and how quickly he or she can learn to use the techniques. Biofeedback is offered in hospitals, therapy centers, and medical clinics. Some biofeedback devices are available for home use, though it is thought that working with a trained therapist is the most effective way to learn the techniques. Biofeedback techniques must be practiced at least 5-10 minutes each day in order to maximize their effectiveness.

If considering biofeedback therapy, one should always first consult his or her own doctor. While biofeedback is widely considered safe and beneficial, it may interfere with some medications such as insulin, and is not recommended for treating major mental health disorders, depression, or psychosis.

Biofeedback technicians may have additional forms of medical training as well, such as being a nurse or physical therapist. The Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA) is an organization that provides training and certification to biofeedback technicians. When looking for a biofeedback technician, one can check with the BCIA to find a certified technician in one's area.