What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately “feed back” information to the user. The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior — supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument.

During a biofeedback session, a practitioner uses monitoring equipment and instruments to measure your body’s functions. Based on feedback from the instruments, the practitioner suggests how you can create physiologic changes. With education and practice, you can learn to make those bodily changes without equipment.

What is Biofeedback Used For?

Biofeedback can be used to alleviate the symptoms of a variety of anxiety and stress-related disorders, such as:

• Anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Chronic stress

• Attention deficits

• Digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and constipation

• Insomnia

• Pain, including headaches, fibromyalgia, and joint and muscle pain

• Hypertension

What to expect during a Biofeedback session?

During a biofeedback session, sensors are placed on your skin. The sensors are entirely non-invasive and painless, and measure physiological signals from your body, such as:

• Breathing

• Heart rate

• Muscle activity

• Sweat

• Muscle movement and tension, using surface electromyography, or sEMG

• Electrical brain activity

• Skin temperature

During this process, real-time feedback is provided via visual or auditory mechanisms. Results are analyzed and strategies are implemented in order to teach an individual how to exert a greater degree of control over their own physiologic processes. Strategies may include:

• Change how you sit, stand or move - Positioning your body differently may ease muscle tension

• Alter your breathing - Breathing patterns can help calm anxiety

• Release muscles - If you concentrate on relaxing your muscles, it may relieve pain

• Use mindfulness and visualization - Thinking about different things can help you control your breathing or slow your heart rate

As you try each suggestion, the provided feedback allows the individual to see how each technique alters their own physiologic responses. With practice, individuals can learn to create the same bodily changes without the feedback screen or the practitioner’s prompts.