What is Biofeedback therapy?

Written By kelly dunloy

What is Biofeedback Therapy?

Biofeedback Therapy is a technique that enables you to gain greater awareness of your body's physiological functions. Understanding your body's functions allows you to learn to control them. The goal is to be able to manipulate your body's systems at will through self-regulation.

Whaaaaaa? Why is that helpful? What's the point, lady?!

When you are under mental or physical stress, your body's functions respond accordingly. Your heart rate speeds up, your blood pressure rises, and your muscles tighten. Increased sweating, dropping skin temperature, and quick breathing patterns also alert you to increased anxiety and stress. These natural physical responses to threats (stress) are our body's fight or flight response mechanism kicking into gear. 

Fight or flight responses are great when we need them, but in this day and age, we aren't often defending our families from woolly mammoths or alerting ourselves to possible predators. These flight or fight responses can be a physical overreaction to stressors, and we don't need these physical reactions when we are just trying to cope with daily life, like raising our hand in class, going on an airplane, or dealing with our mean boss.

What's great is that we can change these physical reactions. And for all the skeptics out there, there is biological and physical data to prove it.   

How do you do that? 

You are connected to electrical sensors that track your Biometrics* during Biofeedback. The feedback you receive from the sensors is displayed through an interactive computer program using graphics and prompts. You use the feedback to make subtle changes to your body. Employing relaxation techniques like pacing your breath, relaxing your muscles, and using positive affirmations causes a reduction in stress responses. You can see these stress responses in real-time on the monitor and then get immediate feedback as you try to alter them. Is it that simple? Yes, your mind is powerful! Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation can change your physical state.  

What types of *Biometrics do you use?

  • Respiration: A band is placed around your chest to monitor breathing patterns and respiration rate

  • Heart Rate (ECG): A finger sensor is used to detect your heart rate and how your heart rate varies

  • Muscle Contraction (EMG): Sensors are placed on targeted areas to monitor activity that causes muscle contraction (i.e., Jaw, Neck)

  • Sweat Gland Activity (EDG): A sensor is attached to your finger to measure the amount of perspiration on your skin

  • Temperature: A sensor is attached to your finger to measure blood flow to your skin

What does Biodfeedback treat?

Research has shown that Biofeedback Therapy has proven to be effective in treating a myriad of physical and mental issues, including:

  • Anxiety and Stress

  • Asthma

  • Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Chronic pain

  • Depression

  • Headaches

  • High Blood Pressure

  • Insomnia

  • Performance Anxiety

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Raynaud's Disease

  • Substance Abuse

  • Stress Management

I cannot sing the praises of Biofeedback enough! I dealt with panic attacks in my 20s. After experiencing my first one, I never thought I would feel “normal again”. I found Biofeedback Therapy and it literally changed my life! It allowed me to see (Data!!! Right in front of my eyes!) that I was in control of both my thoughts and my physical response to them. Biofeedback helps you feel in control of your symptoms and better manage your response to them. I feel very fortunate to have completed Biofeedback training and certification and to be able to share it with my clients. I'd love to chat, discuss Biofeedback, and see if it would be a good fit for you or your loved one.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to set up a consultation.

xx

Kelly

kelly dunloy
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