Biofeedback is a learning process in which people are taught to improve
their health
and performance by observing signals generated by their own bodies. It
is scientifically based
and validated by studies and clinical practice.
The word "biofeedback" was coined to describe
laboratory procedures that trained research
subjects to alter brain activity, blood pressure, muscle tension, heart
rate and other
physiological responses often thought to have been beyond voluntary
control.
Biofeedback-assisted physical changes are accompanied by feelings of
relaxation,
improved motor control, and often by relief of dysfunctional physical
and/or
emotional symptoms.
Biofeedback is non-invasive. When used clinically, a
therapist attaches sensors or
electrodes to the body and these sensors provide a variety of
readings--feedback--which is displayed on equipment,
usually a meter or a computer, for the patient to see.
One commonly used device called the electromyogram (EMG), for example,
picks up electrical signals from the muscles. It translates the signals
into a form that people can detect, such as a flashing light and/or a
beeper,
every time muscles become more tense. If one wants to relax tense
muscles,
one must try to slow down or eliminate the flashing or beeping.
People
learn to
associate sensations from the muscle with actual levels of tension and
develop
a new, healthy habit of keeping muscles only as tense as is necessary
for as
long as necessary. After treatment, individuals are then able to repeat
this response
at will without being attached to the sensors.
Other biological functions which are commonly measured
and used in these ways
are skin temperature, heart rate (EKG, BVP), sweat gland activity (GSR,
SC), respiration,
and brainwave activity (EEG).
Heart Rate Variability
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is the variation of
the intervals between heartbeats, the benefits of which are
currently a leading area in medical research. It has been shown
that high HRV correlates with a healthy heart, a longer and
healthier life, as well as increased happiness and positive
emotions. Current medical research also shows that low HRV is an
important predictor of many causes of disease and death.
Our Wild Divine
products teach you specific breathing and relaxation techniques
proven to increase your variability.
Benefits of Increased HRV
Increased HRV
activates the baroreceptors in the body which
positively effect the following:
-
1.Blood
pressure and
thermoregulation begin to normalize.
-
2.Brain
synchronizes with the heart, creating better
performance on cognitive tasks and increased
reaction time.
-
3.Immune
system boosts.
-
4.Heart
rate normalizes.
-
5.Positive
emotions increase.
6.
Increased HRV is healthy for mind, body and
emotions enhancing overall quality
and longevity of life.
Skin Conductance Levels
Skin Conductance Levels (SCL)
measure the electrical responses of the skin
to mental and physical stress. Increased
stress triggers an increase in SCL
the opposite is also true, deep relaxation
triggers a decrease in SCL.
Clinicians rely on electronic biofeedback systems in
somewhat the same way that
you would rely on a thermometer. Their systems can detect a person's
internal bodily
functions with far greater sensitivity and accuracy than a person can
alone. With this
information, patients can learn to make changes so subtle that at first
they may
not be consciously perceived. This information may be valuable, as both
patients and
therapists can use it to gauge and direct the progress of treatment.
Studies have shown that we have more control over
supposedly involuntary bodily functions
than we ever thought possible. Researchers have proved that many
individuals can alter
their involuntary responses by being "fed back" information either
visually or audibly
about what is going on in their bodies. As a result, biofeedback can
train individuals
with techniques for living a healthier life overall - whether one has a
medical condition or not.
Why Biofeedback
Works
The
Autonomic
Nervous
System (ANS)
is the
involuntary
internal
control
system for
our glands
and organs.
-
Heart
Rate and
SCL
biofeedback
are
direct
windows
to ANS
activity,
health,
and
flexibility.
-
We
can
learn
voluntary
control
of the
ANS by
practicing
self-regulation
techniques.
-
Learning
is
faster
when we
get
immediate
feedback
via
biofeedback
instruments.
30
Years of Results
Biofeedback has
proven to be an
effective
therapy for the
following
conditions:
