Biofeedback is an alternative medicine therapy that is considered complementary to traditional medical practices, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Biofeedback employs techniques that allow patients to heal their bodies by using their minds. Biofeedback techniques have been scientifically proven to work. Perhaps this is because humans have an innate ability to influence their autonomic body functions with their thoughts.
Features
A biofeedback session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Electrical sensors are attached to various parts of the body by a therapist. The sensors are able to send signals in the form of a flashing light or beeping sound in response to various physiological movements. For example, if tightened muscles cause migraines, the sensors will alert the user when a muscle is tightened so that he can recognize the feeling and control it before it causes a headache.
Potential
Biofeedback specialists use electronic equipment to send signals to patients in order teach them how to control various body functions. By recognizing the signals, practitioners can learn to control brain activity, muscle tension and blood pressure. Other body functions that are monitored during biofeedback sessions are sweat gland activity, heart rate and skin temperature.
Types
Different conditions often are treated with various types of biofeedback equipment. Electromyograms use electrodes primarily to monitor muscle tension and are good for treating headaches, asthma and ulcers. Temperature biofeedback keeps track of skin temperature that often is related to circulatory disorders and headaches. The sweat glands and perspiration are measured by galvanic skin response techniques and are most helpful in treating emotional disorders such as stuttering or anxiety. An electroencephalogram is used to monitor brain waves and is commonly used for epilepsy, insomnia and neurological disorders.
Benefits
Biofeedback usually is used to treat stress-related illnesses, such as headaches, irritable bowel syndrome and high blood pressure. Chronic conditions that can be helped by biofeedback techniques include low back pain, constipation and incontinence. People with diseases that are triggered by stress can benefit from biofeedback. Asthma, epilepsy and Rsynaud's disease are a few examples of diseases than respond well to biofeedback techniques.
Effects
In addition to saving on medical costs, biofeedback techniques can help eliminate or reduce the need for medication. The alternative medicine practice can be useful for treating conditions that have not responded to other treatments. Many people say that biofeedback puts them back in control of their own healing at their own pace and allows them to monitor their own progress.
Warning
Though biofeedback techniques are generally safe with few side effects, Mayo Clinic doctors report that people suffering from depression, psychosis or other serious mental illnesses should not utilize them. The techniques also can interfere with certain medications, such as insulin.
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