Biofeedback & Acupuncture

Biofeedback and acupuncture are both forms of complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM. Approximately 40 percent of adults in the United States use some form of CAM, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, but these practices aren’t considered to be part of conventional medicine because there isn’t enough evidence supporting their effectiveness. Consult your doctor before using biofeedback or acupuncture in order to ensure safe and effective care.

Acupuncture

Originating in traditional Chinese medical practices dating back thousands of years, acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into the patient’s skin at specific acupuncture points. According to tradition, stimulating these points helps to balance the flow of “qi,” or vital energy in the body. Obstructions in the movement of qi are thought to be the source of illness, so removing blockages will return the body to a state of health. Today, millions of patients receive acupuncture treatments in the United States every year, according to the NCCAM.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback, which is also sometimes known as biofeedback training, is a process used to teach patients to consciously control bodily functions such as heart rate or muscle tension. During treatment, electrical sensors are attached to the body in order to measure skin temperature, brain waves, or other variables. The sensors provide the patient with real-time information, allowing him to learn to control the system being measured. Often thought of as a relaxation technique, biofeedback may be used to treat a range of symptoms and conditions, including anxiety, high blood pressure, heart problems, irritable bowel syndrome and pain.

Acupuncture vs. Biofeedback

Acupuncture has been practiced for millennia, while biofeedback relies on modern electronic technology, and the theories behind the treatments are based in different philosophical traditions. Despite these differences, some practitioners may treat patients with both therapies. A 1986 study published in the journal “Acupuncture and Electo-therapeutics Research” investigated the use of biofeedback with acupuncture. The researchers found that patients who were treated with both biofeedback and acupuncture for anxiety and muscle tension showed more improvement than those who received only biofeedback.

Considerations

Acupuncture is practiced widely in the United States with few reported side effects, but the treatment does involve some risks. The most serious potential adverse effects include infection from unsanitary needles, or injury from improperly placed needles. According to the NCCAM, these effects are usually the result of lack of training, so check your acupuncturist’s credentials before receiving treatment. One potential drawback to biofeedback is the expense, as it may not be covered by health insurance. Furthermore, as biofeedback involves training the patient to control biological processes, it may take a long time to learn. With either form of CAM, you should not rely on a diagnosis provided by a practitioner who does not have conventional medical training, as she may not recognize the symptoms of serious illnesses.