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, skin temperature, and other physiological stress indicators. These instruments rapidly and accurately "feed back" information to the user. The presentation of this information helps an individual see when they are being effective in modulating the response. which results in a reward experience in the brain and helps shape desired physiological changes to the point where a new skill or habit develops. Over time these changes become a new habit or skill that persist without the continued use of an instrument. You will learn how to gain control over how your body responds to stress, discomfort, or pain.
Neurofeedback Brainwave biofeedback uses scalp sensors to monitor the brain's electrical activity using an electroencephalograph (EEG). Neurofeedback (also called EEG biofeedback) is used to treat ADHD, learning disabilities, epileptiform activity, headache, and traumatic brain injury. Neurofeedback helps facilitate cognitive rehabilitation, and optimal performance.
Respiratory Respiratory biofeedback uses bands placed around the abdomen and chest to monitor breathing pattern and respiration rate. Respiratory biofeedback is used to treat anxiety, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), high blood pressure,, and to teach optimal performance.
Heart rate Heart rate biofeedback uses finger or earlobe sensors with a photoplethysmograph or sensors placed on the chest and lower torso (or on the wrists) using an electrocardiograph to measure both heart rate and heart rate variability. Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback Is used to treat asthma, depression, high blood pressure, sleep disturbance, and stress resistance.
Muscle Muscle biofeedback uses sensors placed over skeletal muscles with an electromyograph (EMG) to monitor the electrical activity that causes skeletal muscle contraction. EMG biofeedback is used to treat anxiety, asthma, fecal and urinary incontinence, headache, high blood pressure, musculoskeletal pain, and temporomandibular joint pain, and paralysis and muscle weakness due to nerve injury or stroke.
Skin Conductance Skin conductance biofeedback uses sensors placed around the fingers or on the palm and wrist with an electrodermograph (EDR) to monitor changes in skin conductance which is related to physiological arousal from adrenalin. Electrodermal biofeedback is used to treat anxiety, excessive sympathetic arousal, and excessive sweating.
Temperature Temperature biofeedback uses sensors placed on the hands or feet with an extremely sensitive thermometer to measure blood flow to the skin. In temperature biofeedback a person learn to relax the smooth muscle of their blood vessels and increase peripheral blood flow. Temperature biofeedback is used to treat headache, high blood pressure, Raynaud's disease, and migraine headache.
Multi-Modal Biofeedback Multi-modal biofeedback enables all of the above forms of biofeedback to be integrated via a single multi-channel instrument so that various physiological systems can be trained at the same time.
Psychophysiological Stress Profile The same multi-modal biofeedback instrument is used to understand how each individual responds to stress in his or own unique way. With this information we can tailor the treatment to an individual's unique profile and needs.
