What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a complementary (can be used with other treatments for good results) and alternative medicine coined ‘mind body’ therapy. A computer is used to measure a variety of physiological changes. With heart rate variability the heart rate and blood volume pulse are measured by a photo detector (photoplethysmograph or PPG). The PPG detector is placed next to a finger with Velcro. Physiological changes are often due to breath and physical relaxation as well as psychological causes like our thoughts, emotions and where we place our focus. Information is sensed and fed back to you on the computer screen so that you can begin to associate your body’s reactions. It is an incredibly fun and easy way to learn and master skills that are readily applied in every day life. Applications involve situations which are affected by the balance of the autonomic nervous system:

1. Stress reduction in general as well as associated with:
   
• heart problems
• hypertension
• digestive disorders
• depression (it is very effective with Cognitive Therapy)
• chronic pain
• insomnia
• anxiety
• headaches
2. Learning and performance through emotional stability and impulse control
   
• ADD/ADHD
• Anger management
• Focus and attention
• Motivation to succeed

Biofeedback allows you to be in charge of your healing by giving you the information needed to monitor your progress. It has the potential to aid those conditions which have not responded well to medication.