Biofeedback Can Reduce Pain
Scientists cannot yet explain how biofeedback works. Most patients who benefit from biofeedback are trained to relax and modify their behavior. Most scientists believe that relaxation is a key component in biofeedback treatment of many disorders, particularly those brought on or made worse by stress.
Their reasoning is based on what is known about the effects of stress on the body. In brief, the argument goes like this: Stressful events produce strong emotions, which arouse certain physical responses. Many of these responses are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, the network of nerve tissues that helps prepare the body to meet emergencies by “flight or fight.”
The typical pattern of response to emergencies probably emerged during the time when all humans faced mostly physical threats. Although the “threats” we now live with are seldom physical, the body reacts as if they were:
The pupils dilate to let in more light. Sweat pours out, reducing the chance of skin cuts Blood vessels near the skin contract to reduce bleeding while those in the brain and muscles dilate to increase the oxygen supply. The gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and intestines, slows down to reduce the energy expensed in digestion. The heart beats faster, and blood pressure rises.
Normally, people calm down when a stressful event is over especially if they have done something to cope with it. For instance, imagine your own reactions if you’re walking down a dark street and hear someone running toward you. You get scared. Your body prepared you to ward off an attacker or run fast enough to get away. When you do escape, you gradually relax.
If you get angry at your boss, it’s a different matter. Your body may prepare to fight. But since you want to keep your job, you try to ignore the angry feelings. Similarly, if on the way home you get stalled in traffic, there’s nothing you can do to get away. These situations can literally may you sick. Your body has prepared for action, but you cannot act.
Individuals differ in the way they respond to stress. In some, one function,
such as blood pressure, becomes more active while others remain normal. Many
experts believe that these individual physical responses to stress can
become habitual. When the body is repeatedly aroused, one or more functions
may become permanently overactive. Actual damage to bodily tissues may
eventually result.
Biofeedback is often aimed at changing habitual reactions to stress that can
cause pain or disease. Many clinicians believe that some of their patients
and clients have forgotten how to relax. Feedback of physical responses such
as skin temperature and muscle tension provides information to help patients
recognize a relaxed state.
The feedback signal may also act as a kind of reward for reducing tension. It’s like a piano teacher whose frown turns to a smile when a young musician finally plays a tune properly.
The value of a feedback signal as information and reward may be even greater in the treatment of patients with paralyzed or spastic muscles. With these patients, biofeedback seems to be primarily a form of skill training like learning to pitch a ball. Instead of watching the ball, the patient watches the machine, which monitors activity in the affected muscle. Stroke victims with paralyzed arms and legs, for example, see that some part of their affected limbs remains active.
The signal from the biofeedback machine proves it. This signal can guide the exercises that help patients regain use of their limbs. Perhaps just as important, the feedback convinces patients that the limbs are still alive. This reassurance often encourages them to continue their efforts.
The above material was provided by The US Department of Health and Human Services.
Resources: Biofeedback Software
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Healing
Rhythms Biofeedback Training Program by Wild Divine Experience the benefits of active well-being with Healing Rhythms
Transport yourself to a new state of relaxation and ease. Begin your guided training with topics such as "Quieting the
Mind" and "Finding Your Inner Balance." In each of the 15 steps,
you'll learn new and relaxing breathing and meditation exercises
proven to be effective in reducing stress, Overcoming The Effects of Stress The biometric feedback technology in Healing Rhythms measures your body's reactions to your physical and mental energy. This input drives the beautiful challenges on-screen as you practice the meditation and breathing techniques from the expert guides in each step. The grapher screen allows you to track your measurements as
you transform the rhythms of your mind and body. By following
the 15-Step Guided Training Program, you'll begin to see
positive, measurable results from the very first step! |
Other Biofeedback Devices
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Personal Stress Eraser This device helps you overcome stress by showing you the reaction in your body. Biometric feedback can help you achieve a longer, healthier life. Proper breathing changes the way your body responds to stress. When we become stressed too often, our nerves respond faster and more strongly to stress. We become stressed more easily, more quickly, and more intensely. Proper breathing changes the way your body responds to stress. The StressEraser measures the effects of breathing on the parasympathetic system, and uses this information to guide you into relaxation. Personal Stress Eraser |