Biofeedback is a learning process in which people are taught to improve their health and performance by observing signals generated by their own bodies. It is scientifically based and validated by studies and clinical practice.
The word “biofeedback” was coined to describe laboratory procedures that trained research subjects to alter brain activity, blood pressure, muscle tension, heart rate and other physiological responses often thought to have been beyond voluntary control. Biofeedback-assisted physical changes are accompanied by feelings of relaxation, improved motor control, and often by relief of dysfunctional physical and/or
emotional symptoms.
Biofeedback is non-invasive. When used clinically, a therapist attaches sensors or electrodes to the body and these sensors provide a variety of readings–feedback–which is displayed on equipment, usually a meter or a computer, for the patient to see.
One commonly used device called the electromyogram (EMG), for example, picks up electrical signals from the muscles. It translates the signals into a form that people can detect, such as a flashing light and/or a beeper, every time muscles become more tense. If one wants to relax tense muscles, one must try to slow down or eliminate the flashing or beeping.
People learn to associate sensations from the muscle with actual levels of tension and develop a new, healthy habit of keeping muscles only as tense as is necessary for as long as necessary. After treatment, individuals are then able to repeat this response at will without being attached to the sensors.
Other biological functions which are commonly measured and used in these ways are skin temperature, heart rate (EKG, BVP), sweat gland activity (GSR, SC), respiration, and brainwave activity (EEG).
Heart Rate Variability
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is the variation of the intervals between heartbeats, the benefits of which are currently a leading area in medical research. It has been shown that high HRV correlates with a healthy heart, a longer and healthier life, as well as increased happiness and positive emotions. Current medical research also shows that low HRV is an important predictor of many causes of disease and death.
Our Wild Divine products teach you specific breathing and relaxation techniques proven to increase your variability.
Benefits of Increased HRV
Increased HRV activates the baroreceptors in the body which positively effect the following:
1. Blood pressure and thermoregulation begin to normalize.
2. Brain synchronizes with the heart, creating better performance on cognitive tasks and increased reaction time.
3. Immune system boosts.
4. Heart rate normalizes.
5. Positive emotions increase.
Increased HRV is healthy for mind, body and emotions enhancing overall quality and longevity of life.
Skin Conductance Levels
Skin Conductance Levels (SCL) measure the electrical responses of the skin to mental and physical stress. Increased stress triggers an increase in SCL – the opposite is also true, deep relaxation triggers a decrease in SCL.
Clinicians rely on electronic biofeedback systems in somewhat the same way that you would rely on a thermometer. Their systems can detect a person’s internal bodily functions with far greater sensitivity and accuracy than a person can alone. With this information, patients can learn to make changes so subtle that at first they may not be consciously perceived. This information may be valuable, as both patients and therapists can use it to gauge and direct the progress of treatment.
Studies have shown that we have more control over supposedly involuntary bodily functions than we ever thought possible. Researchers have proved that many individuals can alter their involuntary responses by being “fed back” information either visually or audibly about what is going on in their bodies. As a result, biofeedback can train individuals with techniques for living a healthier life overall – whether one has a medical condition or not.
Why Biofeedback Works
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is the involuntary internal control system for our glands and organs.
* Heart Rate and SCL biofeedback are direct windows to ANS activity, health, and flexibility.
* We can learn voluntary control of the ANS by practicing self-regulation techniques.
* Learning is faster when we get immediate feedback via biofeedback instruments.
30 Years of Results
Biofeedback has proven to be an effective therapy for the following conditions:
* Anxiety
* High Blood Pressure
* ADHD
* Pain
* Incontinence
* Migraines
* Asthma
* Concentration issues
* Irritable Bowel Syndrome
…many more conditions…
