Biofeedback Therapy

Psychological therapies are extremely effective in modifying our natural behaviour and reflexes to a great extent. Biofeedback therapy is one of these psychological therapies which is extremely effective in controlling or modifying your natural bodily processes or reflexes. In general, it is not possible for us to control our reflexes or natural body stimulus without proper training; since birth, we are made to respond to our natural reflexes and other body processes. But in some individuals, the body’s natural responses or activities can sometimes happen in excessive amounts, causing distress to the body and mind as well. These can be various psychological issues where the heart rate increases, muscle tension becomes excess, or where there is an increment or decrease in the blood pressure as well. In such situations, practising biofeedback therapy can be extremely helpful. 

What is biofeedback therapy?

Biofeedback therapy is basically a non-drug, non-invasive process where patients are trained to control their body’s natural involuntary processes like blood pressure, heart rate, etc.

This therapy is absolutely devoid of any drugs or surgeries and comprises multiple psychological practices where the brain and other behaviour of the individual are stimulated to control involuntary body activities.

This is a noteworthy process for people dealing with health complications due to uncontrollable body activities and also for those who are willing to deal with this issue without any medications.

Often medicines may not be the best option to deal with your health complications; in such situations, therapies work like wonders. Biofeedback therapy is often combined with some relaxation training and meditation to balance the whole activity of the body.

Conditions that can be cured with biofeedback therapy.

• Chronic Headaches
• Migraine
• Hypertension
• High blood pressure
• High heart rate
• Chronic pain
• Urinary incontinence
• Hyperactivity disorders
• Addictions
• Anxiety
• Depression

Some of these issues might not be fully cured; however, biofeedback therapy was seen to be helpful for them. Issues like hyperactivity disorders, addictions, anxiety, depression can be levelled down to a certain extent but may not be fully cured.

How does biofeedback therapy work?

There is no proper research work on the working principles of biofeedback therapy, so practically, we can say that it is not fully known how the entire therapeutic process actually works. But few aspects are known about it, like the agenda behind performing biofeedback therapy is to bring your mind under your control, so you become fully aware of what is going on around you and inside your body as well.

Our body’s reflexes are often influenced by what is happening around us and what kind of environment we exist in. If we are dealing with a hostile situation or living in a stressful environment, a lot of changes happen in our bodies. The heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure increase when we are not in a comfortable state; all of this is done by the nervous system. Just like a response to the environment, our body experiences these changes as reflex responses.

Biofeedback therapy focuses on addressing this response. It helps in bringing all the conditions our body is experiencing due to a hostile situation under control and helps it stay absolutely fine.

Some studies have mentioned that the therapy helps in relaxing the body and the mind, thereby reducing stress. Electrodes are generally attached to your skin, which displays the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature etc., on a monitor during the therapy session. Indications are given by the electrodes or sensors on the monitor when the body shows the above-mentioned symptoms while one is under stress. 

The therapist, after analysing all these indications and results, will guide the patient to practise various procedures to bring their reflexes under control and remain relaxed under such situations.

What practices are incorporated in biofeedback therapy?

• Gradual muscle relaxation, involving the tightening and relaxing of specific muscles.
• Concentration or imagining soothing images or scenarios to enhance your focusing power and help you relax.
• Meditation to enhance concentration, relax your mind and body and for letting go of negative emotions.

These mindful practices help in relaxing your body and give you a proper idea about how you can control your mind. Eventually, you will know what to do in hostile situations.

What devices are used in biofeedback therapy?

EMG/Electromyogram: muscle activity and tension are measured by this.

Thermal examination: skin or body temperature is measured by this.

EEG/Electroencephalography: brain waves are measured using EEG.

EDA/Electrodermal activity: sweating is examined by EDA.

HRA/Heart Rate Variability: heart rate is measured using this device.

Conclusion.

Biofeedback therapy has been gaining a lot of attention amongst people. Nowadays, sportspersons are also being encouraged to take therapy to enhance their performance. Our body’s responses to the environment are not something that is beyond our control; with effective practices of therapy, those can be kept under control.

The entire agenda behind biofeedback therapy is to empower and train people to understand the issues with their body and their mind so that they can control their reflexes and control their physical and mental condition.