Biofeedback

What is Biofeedback?

“Biofeedback is a technique you can use to learn to control your body’s functions . . . you’re connected to electrical sensors that help you receive information (feedback) about your body (bio) . . .  In essence, biofeedback gives you the power to use your thoughts to control your body, often to improve a health condition or physical performance.” (MayoClinic.org)

Types of Biofeedback

Using the research-grade Nexus™ system, we provide a wide range of biofeedback modalities to address the unique ways your body and brain are affected by stress and reflect various symptoms.

First, a multi-modal psychophysiology assessment is conducted to measure your body’s responses to mild stressors. From this data, we ascertain the specific types of biofeedback that may be needed. The results of biofeedback encompass many areas of life, from emotional wellbeing, reduced stress (and its many mental and physical effects), to improved athletic and cognitive performance.

Brainwave (EEG)

EEG biofeedback is often referred to as neurofeedback. Brainwaves are trained to achieve reduction in brain-based symptoms or to improve cognitive performance.

Blood flow

Blood flow in the arteries of the brain is important for optional functioning. The level of blood flow and oxygen content is an indicator of brain activation. Hemoencephalography (HEG) biofeedback is used to train blood flow to improve attention and focus. In addition, some headache conditions respond well to blow flow biofeedback.

Breathing

Our breath rate says a lot about our stress level. Fast, shallow breathing from the chest (A) is not only a stress reaction, but sends a message to the brain and heart that things are not OK, which only reinforces a state of anxiety. Respiration biofeedback trains a slower, abdominal (B) form of breathing which is stress-reducing and healthy.

Heart rate

When we are stressed or anxious, our heart rate increases and heart rate variability (HRV) diminishes. Extensive research continues to show the benefits of increasing HRV for physical and mental health. HRV biofeedback trains  a healthy connection  between heart rate and breath rate.

Muscle

Tensed muscles both cause and maintain chronic pain, which is typically in the back, shoulders and neck. The tension may not even be perceptible to us. Certain types of headaches are the result of excess or prolonged muscle tension. Muscle tension (EMG) biofeedback trains a deeper state of muscle relaxation than can be achieved by conscious relaxation alone.

Sweat glands

As stress increases, tiny sweat glands in our skin react with increased perspiration. The result is clammy hands, which may be barely perceptible. Sensors placed on the fingers record this action by measuring skin conductance (SC). SC is highly reactive to mental states and clients are often surprised with the speed with which a single thought can cause a sudden rise in SC. Skin conductance biofeedback trains down this reactivity and teaches us to inhibit the stress response that may result from anxiety or stress, and therefore reducing these symptoms.

Temperature

Ever notice that your hands are cold when you are in a stressful situation? This is the result of the body’s survival mechanism of reducing blow flow to the extremities when there is a perceived threat. Though we no longer live in the stone age, this stress response continues as a constant state for many people, with its damaging results on immune system function. Skin temperature biofeedback, using a highly sensitive temperature sensor on a finger tip, can be a powerful way to reverse the stress response and associated symptoms. Research has also show the value of skin temperature biofeedback for migraines and Raynaud’s syndrome (also known as white finger syndrome).

Two computer monitors showing scientific or technical data, with a device connected in front and a wireless controller.
Profile of a woman with short dark hair, wearing a blue top, connected to a medical device via yellow and black wires.
Profile view of a young woman wearing a headband and earphones, with her hair tied back.
Illustration of two black medical devices placed on a person's torso, labeled A and B.
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Back view of a person's neck with four electrodes attached for a medical or diagnostic procedure
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Biofeedback

A woman is sitting on a beige armchair with her eyes closed, wearing headphones and a headband. Another woman is sitting opposite her at a wooden table, working on a laptop and smiling. The room has a green wall, a wooden shelf with potted plants, a framed botanical print, a floor lamp, and a lit candle on the table.

EEG biofeedback is often referred to as neurofeedback. Brainwaves are trained to achieve reduction in brain-based symptoms or to improve cognitive performance. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, evidence-based method rooted in operant conditioning—training the brain to function more efficiently by rewarding optimal neural activity.

Brainwave EEG

A man with closed eyes holds two green reflex hammer tools while a therapist sits beside him taking notes on a clipboard, both participating in a neurological assessment in a cozy, well-lit room.

Blood flow in the arteries of the brain is important for optional functioning. The level of blood flow and oxygen content is an indicator of brain activation. Hemoencephalography (HEG) biofeedback is used to train blood flow to improve attention and focus. In addition, some headache conditions respond well to blow flow biofeedback.

Blood Flow

A woman appears upset and is gesturing with her hands while talking to a man who is listening attentively and taking notes during a therapy session.

Our breath rate says a lot about our stress level. Fast, shallow breathing from the chest (A) is not only a stress reaction, but sends a message to the brain and heart that things are not OK, which only reinforces a state of anxiety. Respiration biofeedback trains a slower, abdominal (B) form of breathing which is stress-reducing and healthy.

Breathing

A woman and a man having a serious conversation with a therapist or counselor in a therapy session.

Tensed muscles both cause and maintain chronic pain, which is typically in the back, shoulders and neck. The tension may not even be perceptible to us. Certain types of headaches are the result of excess or prolonged muscle tension. Muscle tension (EMG) biofeedback trains a deeper state of muscle relaxation than can be achieved by conscious relaxation alone.

Muscle

A woman with glasses and a boy in a yellow shirt playing with wooden toy trains on a soft carpet. The woman is holding a notebook and pen, smiling, while the boy arranges toy train cars on the track. There are colorful blocks and a teddy bear on a shelf in the background.

As stress increases, tiny sweat glands in our skin react with increased perspiration. The result is clammy hands, which may be barely perceptible. Sensors placed on the fingers record this action by measuring skin conductance (SC). SC is highly reactive to mental states and clients are often surprised with the speed with which a single thought can cause a sudden rise in SC. Skin conductance biofeedback trains down this reactivity and teaches us to inhibit the stress response that may result from anxiety or stress, and therefore reducing these symptoms.

Sweat Glands

A man with closed eyes holding two green paddles, sitting on a couch in a therapy session with a female therapist taking notes, in a cozy living room with a potted plant in the background.

Ever notice that your hands are cold when you are in a stressful situation? This is the result of the body’s survival mechanism of reducing blow flow to the extremities when there is a perceived threat. Though we no longer live in the stone age, this stress response continues as a constant state for many people, with its damaging results on immune system function. Skin temperature biofeedback, using a highly sensitive temperature sensor on a finger tip, can be a powerful way to reverse the stress response and associated symptoms. Research has also show the value of skin temperature biofeedback for migraines and Raynaud’s syndrome (also known as white finger syndrome).

Temperature

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