What Is Biofeedback Therapy?
There are many alternative treatments available today. One such successful therapy program is biofeedback therapy, and it has been used to successfully treat many illnesses.
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Definition
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Biofeedback therapy is the ability to use your mind to control your body and it's functions. According to the Mayo Clinic, scientific studies have confirmed that you have the ability to control many of the involuntary functions of your body. A trained technician, with the help of specialized equipment, will teach you how tap the healing power of your mind.
What Can You Control With Your Mind?
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According to the Mayo Clinic, brain activity, blood pressure, muscle tension, heart rate, skin temperature and sweat gland activity are all functions you can control with your mind.
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Why Biofeedback?
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Biofeedback is successful for many stress-related conditions. Asthma, headaches, hot flashes, chronic lower back pain, high blood pressure and constipation are only a few of the conditions that can be treated with biofeedback therapy.
Biofeedback Machines and Techniques
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Depending on your health problems and goals your therapist may use more than one biofeedback technique. A machine that is used for this is called a electromyogram which uses sensors to measure muscle tension and is mainly used to encourage relaxation. Temperature biofeedback is when sensors are attached to your fingers to monitor skin temperature and can help with certain circulatory conditions. Next on the list is galvanic skin response training in which sensors assess activity of your sweat glands and can help with phobias and anxiety. Last is the electroencephalogram which measures brain activity, and this can be useful in treating insomnia and neurological disorders.
Risks of Biofeedback Therapy
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According to the Mayo Clinic, biofeedback therapy does not pose any risks or side effects, but Mayo also states that it should not be used by anyone with depression or any major mental disorder.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Justus Hayes
