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what is it?
It is possible to train yourself to control your blood pressure, muscle tension, brain waves and other biological functions by monitoring subtle physiological changes with computer-based probes or electrodes. These instruments produce signals that 'feed back' information — rises in skin temperature or heart rate, for example — which you learn to recognise and respond to.
what happens
- Biofeedback about different body systems can be obtained in several ways and the practitioner will show you how to use the appropriate monitoring device.
- A galvanic skin response uses electrodes attached to the fingertip or palm to measure the amount of sweat produced under stress.
- A skin temperature thermometer on the finger tip registers heat changes caused by the dilation of tiny blood vessels as you relax.
- An electrocardiograph (ECG) monitors heart rate by attaching electrodes to the skin above the heart.
- An electroencephalograph (EEG) measures brain wave activity by attaching electrodes to the head.
- An electromyograph (EMG) places electrodes over muscles to measure tension. This often registers as a tone, varying from loud when the muscles are tense to low when relaxed.
The practitioner teaches you techniques such as meditation, visualisation or relaxation to induce the response desired. Low sweat gland activity, warm skin, a slow even heart rate and an increase in alpha brain waves indicate a state of relaxation.
Various signals — beeps, flashes, colour changes, the movement of needles or lines on a graph — show progress. In one particularly sophisticated computer programme, the VDU image of a fish metamorphoses into a mermaid and eventually an angel as body systems relax.
what it's supposed to do
Biofeedback is claimed to help relieve stress or anxiety and to benefit stress-related conditions such as insomnia, headaches, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome and asthma. The ability to regulate biological responses enables you to experience and recognise a state of relaxation, something stressed or hyperactive people can find difficult. Once you've identified the sensations, the idea is that you can induce them at will when threatened by a stressful situation.
Identifying and strengthening particular groups of muscles with an EMG is helpful for people with urinary and faecal incontinence.
what's the evidence?
A lot of scientific research now exists to support claims for biofeedback. American studies show that it can ease tension headaches and migraine by relaxing shoulder muscles, control incontinence and relieve lower back pain. Researchers have shown it can control heart rate and blood pressure, and some doctors are using it to help people with epilepsy recognise the onset of a seizure and take avoiding action. Psychologists say it can help children and young adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to relax. (Check out our feature on ADHD in the children room.)
precautions
Go to the safety first section of 'before you start' for some general precautions to take into account when considering a complementary therapy.
- Never change the dosage of any medication you are taking during biofeedback treatment without consulting a doctor.
- Always check any symptoms of disease with a conventional doctor.
how to find a practitioner
Biofeedback is popular in the US and Europe, though not yet widely available in the UK where it is used by some psychologists and most frequently by physiotherapists and nurses specialising in continence.
» help and info
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(July 2002)
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