Biofeedback
An unusual Method
What is biofeedback?
Biofeedback is a way of evaluating and using the feedback data which gives us information about our organism. These data include respiratory frequency, pulse, body temperature or dermal resistance.
An especially interesting data source are our brainwaves, which are measured by means of EEG.
Of what use is this information? Biofeedback became popular when scientists discovered that processes believed to be unalterable could be controlled by the conscious mind. The first experiments with biofeedback took place in this way: through visual and acoustic signals a test person was given continuous feedback about a body function - for example, the pulse. Then he was instructed to attempt to change his pulse consciously. It was up to him to find out how.
Biofeedback is interesting because it allows us to get to know our body better as well as learn to influence it.
Two basic principles in biofeedback:
- Every neurological (dependent on nerves) function of the human body – such as respiration and the pulse - is controlled by the brain. If the user receives a feedback, amplified through electronic means, these neurological functions can be influenced.
- Each change in the physiological state comes with a conscious or unconscious change of the mental/emotional state. Vice versa, every conscious or unconscious change of the mental/emotional state is accompanied by a change in the physiological state. This basic principle was formulated by a pioneer of biofeedback, Elmer Green.
Biofeedback is a new, electronically controlled method of individual behavior training. Previously unconscious body functions - which can be influenced at will - can be seen, heard and felt with the help of measuring instruments and computers.
Biofeedback not only allows stress to be "turned off" - mental efficiency is substantially increased. This is achieved by maximum control over the body.
Follwing the principle of operant conditioning, these body functions can be influenced and their regulation controlled by will.
An important use of biofeedback is in the area of behavior training and medicine.
Its effectiveness has been proven for the following areas:
- pain management (tension headache, migraine, facial pain, chronic backache, etc.)
- psychotherapy and psychology (phobias, panic attacks, support for AT, PMR, KB, hypnosis; hyperactivity, ADS; respiratory training; stress management; mental training, etc.)
- psychosomatics and behavioral medicine (Morbus Raynaud, essential hypertonics, incontinence, hyperventilation syndrom, asthma, chronic muscle tension, etc..)
- neurology (epilepsy, stroke, etc.)
- neuromuscular reeducation
Source: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Biofeedback e.V.
Our aim is to make a simplified biofeedback therapy available for everyone with our upcoming biofeedback sensors.
