“Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn to change physiological activity for the purpose of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately ‘feedback’ information to the user. The presentation of this information- often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior- supports desired psychological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without the continued use of an instrument.”
--A common definition from three professional organizations: The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB); Biofeedback Certification Institution of North America (BCIA); and The International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR)
How Do I Benefit From Biofeedback?
Stress affects us all. Thousands of research articles and studies prove beyond a shadow of doubt that stress can be a factor in any disease. Stress alters biochemistry and neurological functioning, and can weaken the immune system and the digestive track. Research shows that biofeedback, alone and in combination with other behavioral therapies, is effective for treating a variety of medical and psychological disorders. In approximately five minutes, the Indigo Biofeedback System can simultaneously detect and record information about your stress reactions. Biofeedback then re-educates certain muscles, nerves or organs and/or retrains areas of the body and mind to healthier patterns.
How Does Biofeedback Work?
Biofeedback utilizes electro-dermal sensors to measure Galvanic Skin Resistance (GSR), also referred to as Electro-Dermal Response (EDR). GSR measures mild electrical impulses on the surface of our skin, which change due to moisture. The moisture of the skin changes according to the body’s degree of stress and/or relaxation. There is a direct relationship between sympathetic nervous activity and emotional arousal. GSR is so sensitive it can even measure fluctuations in emotional states. Biofeedback instruments measure muscle activity, skin temperature, electro-dermal activity (sweat gland activity), respiration, heart rate, heart rate variability, blood pressure, brain electrical activity, and blood flow. There are many types of biofeedback; GSR, EEG, CAT scan, MRI, etc. These technologies are able to capture the body's analog electrical signals and translate those signals into meaningful information through complex algorithmic software that a technician can then decipher.
Patrice Shawhan, Quantum Biofeedback Specialist Studio of Healing Arts, 30432 Euclid Ave. #222, Wickliffe, Oh 44092 patriceshawhan@gmail.com 440.477.3414
