Biofeedback: Supporting Healthy Change Through the Mind-Body Connection
by Lori Loveland, M.A., BCIA-C and Mary Ann Spears, M.A., BCIA-C<

"Know thyself." -Socrates

Down through the ages cultures have developed various strategies for self-exploration, healing and optimizing human potential. Many of us are familiar with the emphasis placed on the mind-body connection in such Eastern disciplines as yoga, meditation or Tai Chi. We can also appreciate the intricate interplay that must take place in the mind-body systems for the artistry of the musician or gymnast to unfold. However, it has only been in recent decades that we have developed the means to measure the hidden biological processes that reflect our thoughts and emotions and mirror our nervous system activity and state of consciousness. The advent of this technology opens up a whole new world of exploration and provides us with a novel set of tools to support self-discovery, well-being and optimal performance.

What is Biofeedback and how does it work?
Put quite simply, biofeedback is information about our individual body processes. This information comes back to us via some type of external monitoring device. Using a thermometer to take our temperature is a common kind of biofeedback. Clinical biofeedback follows a similar principle using specialized instruments to monitor various physiological processes as they occur. Moving graphs or displays on a computer screen or audio tones reflect changes in the body system that is being measured. Biofeedback helps us become familiar with activity in our various body systems so we may learn to reduce stress, relieve pain and develop healthier life patterns. Trying to change physiological activity without biofeedback is often compared to playing darts blindfolded - we can't see whether we are hitting the mark or not. Biofeedback lets us know when we are changing our body processes in the desired direction.

The role of the biofeedback professional in this process can be compared most easily to that of a coach. The practitioner not only attaches the biofeedback sensors, but helps you interpret your readings and supports you in the process of learning mind/body skills. Also, the trainer may give instructions in relaxation techniques and other home practice strategies to help you integrate your skills into everyday life.

Who can benefit from biofeedback training?
Individuals who are dealing with headaches, backaches, neck and jaw pain can often benefit from biofeedback training. This intervention has also been shown to be helpful for people suffering with more widespread pain problems such as in fibromyalgia and arthritis. Health concerns that are associated with the cardiovascular or circulatory systems including hypertension, Raynaud's disease or stroke may show improvement with self-regulation training. Biofeedback has also been used for many years to help people in their management of mild depression, anxiety disorders and other stress related problems. For those who wish to reduce or eliminate medication intake, such as during pregnancy, biofeedback may be a great avenue to pursue.

In more recent years biofeedback has been used to aid with peak performance training for those interested in enhancing their athletic activities or wishing to excel or sharpen their creative edges in the performing arts or business world. But even if you are not dealing with a significant medical condition or looking to be the top in your field, some practitioners would contend that biofeedback has benefits for most everyone. This is because many of us have forgotten what it feels like to relax, to feel rested and to be at ease. Under the constant stress of everyday life, the body readjusts to a permanently higher level of tension leaving us more susceptible to heath problems. However, the body has a great capacity to heal and return itself to normal function under conditions of deep relaxation.

What are the most common types of biofeedback and what are their applications?
Temperature or thermal biofeedback measures changes in blood flow. The temperature sensor (thermistor) is often placed on the fingers or toes and can give us specific information about blood vessel dilation or general information about our body's level of arousal. It can be helpful in the management of hypertension, anxiety, migraine and other pain and stress related conditions.

Electromyographic, or EMG feedback, involves the monitoring of muscle activity or muscle tension and is helpful in managing stress, tension headaches, back and neck pain, bruxism (teeth grinding) and incontinence. EMG feedback also can be beneficial in the re-education of muscles following a stroke and in rehabilitation following an automobile accident or other injuries.

Neurofeedback often referred to as brainwave or EEG feedback involves the measurement of electrical activity in the brain by placing sensors on the scalp. Neurofeedback can be beneficially applied in the management of hyperactivity, insomnia, concentration difficulties, brain trauma, and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Respiratory and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback is a new method for achieving cardiovascular and respiratory regulation. This training utilizes the interaction of the heart rate and breath rhythm in order to balance the excitatory and inhibitory nerve signals to the heart. Clinical experience shows that a properly regulated HRV improves cardiovascular functioning and lessens anxiety responses.

Biofeedback practitioners may work in close association with other treating professionals to help you reach your goals. Because of the very real physiological changes that may take place with biofeedback training, a person with medical problems should be monitored by their physician since medication or other treatment requirements may change. Many people's insurance plans have benefits for biofeedback and muscle re-education with coverage being dependent on the type of condition being treated.

Lori Loveland and Mary Ann Spears are both licensed mental health professionals who have been certified in biofeedback for over twenty years. Lori is also credentialed in neuromuscular and bodywork therapies and is the director of Integrative Therapies. Mary Ann is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Senior Fellow of the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America. Lori and Mary Ann work with a team of other healthcare professionals at Integrative Therapies in Greensboro.