What is biofeedback?
Biofeedback uses technology to help you become more aware of the subtle changes that occur in your body. Once you are more aware of these processes, you can control them better. There are many similarities between meditation, yoga, self-hypnosis, and biofeedback. However, biofeedback can help you achieve awareness of physiological processes more quickly than other techniques. If you already use other techniques, you can master them faster! BACK TO TOP
How does biofeedback work?
Many physiological processes in your body are hard to detect, but computerized monitoring allows you to notice them better. The monitored information is “fed” back to you in an understandable form. By being able to see this information, you can learn how to control the processes better. Processes monitored include heart rate, respiration, sweat response, temperature, and muscle tension. BACK TO TOP
Why is controlling my physiology important?
Most people know that we control our body by using our mind. For example, if we are agitated, we can use our brains to calm our body. But did you know that many nerves that control our minds actually go from the body to the brain? If you can create a calm body, you can create a calm mind. When you set the goal of relaxing, and then get feedback about exactly what is happening in your body, you will get better at relaxing. BACK TO TOP
How many sessions will I need?
We will design a biofeedback training program to improve your capacity for self-regulation, based on your needs and goals. As with any therapy, the results will vary depending on your condition. Although lasting results may take 10 sessions or more, some people see results in 3-4 sessions. If you purchase practice equipment and use it at home you will make faster progress. As with learning any new skill, how fast you improve will depend on how much you practice. BACK TO TOP
Biofeedback Can Help You
- Manage stress, anxiety and panic better
- Reduce your cravings
- Cope with pain, including chronic pain and migraines
- Improve breathing conditions
- Reduce your blood pressure
HRV biofeedback
I specialize in Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback. HRV biofeedback teaches you how to pace your breathing to maximizes heart function and reduces the stress response. It has additional health benefits, such as blood pressure reduction. BACK TO TOP
Most biofeedback uses computers
Heart monitor used for HRV biofeedback
Nexus10
What equipment is used?
A variety of equipment is used, depending on your needs. For most applications, I use the Nexus 10, considered to be one of the finest state-of-the-art biofeedback machines available. You may also include training on other computer programs, such as the emWave PC, Healing Rhythmns, Alive, and Dual-Drive or learn about take-home units such as the Resperate, Stress Eraser, and emWave home unit. BACK TO TOP
What techniques are used along with biofeedback?
Although most biofeedback relies on computers, there are many techniques often taught along with biofeedback. These include relaxation training using Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Autogenic Training, Imagery, and simple breathing exercises and awareness of body posture. You may find these techniques particularly useful to use at home. BACK TO TOP
Training screen for breathing
Self-Empowerment
Copyright 2011 Julie Myers, PysD: Psychologist in San Diego. All Rights Reserved.
Biofeedback Services
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