Biofeedback; Key Q&A.I'm currently on medication for the same condition for which I'm seeking biofeedback biofeedback, method for learning to increase one's ability to control biological responses, such as blood pressure, muscle tension, and heart rate. Sophisticated instruments are often used to measure physiological responses and make them apparent to the patient, who therapy. Will biofeedback take the place of these drugs?It might, but this can't be decided without careful evaluation of your condition and only in conjunction with your physician. Biofeedback is another tool for you to use. Some people discover that they are able to stop taking certain medications once they master biofeedback. Your medication will be continued until such time as you demonstrate you no longer need medication, or it is safe to change your dosage. When you learn to control your symptoms, only then may your physician eliminate your medication. I don't really want to try biofeedback, but my doctor says it might help. I don't believe her. Do I need to try? Trying one session might change your mind, but it doesn't commit you to further sessions. After one session you can decide whether to continue. If, after this first session, you are still reluctant, then discuss it with your therapist or referring health care professional. Biofeedback may not be for you. I called a biofeedback therapist and she said that I needed to have my regular health care professional check out my symptoms first. Why? Biofeedback is never recommended for unevaluated symptoms. For instance, if you have insomnia insomnia, abnormal wakefulness or inability to sleep. The condition may result from illness or physical discomfort, or it may be caused by stimulants such as coffee or drugs. However, frequently some psychological factor, such as worry or tension, is the cause. or chronic pain, that could be a symptom of another condition. And biofeedback, by itself, is not appropriate for many conditions. You need to know what's wrong before you seek treatment. I see at-home biofeedback equipment advertised on the Web. Should I try that? No. Most experts agree that for biofeedback to work, you need to work with a trained therapist. Biofeedback is considered an alternative therapy. Does that mean it's somehow spiritual? The elements of health are considered to involve mind, body and spirit. In this instance, spirit relates to an inner sense of well-being, not to anything religious in nature. However, if you wish to investigate a deeper spiritual connection, you should find a therapist proficient in this area. Biofeedback therapy can be as inclusive as necessary in bringing a healthy balance into your life. This involves scientifically measuring specific physiological reactions, which occur as you participate in your life. Take, for instance, high blood pressure. Biofeedback therapy increases your awareness of your blood pressure. As you think different thoughts or practice various relaxation techniques, you can see the results on the monitor or hear them via sounds from the computer. Eventually, you learn what to do to lower your blood pressure. What do the machines do? What will it feel like? The equipment merely monitors physiological changes and feeds them back to you. The machines transform the data into images, sounds or digital information, allowing you to monitor your body's changes. You won't feel anything except the electrodes being attached to the surface of your skin and removed. References HeartMath LLC (Logical Link Control) See "LANs" under data link protocol. LLC - Logical Link Control . Available at http://www.heartmath.com. Accessed April 2008. "Biofeedback: Using your mind to improve your health." The Mayo Clinic. January 25, 2008. http://www.mayoclinic.com. Accessed February 2008. "Biofeedback." The University of Maryland University of Maryland can refer to:
"Biofeedback certification." The Biofeedback Certification Institute of America Biofeedback Certification Institute of America, n.pr an indepen-dent organization founded in 1981 to establish and maintain standards for providing biofeedback services. It also provides certification to practitioners who meet particular requirements. . http://www.bcia.org. Accessed February 2008. "Past speakers 05-06 Season." The Foundation for Mind Being Research. http://www.fmbr.org. Accessed February 2008. "Biofeedback." Biofeedback Certification Institute of America. http://www.bcia.org. Accessed May 2000. "Integration of Behavioral and Relaxation Approaches Into The Treatment of Chronic Pain and Insomnia." National Institutes of Health Technology Assessment Conference Statement (1995). http://text.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed May 2000. "Biofeedback." The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, n.pr an organization founded in 1969 to promote development of biofeedback and applied psychophysiology. . http://www.aapb.org and http://www.aapb.org. Accessed September 2001. Capps, S. "Biofeedback." Lecture. Psychology Department at Southwest Missouri State University Missouri State University is a state university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is the state's second largest university in student enrollment, second only to the University of Missouri. From 1972 to 2005, Missouri State was known as Southwest Missouri State University. . http://aloha.smsu.edu. Accessed May 2000. "What is Biofeedback?" The BioResearch bi·o·re·search n. Research in the biological sciences. Institute. http://www.7hz.com. Accessed May 2000. Biofeedback Foundation of Europe: http://www.bfe.org Keywords: biofeedback, medication, symptoms, biofeedback therapy |
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