Biofeedback Overview
Biofeedback, quite simply is any technique which takes a measurement of the
body, and provides a result.
A scale can be said to be a biofeedback device that measures weight; a thermometer one that measures body temperature. We can measure factors of the body electric such as the voltage of the firing brain cells, the amperage of the heart muscle contractions, the voltage of the muscles and the resistance to the flow of electricity of the skin.
We can measure the oscillations of these factors and as seen by the EEG, ECG, EMG and GSR. The same technological theories that brought us biofeedback in the 1960’s, have also brought devices like the CAT Scan, MRI, TENS, ultra-sound, and many other sophisticated technologies to our healthcare systems.
The information measured with a biofeedback device is then “fed-back”to the client, informing them of various physiological parameters and stress responses within the body, and educating them about the need to retrain their body’s stress responses, balance the body electric, make lifestyle changes or learn to control physiological reactions, in order to achieve improved relaxation and better health overall.
"Informational Medicine, medicine that takes information and changes disturbed information,
is going to be the future of medicine."
Lynne McTaggart, Author of "The Field" and "The Intention Experiment"
is going to be the future of medicine."
Lynne McTaggart, Author of "The Field" and "The Intention Experiment"
Health Canada’s reference acknowledges its therapeutic aspects, and is perhaps the most indicative of its powerful potential, calling biofeedback “psychotherapeutic measures for nonpharmacologic interventions”.
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; think about the lie detector, for example. Biofeedback instruments measure muscle activity, skin temperature, electrodermal 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 bodies’ analog electrical signals and translate those signals into meaningful information through complex algorithmic software that a technician can then decipher.
Research shows that biofeedback, alone and in combination with other behavioral therapies, is effective for treating a variety of medical and psychological disorders. Biofeedback is currently used by physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, a host of other professionals and lay people alike.
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In 1987, Schneider found that biofeedback is effective in reducing physician visits, medication usage, duration and frequency of hospital stays, as well as reducing mortality and enhancing quality of life. Studies by Jonas and Levin show biofeedback as an ideal intervention for patients who demand:
1. Gentler less toxic and less invasive first line interventions
2. More integrative and alternative therapeutic options
3. More information and choice in making the best possible decisions for their care.
4. More participation and involvement in their treatment
Leading doctors and scientists are now viewing biofeedback, in its aspect of being a psycho-educational therapy, stating:
“One of the most fundamental and critically necessary strategies for reducing long term health care costs and improving health and quality of life is appropriate, timely, psychological and educational interventions.” - Biofeedback Research International
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What is EPR Biofeedback?
In addition to the Electro-Dermal Response mentioned previously, EPR refers to Electro-Physiological Reactivity, which describes the measurable electrical responses our bodies exhibit when provoked with informational signals; such as, food, allergens, pathogens, chemicals,environmental factors, trauma, verbal queues, sounds, thoughts, and all other forms of "information."
All substances have unique properties, which are sometimes obvious. For example, coffee is different than alcohol. Their appearances, smells, tastes, textures, and effects are all noticeably different. On a sub-molecular, or "quantic" level, which is the level at which matter and energy interact, there are also distinguishing properties that are much more subtle, such as molecular shape, mass, vibrational frequency, and electromagnetic field. While our perceived experience with coffee and alcohol is different on a macroscopic level, there are subtle interactions that also occur between the quantum fields of our bodies and those of all things we encounter. These are only perceived by that which we can simply call our "Body Electric."
Modern electro-sensing technology allows us to measure subtle properties of substances and the reactions of our body electric. As it turns out, we react to things we are attracted to, like beneficial nutrients and other healthy things. We also exhibit stress responses when we are exposed to stressors, like toxins or allergens. These reactions are measured in terms of changes in voltage, amperage, resistance, and other mathematically calculated properties.
EPR biofeedback is the use of computers and special devices that measure electro-physiological reactivity and provide feedback. The results provide insight into an individual's overall stress profile. The best example of EPR Biofeedback devices are the INDIGO Biofeedback System.
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; think about the lie detector, for example. Biofeedback instruments measure muscle activity, skin temperature, electrodermal 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 bodies’ analog electrical signals and translate those signals into meaningful information through complex algorithmic software that a technician can then decipher.
Research shows that biofeedback, alone and in combination with other behavioral therapies, is effective for treating a variety of medical and psychological disorders. Biofeedback is currently used by physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, a host of other professionals and lay people alike.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
In 1987, Schneider found that biofeedback is effective in reducing physician visits, medication usage, duration and frequency of hospital stays, as well as reducing mortality and enhancing quality of life. Studies by Jonas and Levin show biofeedback as an ideal intervention for patients who demand:
1. Gentler less toxic and less invasive first line interventions
2. More integrative and alternative therapeutic options
3. More information and choice in making the best possible decisions for their care.
4. More participation and involvement in their treatment
Leading doctors and scientists are now viewing biofeedback, in its aspect of being a psycho-educational therapy, stating:
“One of the most fundamental and critically necessary strategies for reducing long term health care costs and improving health and quality of life is appropriate, timely, psychological and educational interventions.” - Biofeedback Research International
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
What is EPR Biofeedback?
In addition to the Electro-Dermal Response mentioned previously, EPR refers to Electro-Physiological Reactivity, which describes the measurable electrical responses our bodies exhibit when provoked with informational signals; such as, food, allergens, pathogens, chemicals,environmental factors, trauma, verbal queues, sounds, thoughts, and all other forms of "information."
All substances have unique properties, which are sometimes obvious. For example, coffee is different than alcohol. Their appearances, smells, tastes, textures, and effects are all noticeably different. On a sub-molecular, or "quantic" level, which is the level at which matter and energy interact, there are also distinguishing properties that are much more subtle, such as molecular shape, mass, vibrational frequency, and electromagnetic field. While our perceived experience with coffee and alcohol is different on a macroscopic level, there are subtle interactions that also occur between the quantum fields of our bodies and those of all things we encounter. These are only perceived by that which we can simply call our "Body Electric."
Modern electro-sensing technology allows us to measure subtle properties of substances and the reactions of our body electric. As it turns out, we react to things we are attracted to, like beneficial nutrients and other healthy things. We also exhibit stress responses when we are exposed to stressors, like toxins or allergens. These reactions are measured in terms of changes in voltage, amperage, resistance, and other mathematically calculated properties.
EPR biofeedback is the use of computers and special devices that measure electro-physiological reactivity and provide feedback. The results provide insight into an individual's overall stress profile. The best example of EPR Biofeedback devices are the INDIGO Biofeedback System.
