Stress Reduction with Biofeedback
Stress affects us all. The deleterious effects of excess stress have been well documented in a wide range of medical publications.
Thousands of research articles, studies and books prove beyond a
shadow of doubt, that stress can be a factor in any disease, as it alters
biochemistry and neurological functioning, and can weaken the immune system and the digestive tract.
This neuro-psychological-immuno link is well established in many
peer reviewed medical journals on Psychoneuroimmunology.
The “Fight or Flight” Response
Stress can trigger the body’s response to perceived threat or danger, the Fight-or-Flight response. During this reaction, certain hormones like adrenalin and cortisol are released, speeding the heart rate, slowing digestion, shunting blood flow to major muscle groups, and changing various other autonomic nervous functions, giving the body a burst of energy and strength. Originally named for its ability to enable us to physically fight or run away when faced with danger, it’s now activated in situations where neither response is appropriate, like in traffic or during a stressful day at work.
When the perceived threat is gone, systems are designed to return to normal function via the relaxation response, but in times of chronic stress, this often doesn’t happen, causing damage to the body if stress is not reduced and managed.
Common physiological changes resulting from stress reactions include:
Increased Heart Rate, which can lead and/or contribute to heart conditions. Hormonal Fluctuations, which can lead and or contribute to endocrine, reproductive, digestive disorders, obesity, diabetes and mental disorders. Constriction of muscles
and blood vessels, can lead and/or contribute to pain, tension, circulatory issues, cardio-pulmonary issues and asthma. The suppression of non-essential life processes, which affects reproduction, higher executive brain function, digestion and immunity.
Many people think of stress only in terms of things like deadlines at work, family or relationship stress, financial pressures, traffic jams, or the death of a loved one perhaps. However, stress reactions also occur on the unconscious, cellular, subtle or energetic levels each time we are exposed to a toxin, pathogen or allergen; and every time our body experiences a nutritional deficiency or excess.
Thousands of research articles, studies and books prove beyond a
shadow of doubt, that stress can be a factor in any disease, as it alters
biochemistry and neurological functioning, and can weaken the immune system and the digestive tract.
This neuro-psychological-immuno link is well established in many
peer reviewed medical journals on Psychoneuroimmunology.
The “Fight or Flight” Response
Stress can trigger the body’s response to perceived threat or danger, the Fight-or-Flight response. During this reaction, certain hormones like adrenalin and cortisol are released, speeding the heart rate, slowing digestion, shunting blood flow to major muscle groups, and changing various other autonomic nervous functions, giving the body a burst of energy and strength. Originally named for its ability to enable us to physically fight or run away when faced with danger, it’s now activated in situations where neither response is appropriate, like in traffic or during a stressful day at work.
When the perceived threat is gone, systems are designed to return to normal function via the relaxation response, but in times of chronic stress, this often doesn’t happen, causing damage to the body if stress is not reduced and managed.
Common physiological changes resulting from stress reactions include:
Increased Heart Rate, which can lead and/or contribute to heart conditions. Hormonal Fluctuations, which can lead and or contribute to endocrine, reproductive, digestive disorders, obesity, diabetes and mental disorders. Constriction of muscles
and blood vessels, can lead and/or contribute to pain, tension, circulatory issues, cardio-pulmonary issues and asthma. The suppression of non-essential life processes, which affects reproduction, higher executive brain function, digestion and immunity.
Many people think of stress only in terms of things like deadlines at work, family or relationship stress, financial pressures, traffic jams, or the death of a loved one perhaps. However, stress reactions also occur on the unconscious, cellular, subtle or energetic levels each time we are exposed to a toxin, pathogen or allergen; and every time our body experiences a nutritional deficiency or excess.
What are the Benefits of Biofeedback?
Everyone can benefit from biofeedback. Most people report biofeedback sessions to be relaxing, soothing and beneficial.
Yucha and Montgomery (2008), in their article “Evidence Based Practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback” published in The Journal of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback summarized the most current and complete medical research based on scientific rigor and consistency of outcome on biofeedback benefits and efficacy with the following health related issues. Below are just some of the beneficial side effects of Indigo Biofeedback:
Ability to relax more quickly Deeper state of relaxation during sleep
Easier to fall asleep and stay asleep Reduction of stress and hypertension
Improved general health Increase in amount of calmness and peacefulness
Reduction of anger Less Intensity of any pain or any stress
Fewer anxiety attacks More ability to handle stress and pain
Amelioration of sorrow Less fearfulness
Reduction of the depth of depression Heightened muscle mobility
Able to pay attention more consistently Better focus of attention
Less attention to pain and stressors Deeper concentration and enhanced memory
Less concentration on pain and stressors Fewer feelings of pain and stress
Less intense focus on pain and stressors Overall sense of well-being
Specialists who provide a variety of forms of Biofeedback range from Psychologists, Medical Doctors, Dentists, Chiropractors, Internists, Nurses, Physical Therapists, Naturopaths, Veterinarians to Energy Medicine Practitioners, and many others.
Yucha and Montgomery (2008), in their article “Evidence Based Practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback” published in The Journal of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback summarized the most current and complete medical research based on scientific rigor and consistency of outcome on biofeedback benefits and efficacy with the following health related issues. Below are just some of the beneficial side effects of Indigo Biofeedback:
Ability to relax more quickly Deeper state of relaxation during sleep
Easier to fall asleep and stay asleep Reduction of stress and hypertension
Improved general health Increase in amount of calmness and peacefulness
Reduction of anger Less Intensity of any pain or any stress
Fewer anxiety attacks More ability to handle stress and pain
Amelioration of sorrow Less fearfulness
Reduction of the depth of depression Heightened muscle mobility
Able to pay attention more consistently Better focus of attention
Less attention to pain and stressors Deeper concentration and enhanced memory
Less concentration on pain and stressors Fewer feelings of pain and stress
Less intense focus on pain and stressors Overall sense of well-being
Specialists who provide a variety of forms of Biofeedback range from Psychologists, Medical Doctors, Dentists, Chiropractors, Internists, Nurses, Physical Therapists, Naturopaths, Veterinarians to Energy Medicine Practitioners, and many others.
