Biofeedback therapy is based on the assumption that once an individual is in a position to harness the power of their mind and understanding their physiology of their body, they are in a great position to control their health. Scientists are yet to determine how exactly this therapy works but the general belief is that it helps with relaxation which in turn helps in managing stress related conditions. If they intend to benefit from biofeedback therapy long Island residents need to understand a number of things.
The therapy requires that some sensors be placed on the body before it can be carried out. The sensors may come in the form of electrodes that are connected to the skin or a simple finger sensor. Parameters of interest include blood pressure, heart rate, muscle activity and breathing rate among others. Whenever an individual is stressed out, these rates speed up. The reverse happens when one is relaxed.
In general when one is under some form of stress whether physical or psychological, their heart rate rises. There is associated increase in the blood pressure and a more rapid breathing rate. More often than not, there is increased sweating to help excrete some products of metabolism whose rate is increased as well. Conversely, the rates are lowered under relaxed conditions. Looked from another angle, being able to lower these parameters helps one achieve a state of relaxation.
Biofeedback can be administered in two different ways. The first is the traditional approach where the patient pays the therapist a visit and explains their problem. The sensors are fixed and if some form of stress is identified, therapy is initiated. The second and newer form is the use of computer programs that can interpret the data from the sensors and formulate and treatment plan for the client.
A number of exercises are beneficial for persons that are seeking to relax. One of the most frequently used forms is deep breathing. This is a type of breathing that helps an individual oxygenate their blood adequately by breathing fewer times since each breath of air brings in larger volumes of oxygen compared to ordinary breathing. The lower respiration rate also lowers other parameters.
Another useful technique is that which helps the individual achieve progressive relaxation of their muscles. The subject is trained over several days or weeks to relax and tense their muscles at will. As a result their learn how to reverse the effect of stress on their muscles. Other options that may be considered include guided imagery and meditation among others. These mainly focus on the avoidance of negative thoughts.
Biofeedback therapy is effective for a number of conditions. A common example includes the many forms of chronic pain (such as fibromyalgia, pelvic inflammatory disease and low back pain among others). Intractable headache is another problem for which the treatment has been used. This is because prolonged use of analgesic agents poses the risk of unwanted side effects.
There is growing acceptance of biofeedback for the management of a numerous conditions. It is now being used singly or alongside other treatment options. Practitioners that have found the therapy useful include general doctors, nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists. All indications are that the number of conditions that will benefit from the treatment is bound to keep growing.
The therapy requires that some sensors be placed on the body before it can be carried out. The sensors may come in the form of electrodes that are connected to the skin or a simple finger sensor. Parameters of interest include blood pressure, heart rate, muscle activity and breathing rate among others. Whenever an individual is stressed out, these rates speed up. The reverse happens when one is relaxed.
In general when one is under some form of stress whether physical or psychological, their heart rate rises. There is associated increase in the blood pressure and a more rapid breathing rate. More often than not, there is increased sweating to help excrete some products of metabolism whose rate is increased as well. Conversely, the rates are lowered under relaxed conditions. Looked from another angle, being able to lower these parameters helps one achieve a state of relaxation.
Biofeedback can be administered in two different ways. The first is the traditional approach where the patient pays the therapist a visit and explains their problem. The sensors are fixed and if some form of stress is identified, therapy is initiated. The second and newer form is the use of computer programs that can interpret the data from the sensors and formulate and treatment plan for the client.
A number of exercises are beneficial for persons that are seeking to relax. One of the most frequently used forms is deep breathing. This is a type of breathing that helps an individual oxygenate their blood adequately by breathing fewer times since each breath of air brings in larger volumes of oxygen compared to ordinary breathing. The lower respiration rate also lowers other parameters.
Another useful technique is that which helps the individual achieve progressive relaxation of their muscles. The subject is trained over several days or weeks to relax and tense their muscles at will. As a result their learn how to reverse the effect of stress on their muscles. Other options that may be considered include guided imagery and meditation among others. These mainly focus on the avoidance of negative thoughts.
Biofeedback therapy is effective for a number of conditions. A common example includes the many forms of chronic pain (such as fibromyalgia, pelvic inflammatory disease and low back pain among others). Intractable headache is another problem for which the treatment has been used. This is because prolonged use of analgesic agents poses the risk of unwanted side effects.
There is growing acceptance of biofeedback for the management of a numerous conditions. It is now being used singly or alongside other treatment options. Practitioners that have found the therapy useful include general doctors, nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists. All indications are that the number of conditions that will benefit from the treatment is bound to keep growing.
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