"Bio-" is the Greek prefix meaning life, as in the word biological. "Feedback" is a term for receiving information on current behavior which can be used to influence or modify future behavior. Thus biofeedback is the process in which a patient is given information about specific body events through the use of instrumentation. With this in mind, one can become aware of formally unaware physiology. Once one is aware of their physiology, they can learn to modify it in a positive direction.
Biofeedback is an effective, painless, non-drug therapy in the treatment of migraines, tension headaches, and stress. It is a method which teaches subjects to control bodily functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure and skin temperature, which were once considered to be beyond voluntary control. Research has shown that by monitoring these functions and feeding back information to the patient with visual and auditory instruments voluntary control can, in fact, be taught.
Through a process which includes conditioning, feedback instrumentation, behavior modification and adaptation mechanisms, you can learn self-regulation of these bodily functions. Using these techniques of self-regulation, you can actually learn to change specific responses of the body (e.g., releasing stress, lowering of blood pressure and diminishing and even stopping headache pain). Contact one of our therapists at BCB Therapy to learn more about this therapy and if it’s right for you.
Research on the Effectiveness of Biofeedback in the Treatment of Migraine Headaches