What is
Biofeedback? The
word "biofeedback" was coined in the late 1969 to describe
laboratory procedures (developed in the 1940's) that trained research
subjects to alter brain activity, blood pressure, muscle tension,
heart rate and other bodily functions that are not normally controlled
voluntarily. Biofeedback is a training technique in which people
are taught to improve their health and performance by using signals
from their own bodies.
One commonly used device, for
example, picks up electrical signals from the muscles and translates
the signals into a form that people can detect. This device
triggers a flashing light or activates a beeper every time muscles
become more tense. If one wants to relax tense muscles, one
must try to slow down the flashing or beeping. People learn
to associate sensations from the muscle with actual levels of
tension and develop a new, healthy habit of keeping muscles
only as tense as is necessary for as long as necessary. After
treatment, individuals are then able to repeat this response
at will without being attached to the sensors. Other biological
functions which are commonly measured and used in similar way
to help people learn to control their physical functioning are
skin temperature, heart rate, sweat gland activity, and brainwave
activity. Clinicians rely on complicated biofeedback machines
in somewhat the same way that you rely on your scale or thermometer.
Their machines can detect a person's internal bodily functions
with far greater sensitivity and precision than a person can
alone. This information may be valuable. Both patients and therapists
use it to gauge and direct the progress of treatment.
Although
most people initially viewed these practices with skepticism,
researchers proved that many individuals could alter their involuntary
responses by being "fed back" information either visually
or audibly about what was occurring in their bodies. In addition,
studies have shown that we have more control over so-called
involuntary bodily functions than we once thought possible.
As a a result, biofeedback can train individuals with techniques
for living a healthier life overall - whether one is afflicted
with a medical condition or not.
What is Acupuncture and Sound Assisted Autonomic Modulation Technique?
This technique integrates acupuncture and HRV biofeedback. It is specifically targeted to strengthening the reflex regulatory mechanism of autonomic nervous system.
Currently, the biofeedback is offered only in conjunction with acupuncture treatment at The Pacific Wellness Institute. If you are interested in receiving a general biofeedback, or specialized biofeedback modalities such as EEG Neurofeedback or Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback, please visit Biofeedback Certification Institute of America website for the practitioner referral in your area.
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