EMG (Electromyogram) Biofeedback
Stress often results in chronically tense muscles, which generally cause pain. Traditionally, muscle tension is measured by EMG Biofeedback. The EMG Biofeedback instrument picks up electrical signals from your muscles and amplifies the signals into a form that you can hear and see on a meter or a computer screen. The amplified signal triggers a light, a number or a graph or activates a pulsing sound each time you use these muscles and they tense.
At first you can’t feel the subtle, yet meaningful changes in your muscle activity. With training, you learn to automatically associate the faint sensations from your muscles with actual levels of tension. This information lets you develop new, healthy habits of keeping your muscles only as tense as necessary for as long as necessary. After a while this optimum level of muscle activity becomes automatic and natural so, you don’t need Biofeedback Training anymore.
Self-Management Tools
Thermal Biofeedback, as it is often called, consists of taping a thin wire with an extremely sensitive thermometer at its tip onto your fingertip. Then, with the guidance of your Biofeedback therapist, you may imagine feeling warm and comfortable, quiet and at ease. Other times, your therapist may give you suggestions about your hands and arms feeling heavy and warm. Or still other times your therapist may guide you in Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback, Brainwave Biofeedback)
With each new experience the brain changes connections within itself to recognize and appropriately respond to that new experience. This is a key aspect of what is now called “brain plasticity” that the brain can shift its functioning to meet varying situations. Neurofeedback Training supports the brain to be more effective in these habitual reconnections.
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Thermal or Finger Temperature Biofeedback
Finger Temperature Biofeedback measures the warmth of your skin. Warm fingertips indicate that blood vessels are relaxed and that you are more relaxed. This method is particularly useful for: getting control of migraine headaches, lowering blood pressure, easing some gastro-intestinal problems, improving sleep habits, quieting anxiety, relieving Raynaud’s Syndrome…and, of course, relieving stress.
Neurofeedback measures brainwaves. However, the light and/or sound of the neurofeedback signal is sent back to the person being monitored. With this feedback about what it is doing, the brain begins to shift to healthier, more comfortable and more efficient patterns of functioning.
How does this work? The brain is so complex that one part of it can monitor what other parts of it are doing. Working with this ability, Biofeedback Training allows you to change the way your brain functions. In effect, the brain trains itself to work more efficiently. The repetition and reward of the new, more satisfying experiences means that you easily repeat them.
Please Note: All products and resources used on this site are provided for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for treatment or consultation with your healthcare professional who is familiar with these technologies.
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