Biofeedback is a practice that involves the mind-body relationship by using the mind to help control the body’s functions. Some bodily functions that biofeedback can help train individuals to control include: heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and brainwave activities. Biofeedback works by identifying the current state of these physiological conditions - either by mentally focusing attention to your responses or using devices to monitor them.

An example of biofeedback that you observe on your own would be noticing your muscles tensing in your arms and hands when getting into a heated argument with someone. Other methods of biofeedback include the use devices that monitor current conditions such as, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, brainwave activity, or muscle tension. This method is often used in healthcare settings and can provide patients with information on their current physiological conditions.

When biofeedback information is received from either of these two methods, people are able to learn to control their body’s reactions in certain situations by learning and using relaxation or other techniques. Relaxation techniques can help individuals control stress and its physiological components, such as increased blood pressure, cardiac activity, tension in muscles, as well regulating other body functions. Other techniques are sometimes used that can teach patients how to redirect their brainwave functions.

Sources: Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.com; Calderon, KS, & Thompson, WW. (2004). Biofeedback Relaxation Training: A Rediscovered Mind-Body Tool in Public Health. American Journal of Health Studies; 19(2): 185-194.