Biofeedback is a therapeutic approach aimed at achieving improvement in health and quality of life.
During the treatment, the patient learns how to monitor and regulate their physiological and emotional responses in situations of stress, anxiety, and pain, thereby achieving better self-control over their body.
Biofeedback operates on the principle of learning through immediate feedback. The patient is connected to a computerized system that continuously presents data received from their body in real time. This data is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, and the patient is not consciously aware of it.
The autonomic nervous system consists of two subsystems: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is activated in situations of stress and arousal, while the parasympathetic nervous system is activated during relaxation and is responsible for regulating body functions, including heart rate and regular breathing.
With the help of biofeedback, various physiological measurements are examined, including heart rate, heart rate variability, muscle tension, skin conductance (sweating), respiration, and body temperature. These measurements are heightened during stress and arousal. The patient learns to balance the sympathetic nervous system and induce relaxation. Through training and practice, the biofeedback method helps to restore the patient's body to a state of physiological balance and regulation, resulting in relaxation or alleviation of physical symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, or pain, thereby promoting mental calmness.
Biofeedback reflects an interesting communication technique between the patient and the equipment. This technique allows the patient to be aware and communicate with their inner world, serving as a psychophysiological mirror presenting the physiological processes occurring in their body, enabling them to recognize them.
The biofeedback treatment method does not involve side effects and is suitable for patients with motivation for self-practice, as it teaches them about the connection between the body and mind and their interrelationships.