Biofeedback Modalities
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Neurofeedback (EEG) measures brain frequency activity. If any one frequency becomes dominant, we have difficulties doing the tasks with which the predominant wave is not effective. It appears that the state of mental (and, through association, physical) health is not the presence of any one wave, but the equal relationship between the different waves, and the ability flexibly face the changing demands of our environment. Excessive slow waves are often associated with attention and concentration problems. Excessive fast waves are often associated with anxiety.
Electromyogram (EMG)
​EMG measures muscular tension and involuntary bracing. Excessive tension drains energy and can lead to pain, headaches, TMJ, muscle spasm and muscle weakness. Combined with neurofeedback, this modality is effective for improving muscle control and reducing tremor.
Peripheral Temperature
Temperature biofeedback measures vascular dilation and constriction. Lower temperatures indicate reduced blood flow and more stress. Constricting blood flow can cause problems with the immune system, migraines, delayed healing, and is involved in some types of high-blood pressure. Extreme vasoconstriction is often seen with high levels of prolonged stress.
Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)
GSR measures sweat gland activity correlated with adrenal activation. Higher measurements indicate more stress. A lack of responsiveness may suggest adrenal fatigue. High GSR levels are often seen with various types of anxiety, especially when it is more mentally based. Low GSR levels can reflect burn out from chronic stress, or a numbing response following trauma.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
HRV measures subtle changes in heart rate which naturally occur during respiration. Lower HRV indicates more stress. Healthy changes in the heartbeat reflect autonomic flexibility and adaptability. Breath training is usually involved. Low HRV is correlated with cardiac events, depression and anxiety.
Capnometry
Capnometry measures respiration chemistry. The amount of CO2 measured in your exhale reflects a range of chemical processes necessary for optimal stress management, endurance, and neurological functioning. If levels of CO2 are too low, or too high, body systems can be negatively impacted.
What is Biofeedback?
“Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately "feed back" information to the user. The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior — supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument."
How Does it Work?
