Peripheral Biofeedback
Peripheral biofeedback is a type of biofeedback that measures and displays physiological signals from the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is responsible for involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and skin temperature. Biofeedback can be used to help people learn how to control these functions, which can lead to a number of health benefits.
There are a number of different types of peripheral biofeedback, each of which measures a different physiological signal. Some of the most common types of peripheral biofeedback include:
Electromyography (EMG) biofeedback: This type of biofeedback measures muscle tension. Electrodes are placed on the skin over the muscle that is being targeted, and the electrical activity of the muscle is displayed on a monitor. The person learns to relax the muscle by observing the changes in electrical activity on the monitor.
Electrodermal activity (EDA) biofeedback: This type of biofeedback measures sweat gland activity. Electrodes are placed on the skin of the hands or feet, and the electrical conductivity of the skin is displayed on a monitor. The person learns to control sweat gland activity by observing the changes in electrical conductivity on the monitor.
Temperature biofeedback: This type of biofeedback measures skin temperature. A sensor is placed on the skin, and the temperature of the skin is displayed on a monitor. The person learns to increase skin temperature by relaxing the muscles in the area.
Peripheral biofeedback has been shown to be effective in treating a number of conditions, including:
Anxiety disorders: Biofeedback can help people with anxiety disorders learn how to control their heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. This can lead to a reduction in anxiety symptoms.
Headaches: Biofeedback can help people with headaches learn how to relax the muscles in their head and neck. This can lead to a reduction in headache frequency and severity.
Hypertension: Biofeedback can help people with hypertension learn how to lower their blood pressure. This can lead to a reduction in the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Insomnia: Biofeedback can help people with insomnia learn how to relax their muscles and improve their sleep quality.
Pain: Biofeedback can help people with pain learn how to control their pain by relaxing the muscles in the area of pain. This can lead to a reduction in pain intensity and frequency.
Peripheral biofeedback is a safe and effective treatment for a number of conditions. If you are interested in trying biofeedback, talk to your doctor. They can help you find a qualified biofeedback therapist in your area.