What is Biofeedback?

In today’s world everything is becoming digitalized, yes even our mental health. We are now able to view, track and regulate our mental health through smart devices! Sounds too good to be true? Read on to find out how your mental wellbeing can benefit from this latest tech.

Biofeedback, a concept first introduced in 1969,  is a behavioral approach that teaches us to modify body functions that we usually consider involuntarily. How is this done? Think of it as observing your physiological reactions through an app!

Sensors are used to monitor body functions such as heart rate, body temperature, breathing rhythm, brain waves and galvanic skin response. They are then presented as feedback onto the biofeedback device or app, indicating if any emotional and mental stress is affecting your physical body. Through different techniques such as breathing exercises, guided meditation, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation you learn how to control those bodily functions and bring them back to resting levels. Through this mind-body connection you train your body to self-regulate and cope with the mental and physical symptoms of stress.

Quieting sympathetic activity and activating the parasympathetic nervous system is one of the main goals of biofeedback. Stress can have several manifestations in your body, from chronic pains, tension headaches, migraines, digestive issues, hypertension, muscle spasms, muscle tension and joint pains. The clinical research on biofeedback is ongoing but proves that all those bodily symptoms of stress as well as emotional and mental issues can be treated effectively.