Neurofeedback Can Help Lower Blood Pressure and Promote Healing
We all know that we have some level of control over bodily movement and functions. Whether it’s walking down the street, throwing a ball or working at a computer, there’s a connection between your conscious thoughts and physical movement. But what most of us don’t realize is that we can also use the power of our mind to exert control and influence on some of the things that go on inside our bodies—it’s a process known as “biofeedback” or “neurofeedback,” and it’s becoming a more common tool to treat a number of conditions from hypertension to chronic pain, as well as migraine headaches.
What Is Biofeedback?
Essentially, biofeedback is a technique that uses electrical information from your body to manage or modify bodily functions. In a neurofeedback session, you’ll be hooked up to electrodes, which are connected to a monitor, which then displays an image, sound or other signals that you can observe. Those signals provide information about things like body temperature, muscle activity, blood pressure, heart rate, breathing or perspiration. Initially, you’ll be able to observe what happens when you experience stress. You’ll then have a professional guide you through techniques and exercises to promote relaxation, including:
- Guided meditation or imagery
- Deep breathing
- Progressive muscle relaxation
You’ll see instantaneous feedback on the monitor, and will learn how to achieve the same results without the use of the biofeedback equipment.
The Different Types of Biofeedback
There are a number of different types of biofeedback:
- Heart rate variability, which measures your at-rest heart rate, and is used to treat COPD, asthma and arrhythmia
- Thermal biofeedback, which tells you about skin temperature and can help treat headaches
- Electromyograms (EMGs), which gauge muscle activity and tension, and can help ease back pain, anxiety disorders and headaches
- Electroencephalography (EEG), which monitors brain waves and has shown promise in the treatment of ADHD, epilepsy and seizure disorders
Schedule Your First Appointment
Take action today to maximize your health after a blow to the head. Contact Advantage Healthcare Systems by phone at 1-877-487-8289 or complete the form provided below to arrange a visit. We offer a number of convenient locations throughout Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio.
