Therapy Name: Biofeedback
Regulatory Body:
Efficacy: alcoholism/substance abuse, arthritis, chronic pain, epilepsy, fecal elimination disorders, pediatric migraines, insomnia, traumatic brain injury, vulvar vestibulitis, anxiety, ADHD, hypertension, TMD, urinary incontinence in males, migraine cluster, tension headaches, urinary incontinence in females
Overview: Biofeedback is a form of alternative medicine that involves measuring quantifiable bodily functions such as blood pressure, heart rate and skin temperature and conveying the information to the patient in real-time. This raises the patient’s awareness and conscious control of his or her unconscious physiological activities.
How it works: Biofeedback allows users to gain control of physical processes previously considered an automatic response of the autonomous nervous system because they are receiving physiological information that they are usually unaware of.
What to expect: Various instruments such as an electromyography will be used to measure biofeedback.
Known Contraindications: not recommended for persons with severe psychosis, depression, or obsessional neurosis, nor for debilitated patients or those with psychopathic personalities. It is dangerous for diabetics and others with endocrine disorders, as it can change the need for insulin and other medications. Please check with your doctor to see whether this is an appropriate treatment for you.