What is biofeedback and why should I be interested in it?
–Biofeedback is a means for gaining control of our body processes to increase relaxation, relieve pain, control disease and develop healthier, more comfortable lifestyles.
–A mind-body instrument for improving one’s health.
–Biofeedback training teaches you how to consciously change and control your body’s vital functions that are normally unconscious, such as breathing, heart rate, heart rhythms and thoughts.
–The process of learning to balance your physical and emotional responses to life.
What is it Good For?
Here is a list of things biofeedback can be helpful with:
–Chronic pain
–Simple awareness of one’s breathing, body and the mind-body connection.
–Increasing Heart Rate Variability.
–Slowing the heartrate.
–Learn how to relax.
–Learn how to meditate.
–Discovering your own mind-body relationship and what works best for you in terms of relaxation and self-healing.
–Reducing hypertension.
—Preventing or managing heart disease.
–Learning and practicing heart Coherence.
How Does It Work?
Heart Rate Variability is measured by wearing an ear clip optical sensor (HeartMath) or finger sensors (Wild Divine). Both determine the heartbeat from the variation in skin color and translucence that occurs at every heartbeat. They then calculate the time between heartbeats and from that, the number of heartbeats per minute (BPM), and graphs the BPM in real time.
Recommended BioFeedback
From the Institute of HeartMath
The HeartMath Institute has been a leader and innovator in the field of heart intelligence, heart rate variability, and biofeedback for many years.
They have done tremendous research on the science of the heart which I highly recommend browsing if you are interested.
They have a biofeedback product called the emWave which I have used for over 4 years.
Based on the science of heart rate variability, they measure and display your heart rhythms. They teach you about heart coherence which is one of the hottest areas in biofeedback.
The basic concept is the more coherence you can create in your heart rhythms the less stress you will have. Coherence is the starting point for relaxation, as well as meditation.
Their products are comprehensive with tutorials, online help, games and other inner-active features. Learn more on our page about HeartMath.