Saturday, November 23, 2013

Important Aspects On Biofeedback Therapy Santa Fe Residents May Need To Know

Important Aspects On Biofeedback Therapy Santa Fe Residents May Need To Know

By Angela Briggs


Feedback is a very important biological adaptation to virtually every living organism. It is the means by which responses to changes in the internal and external environments can be mounted. This happens through what are known as feedback loops. Biofeedback as a treatment option works in more or less the same way. If they plan on having biofeedback therapy Santa Fe need to understand it fully so as to weigh the advantages and the disadvantages.

In this treatment, information related to sub threshold physiological processes in the body is provided externally to a person. The detectable stimulus that is received by the patient can be used to modify their responses to certain situations. This is what is commonly referred to as conditioning. The field of biofeedback has been extensively studied by many psychologists and continues to evolve over time.

There are a number of physiological responses that can be monitored. This is achieved by using specialized instruments. Muscle tension, which is a common manifestation of apprehension, can be monitored by use of an instrument known as an electromyogram. Brain activity is determined by detecting alpha and delta waves using the encephalogram or EEG. Other biological processes that may be measured are heart rate, blood pressure and skin temperature.

Since the original signal is sub threshold, there is need to amplify it to a level that is detectable. Usually the level or amount of signal that is generated is proportional to the original. This means that a high level of muscle tension will result in a similarly high signal and vice versa. By studying this relationship, one can make adjustments to their bodies which in turn help in the alleviation of symptoms related to illnesses.

Over the years, the list of applications of biofeedback has continued to grow. Anxiety disorders are perhaps the commonest indication for this treatment. They include, among others, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Persons with these conditions are trained on how to relax and overcome the associated feelings of apprehension.

Apart from the psychiatric conditions, studies have established the benefit of the treatment in a number of medical conditions. Those that are related to panic states have shown a particularly good response. Asthma, for example, can be treated through monitoring with an electromyogram and instituting relaxation techniques to counter the symptoms. Relaxation in this case helps to reduce air resistance and to improve breathing. Other conditions treated in a similar manner include hyperactivity, bruxism, tension headaches, dysmenorrhea and hypertension.

To be successful, this treatment requires that patients participate actively in the maintenance of their wellbeing. They need to constantly examine their lives and make it their duty to identify any forms of behavior that may cause their distress. They need to acknowledge that they have the ability to alleviate the symptoms through their efforts. Commitment to the therapy is also very important.

An important thing on biofeedback therapy Santa Fe residents must know is that this treatment cannot be regarded by itself. It is frequently combined some psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapies and psychodynamic psychotherapies. At the same time, support from the rest of the family is central to the success of the process.




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