Relaxation Techniques - Biofeedback

Biofeedback has been defined as "the use of instrumentation to mirror psychophysiological processes of which the individual is not normally aware of and which may be brought under voluntary control". (Greenberg, 1999, p175). Biofeedback is a process to teach us to be sensitive of our physiological information and then learn to control it. Usually, a biofeedback instrument is used to measure the part of our body in which we are interested. For example, a basal body thermometer can give us information about a parameter of our body (our core temperature. When we are fed back information about our body processes, we can be taught to control these processes.

Benefits of Biofeedback

1. If we can control our physiological processes like blood pressure, brain waves etc., it can demonstrate that our controllability is greater than usual and can be developed.
2. In the doctor-patient interaction, the role of patient has been changed from passive to active; while the role of doctors have be changed from dominating to assisting.
3. Patient can learn to be more self-care, and thus reduce their dependency on doctors or medicines, as well as the medical expenditure.
4. Psychologists and other mental health experts can use physiological reactions to identify the symptoms of their patients. This can save the time in determining which counseling is needed.
5. Physiological aspects: It can change heart rate, brain wave, blood pressure, muscle tension, reduce migraine headache, ulcers, cerebral palsy, asthma, tinnitus, etc.
6. Psychological aspects: It can reduce phobias, anxiety, stage fright, insomnia, alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, hypertension, etc.

Limitations of Biofeedback

1. The availability of biofeedback equipment is usually confined to physicians, physical therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, researchers, and university personnel. In addition, it needs the supervision of trained and qualified professional when performing biofeedback. Thus, the use of biofeedback is not comprehensive.
2. The installation of accurate and speedy equipments is very expensive; the application of a qualified professional is much more expensive, too. Thus, the cost of performing biofeedback cannot be borne by everyone.
3. Biofeedback gives objective feedback only. In addition, it is impossible to measure our physiological changes by connecting ourselves to the biofeedback equipment all the times. Therefore, we have to use with other relaxation techniques in order to reduce our stress effectively.