BIOFEEDBACK involves the use of sensitive instruments to monitor various physiological functions while simultaneously feeding data back to the person in a way that is easy to understand. This enables the individual to become aware of various aspects of body and mind that are normally thought to be unconscious and involuntary. With awareness and practice comes the ability to self-regulate, thereby empowering the individual to heal and grow.
Peripheral or Autonomic Biofeedback involves the Sympathetic (SNS) and Parasympathetic (PNS) branches of the Autonomic Nervous System. EEG biofeedback addresses the brain and central nervous system.
Various sophisticated computer programs such as Journey To Wild Divine, Freeze Framer, and Relax-Rejuv, make learning fun and easy. Biofeedback modalities used at Mind Spa include the following:
Thermal Biofeedback or Temperature Training. Practiced on finger tips. Used with autogenic training and visualization. Promotes relaxation and passive volition.
Electrodermal Response (EDR). Also called skin response or Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). An excelent measure of moment-to-moment responses to internal or external stimuli.
Electromyography (EMG). A measure of muscle tension. Useful for training muscles to relax or to activate following injury and disuse.
Blood Volume Pulse. Signal related to Thermal Biofeedback. Usually recorded from the finger using a photoplethismograph to show changes in blood flow.
Respiration. Useful for training diaphragmatic breathing. Uses Strain Gauges or metronomes.
Heart Rate Variability. Measures variations in beat-to-beat intervals involving balance between SNS and PNS and emotions.
Hemoencephalography (HEG). Feeds back data on blood flow into the brain. A form of neurofeedback.
Electroencephalography. EEG Biofeedback. Also called neurofeedback or neurotherapy. Described on next page.
EEG-Driven photic stimulation or electromagnetic stimulation. ROSHI feedback system. Very robust.
Audio-visual Stimulation (AVS), Cranial Electrical Stimulation (CES), and Infratonic QGM, devices are sometimes used to enhance therapeutic response.
