The History of Biofeedback Therapy
November 13, 2008 in Biofeedback
Biofeedback therapy is becoming a strongly backed treatment for stress-related symptoms, as well as symptoms of several other disorders and diseases that are non-stress-related. This form of therapy allows a person to monitor their autonomic reactions to stress with the assistance of a therapist or analyst, who can then train the individual to utilize certain techniques to relieve those symptoms without invasive treatments, drugs, or other more detailed forms of therapy. Where was biofeedback therapy developed, and what was the inspiration behind the process?
In the 1960’s, the first studies that showed apparent success in biofeedback therapy were conducted. Prior to this time, it was believed that autonomic reactions of the body – heart rate, brain waves, some muscular reactions, etc – were uncontrollable through conscious efforts. However, in these first important studies into biofeedback therapy, it was observed that Indian yoga masters were able to take conscious control of both their nervous systems and their metabolic rates.
The studies were conducted by The Veterans Administration Hospital in Sepulveda, California, and Elmer and Alice Green, who worked at the Menninger Foundation out of Topeka, Kansas, a clinic and research facility for mental illness. Upon finding the successful ability to control typical subconscious reactions like blood pressure and temperature, implementation of various studies utilizing biofeedback therapy were put in place, and it was found that, through techniques such as gradual muscular relaxation and imagery, a person could be taught to relax any symptoms of stress that negatively affected the health of the individual.
Upon later research, it was found that other diseases and disorders had symptoms that could be remedied as well as those caused by stress. Digestive disorders, epilepsy, and diabetes are among the many diseases and dysfunctions that have benefited from the use of biofeedback therapy. The ability to “see” into oneself and target the negative responses to specific stimuli has made the noninvasive treatment a growing interest in the medical community. Anytime a symptom can be remedied without the threats of surgery or medication, it is a medical breakthrough, and biofeedback therapy, which simply utilizes electric equipment to monitor your reactions through strategically placed sensors, is certainly at the top of the breakthrough list at this time.
As the process becomes more and more successful, it will be discussed in more mainstream applications, offering patients a simple, pain-free way to learn to control the affects of anxiety and stress that cause them to age early. Now, they can look younger than their years simply by relieving the stress of everyday life.
Part 3: How Biofeedback Therapy Works
Aubrey K. Ewing, Ph.D. said on November 13, 2008
Here is a recent press release from the Biofeedback Neurofeedback Alliance that your readers may find interesting.
“What is biofeedback?” question answered by leading scientific groups
Biofeedback has evolved from a fascination in the 1960s and 70s to a mainstream methodology today for treating certain medical conditions and improving human performance. This evolution has been driven by years of scientific research demonstrating that the mind and body are connected, and that people can be taught to harness the power of this connection to change physical activity and improve health and function. Public interest in biofeedback is growing, and with it the need for a clear answer to the question, “what is biofeedback?” The leading professional organizations representing the field have answered with the following standard definition, published earlier this month.
“Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately “feed back” information to the user. The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior — supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument.”
The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB), the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA), and International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) convened a task force of renowned scientists and clinicians in late 2007 who worked together to craft the standard definition. “It is important for people to have good information from sources they can trust when making decisions about what health care and performance improving methods to choose,” commented AAPB President, Aubrey Ewing, Ph.D. “We felt strongly that with more about biofeedback and its efficacy appearing in the media, and the potential for confusion arising from inaccurate use of the term, that a standard definition was necessary,” he added.
Biofeedback and has been shown to be an effective treatment for migraine and tension type headache, urinary incontinence, high blood pressure, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, and a number of other conditions. A growing body of research also suggests indicates that neurofeedback,(also known as brainwave EEG biofeedback) also known as neurofeedback, may be helpful is an effective treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and can help manage the symptoms of autistic spectrum disorders, brain injury, posttraumatic stress, seizures, and depression. Corporate executives, musicians, artists, and athletes, including some of the medal winners in this year’s Beijing Olympics, use biofeedback and neurofeedback to reach their peaks in competition and performance.
The mainstream of biofeedback and neurofeedback practitioners, as represented by AAPB, BCIA, and ISNR, follow a standard of care based on scientific evidence that supports the use of particular biofeedback and neurofeedback methods, instruments, and claims of efficacy. The standard definition is intended to help consumers and the media in recognizing legitimate practitioners and methods, and insurance companies and government agencies in making decisions about biofeedback and neurofeedback coverage and regulation.
About the Organizations
The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) is a membership organization founded in 1969. Its mission is to advance the development, dissemination, and utilization of knowledge about applied psychophysiology and biofeedback, and to serve as a resource for information and advocacy for the consuming public. AAPB is the professional home to a multidisciplinary community of clinicians, educators, and researchers who share a common interest in mind-body science. AAPB publishes the scientific journal, Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback and Biofeedback magazine. Contact: www.aapb.org, 303/422-8436.
The Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA) was formed in January 1981 to establish and maintain professional standards for the provision of biofeedback services and to certify those who meet these standards. BCIA is an autonomous, non-profit corporation whose policies and procedures are set by an independent board of directors, comprised of a rotating group of distinguished biofeedback clinicians, researchers, and educators. Contact: www.bcia.org, 303/420-2902.
The International Society for Neurofeedback & Research (ISNR) is a membership organization comprised of professional clinicians, researchers and technology companies from many countries and various professional disciplines doing neurotherapy, neurofeedback training and research. ISNR supports education and excellence in applying neuroscience technology to public health and well-being and works for acceptance of this discipline by the public and the health care community. The ISNR was founded in 1991. Contact: www.isnr.org, (800) 488-3867.