Things we can’t control: other people’s thoughts, traffic, and the weather. Things we can control: our own thoughts, how we treat others, and … the patterns and rhythms of our heart? Yep. We can actually learn to control bodily functions that are typically considered out of our control, like our breath and, yes, our heart rate. This control comes with benefits in all aspects of our health: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Welcome to biofeedback 101.
Biofeedback is a mind-body therapy. It teaches us how to change the way our body functions by measuring certain physiological signals and displaying the results. OK … so what, right? Well, that feedback is used to learn how to control different bodily functions in order to reap a variety of health and wellness benefits. Biofeedback also helps us become aware of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as they relate to those stats.
What are some of the benefits?
Biofeedback can help with issues like anxiety and depression, digestive problems, and pain, depending on what is being measured.
Common functions measured in biofeedback are:
– Breathing
– Heart rate
– Muscle activity
– Sweat
– Electrical brain activity
– Temperature
Gadgets and gizmos galore
Biofeedback therapy used to only be available in a clinical setting, but now there are lots of devices that can help us get the same benefits from home. Most of us are familiar with devices that track our heart rate—many of us even use them on a daily basis. The next big thing in biofeedback: wearable tech that tracks our electrical brain activity.
Ofc, Kourt is already into neurofeedback and introduced us to this super cool device. It’s also her 2022 holiday gift guide pick.
Muse - The Muse 2: The Brain Sensing Headband
Price: $250
“I’ve been learning about brain health for the past few months and have been doing neurofeedback sessions twice a week,” Kourt told us. “Since I started my neurofeedback sessions, I’ve been sleeping so deeply, with really vivid dreams. This item is a really cool tool that allows you to get the benefits of neurofeedback at home by analyzing your brain waves to help you learn how to meditate better.”
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
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