What is Biofeedback?

Simply put, biofeedback is the process of applying monitoring devices to otherwise automatic bodily functions. We then take what we learn from these tools (the feedback) and utilize that information to train the individual or the body to acquire voluntary control of those functions so that healthy and functional changes can occur. Biofeedback involves gathering information about the autonomic nervous system through the use of heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, blood flow, skin conductivity, heart rate variability, or EEG (brain wave readings). 

Here is a quick breakdown of the autonomic nervous system; it has two parts:

1. The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), colloquially known as our fight/flight/freeze response.

2. The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) or the rest/digest/relax response.

In a healthy system, these two branches should ebb and flow as needed. However, in our modern life with high stress, lack of sleep, excess of work, trauma, anxiety, depression, and pain, many people develop dysfunction in the balanced ebb and flow of these two systems, more commonly getting stuck in a sympathetic dominant or “stress-response” state.

Biofeedback is a therapy commonly used to help treat trauma of all types (physical, mental, or emotional), anxiety, sleep disturbances, pain (both acute or chronic), mind-body medicine, and a variety of mood disorders.

At Revive, we previously used a treatment device under the guidance of Dr. Derek Andre called the Chrysalis. It is a biofeedback instrument that utilizes temperature variability to measure nervous system input and then passively treats the body with incredibly subtle electromagnetic energy (imperceivable by most) to help retrain and balance an overactive nervous system. While the treatment is gentle, the results can be profound. What is the goal? To gently guide your nervous system out of dysfunctional patterns that have been learned over time due to various reasons such as pain, trauma, mal-adapted behaviors, stress, etc.

Imagine walking out of your house with food in your teeth. You may never know that there is food in your teeth until you look in the mirror; only when you become aware of the issue can you make the change you desire. Biofeedback is the mirror.

Why did we use Biofeedback?

Biofeedback can facilitate navigating barriers that can get in the way of a successful treatment, whether for trauma, mood disorders, sleep, gut dysfunction, pain, or weight loss. It can be utilized to address stress and overwhelm, destructive behaviors, traumatic triggers, and other subtle components that can often derail us from getting well. The simple answer is that it seems to coordinate your body and brain to work towards a more functional goal. It can be used in many different areas, and many types of tissue for many purposes and can provide local and systemic effects.

What does the literature say?

A consensus paper in 2015 on neurofeedback suggested high-level evidence for biofeedback in constipation, levator ani syndrome, and fecal incontinence.1

A consensus paper in 2016 supported the use of biofeedback for pain in rehabilitation. 2 

A review of Biofeedback and neurofeedback for anxiety and mood disorders showed numerous randomized control studies that revealed benefits for PTSD, generalized anxiety and major depressive disorder. 3 Interestingly, in major depressive disorder, biofeedback was studied compared to normal treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy. It showed that adding biofeedback allowed subjects to improve significantly faster. 

Biofeedback Benefits 

• Non-invasive

• No anesthesia required

• Painless

• Generally, quick treatment periods

• No need for re-hashing details of traumatic history

• A high rate of patient satisfaction

• Easy adjunct to other treatments and also a stand-alone therapy

• Versatile for physical and mental or emotional ailments

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