Questions and Answers about Biofeedback

HOW DOES BIOFEEDBACK HELP?

Many smokers use cigarettes as their drug of choice to control stress. Nicotine is the reason one continues to depend on cigarettes. Alone, nicotine without the dangerous smoke inhalation is a useful "psychoactive agent"- that is, a chemical which works on the brain. One of nicotine's main properties is to produce a unique form of internal relaxation to counter stress. You could compare nicotine to medical tranquilizers such as Valium or Xanax. The effect of stress is to produce changes in the body called emergency responses: rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, sweaty palms, digestive upsets, etc..

WHAT IS BIOFEEDBACK?

It is a clinically proven therapy that offers you, the patient, the opportunity to learn how to utilize the electrical energy signals created by your body actions to control and/or change an unhealthy body mechanism or habit.

HOW DOES IT HELP?

It teaches you how to self-regulate working parts of the body which, until recently, were thought to be beyond control. For example, headaches which are caused by a surplus of blood in the fine membrane covering the brain can be prevented or alleviated by learning how to send your blood to the outer skin areas through the Biofeedback technique of finger warming.

WILL IT HURT?

Definitely not. There is no pain or discomfort associated with Biofeedback treatment. Most patients find that after a training session there is a relaxed sensation, often accompanied by a true sense of accomplishment over progress achieved.

DOES ANYTHING ENTER MY BODY?

Again, no. Biofeedback therapy is not "invasive". No pills, no needles. In fact, Biofeedback therapy takes information out of the body!

IS IT GOOD FOR ALL DISEASES?

No, Biofeedback therapy is not a miraculous cure-all. It is a specific treatment for specific illnesses, based upon the scientific principles established by Pavlov on conditioning and learning, by Cannon on bodily reaction to stress, and other highly regarded professionals.

DOES IT CURE OR JUST RELIEVE SYMPTOMS?

Biofeedback is more than just a method of relieving tension temporarily, like taking aspirin for a headache. It indeed changes the basic body systems causing stress conditions. For example, through biofeedback training the excessive muscle spasms causing torticollis (wry neck) are brought under the patient's control.

ARE THE RESULTS PERMANENT?

Studies of many case histories have shown that the results are very long-lasting. Some indeed seem to be permanent so the smoker need never return to cigarettes to combat stress.

HOW IS BIOFEEDBACK THERAPY GIVEN?

In more sophisticated centers such ours, you are offered a direct one-to-one program carefully tailored by a trained therapist to match your personal ability to respond and progress successfully.

WHY CAN'T I JUST BUY A MACHINE AND DO IT MYSELF?

Biofeedback training is far more than merely learning to use a specific machine. It involves the understanding of your complex physiological system and learning procedures that are a part of both the human body and human nature. As response differs from individual to individual, yours must be understood and carefully interpreted by an experienced Biofeedback physician.

IF I AM IN PSYCHOTHERAPY, HOW WILL BIOFEEDBACK AFFECT ME?

Biofeedback is not an alternative to psychotherapy. However, many patients in traditional psychotherapy are benefited by Biofeedback in terms of general relaxation and more comfort.

IS IT LIKE HYPNOSIS?

No. Although sometimes suggestion is utilized to facilitate the learning procedure, Biofeedback is not a form of hypnosis.

ARE THERE CONDITIONS WHERE BIOFEEDBACK SHOULDN'T BE USED?

Biofeedback is remarkably safe. There are no instances of mortality (patient's death) from either Biofeedback training or application. Moreover, evidence shows that there are no reasons to be concerned about symptoms shifting to another part of your body.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER MEDICATION?

As stated previously, Biofeedback should be part of your smoking cessation regimen. Should medication be needed in your case, Biofeedback will neatly interface with whatever drug the Doctor prescribes.