Biofeedback

Provided by: Healthwise
30% of users found this article helpful.

Biofeedback is a relaxation technique for learning to control a body function that is not normally under conscious control, such as skin temperature, muscle tension, heart rate, or blood pressure. Biofeedback techniques can be used to manage tension and migraine headaches, back pain, panic or anxiety attacks, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other conditions that are helped by reducing muscle tension and controlling other body functions.

Learning biofeedback requires practice in a lab or other setting under the guidance of a trained therapist. Home feedback units are also available.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: 06/27/2007

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