Biofeedback is another technology that evolves to help detect stress and facilitate in stress reduction. Biofeedback is a powerful stress treatment based on scientific observation that humans have natural abilities to control some of their body functions. People are trained on how to control their blood pressure and heart rate (blood pressure and heart rate will increase when we are stressed).
Examples of biofeedback therapy being used to help during stress reduction are:
* the ability to change hand temperatures by several degrees * altering and modulating your brain waves * reducing the frequency of asthmatic attacks * alleviating allergic reactions * managing pain * preventing migraine * reducing irritable bowel syndrome, tension headaches, and strokes
The biofeedback process actually makes use of a special tool that has sensors, which are used to get a reading on skin temperature, muscle contraction, and brain waves. The training begins by using a trial-and-error method, where eventually the person under treatment should be able to learn to control his/her responses to stress.
There are actually several types of biofeedback machines used to provide information regarding areas in your body affected by stress:
* Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) measures skin’s electrical conductivity as relative to its sweat gland activity. A lie detector is a type of GSR machine. When you lie, your palm produces sweat caused by anxiety, stress and nervousness.
* Electromyogram (EMG) is used to measure the tension in the muscles. Two sensors in the form of electrodes are taped onto the skin over the intended muscles for measure (for example, facial muscles). If there is any tension detected in the muscles, the device would beep, buzz, or flash a colored light. EMGs are also used to treat muscle pain, body aches, ulcers and asthma.
* Electroencephalogram (EEG) monitors the activity of the brain waves. It is also used to regulate the activity of the brain waves and relieve anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
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