Sunday, January 29, 2017

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is another treatment modality I use. It is very different from "talk therapy", so it may be something you have never done before, or even heard about. It is based on the biological connection between heart rate and numerous bodily functions and awareness, including emotions. It starts with a sensor that clips to your earlobe and measures your heart rate. The sensor also connects to my phone and I use a special application to do it (of course, because there is an application for everything these days). Using the sensor, the application calculates heart rate variability, which is the slight variation between heart beats; our heart does not beat nearly as regularly as we probably think.
The way we make changes if through our breathing. This isn't really meditation, although the theory behind it explains why meditation works. It isn't relaxation, although that often happens as a part of it. However, using controlled breathing, we can actually synchronize the systems in our body which brings us to a state of coherence, or balance if you will. Learning to get yourself into a state of coherence several times a day can help to reduce many psychological problems, including depression and anxiety. It is a great tool for stress management as well. Give me a call if you'd like to learn more! 901-486-5745

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