Thursday, February 1, 2018

The Benefits of Biofeedback Therapy for Seniors


Biofeedback therapy is performed using muscle relaxation, mental exercises, and breathing. But how does this mind-body therapy work? Neuro-feedback therapy helps reduce a wide range of symptoms by lowering sympathetic arousal, which is done through changing and identifying certain mental activities and physical reactions. This acts as a natural headache remedy and a natural painkiller. 

Who benefits from Biofeedback Therapy? 
Conditions that are commonly treated with neuro-feedback therapies now include: 

-High blood pressure 
-Anxiety and depression 
-Eating disorders 
-TMJ symptoms (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) 
-Trouble sleeping or insomnia 
-Epilepsy 
-Autism spectrum disorders 
-Cancer recovery 
-Muscle tension or spasms 
-Heart disease 
-Urinary incontinence 
-Digestive symptoms including IBS, diarrhea, and constipation
-Migraine headaches 
-Muscle tension 
-And almost any other condition worsened by stress 

What relaxation techniques would benefit your loved one?: 

-Tensing every muscle in the body, one by one, then relaxing them. 
This technique can help take your mind off of images and anxiety-provoking thoughts.
-Prayer 
The appeal of a higher power calms and relaxes some people. 
-Massage 
A massage therapist will knead your body into a state of relaxation, which reduces stress, anxiety, and pain. Your loved one can try different techniques to see which are most effective. 
-Hypnosis 
The goal of hypnosis is to achieve a state of relaxed concentration. During this state, the mind is more receptive to suggestions which block the awareness of pain. Hypnosis can even change the sensation of pain into something positive. The hypnosis should be performed by a trained psychologist or psychiatrist. 
-Focusing on an image, concept, or word 
This technique can be used to take the mind off of anxiety or pain and focuses on something more calming such as the image of a child smiling, ocean sounds, or the thought of "I will get better".
-Biofeedback and relaxation 
Neuro-feedback involves electrical equipment used to help a person to learn how to control muscle tension, blood pressure, and heart rate. This method is commonly used in conjunction with other relaxation techniques. 
-Slow, rhythmic breathing 
This refocusing helps change thoughts of pain and anxiety into peaceful and positive images. 

The origin of biofeedback goes back to the 1970's. Neuro-feedback machines have come a long way since then, but for at least four decades, biofeedback care has focused on muscle tension, temperature, brainwaves, sleep and the cardiovascular system. Will you talk to your loved one about biofeedback therapy? 

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