Biofeedback includes many forms – skin temperature, heart rate variability, skin conductance, EEG, surface EMG or muscle tension forms of biofeedback, and several others. It works by feeding back information to you about how some aspect of your bio-physiology is functioning and then you can learn to change it in ways that treat specific conditions or to generally improve health and wellbeing. Research has shown biofeedback to be effective for numerous disorders, and it has been endorsed by the prestigious National Institute of Health (NIH). Applications for biofeedback training include hypertension, stress, tension headaches, migraine headaches, anxiety, pain management, Raynaud’s syndrome, test anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome and insomnia. Biofeedback is often combined with breath training which together lower the autonomic nervous system arousal that underlies or exacerbates many different conditions. Through computer based feedback it teaches people how to control the stress response, i.e.”fight or flight” response, of their mind and body, thereby freeing themselves from conditioned reactivity. Biofeedback is essentially a self-empowering training that allows you to take hold of the keys to your mind and body and the ways they respond to life.
In addition to the clinical applications of biofeedback, it is often used as a part of peak performance training and meditation training as well. Many Olympic athletes routinely use biofeedback training as part of their overall training regimen.
Dr. Edwards has been doing biofeedback and neurofeedback training with children and adults since 1997. His work also includes training elite swimmers and other athletes. One powerful form of biofeedback based on controlling heart rate variability is used extensively in clinics and for peak performance training for athletes and artistic performers. Dr. Edwards provides this training in his office and also recommends home training packages.