What Is Biofeedback?
The experimental data to support the feasibility of learned control of our physiology
through biofeedback first appeared in the 1950s. In 1961, experimental psychologist
Neal Miller proposed that the involuntary nervous system was trainable, contrary to
beliefs about human physiology at the time. As psychologists and physiologists con-
tinued this research, it became clear that dramatic gains could be achieved by using
biofeedback information to assist people suffering from specific conditions, including
headaches, ulcers, hypertension, and many other stress-related illnesses. The result
of this work was the creation of biofeedback therapy, now widely used by both con-
ventional and alternative practitioners. With the advent of computers, the technol-
ogy has become even more powerful.
Biofeedback does not belong to any particular field of heath care but is used in
many disciplines including nursing, psychology, social work, chiropractic, medicine,
dentistry, physical therapy, rehabilitation, psychiatry, respiratory therapy, occupa-
tional therapy, physician assistant, exercise physiology, and sports medicine. Since
1980, all biofeedback therapists must have certification from the Biofeedback
Certification Institute of America (BCIA). Licensed RNs are accepted with an AA
degree, while all other applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in one of
the approved health care fields. Certification requires 60 hours in instructional
biofeedback education as well as 140 hours in clinical experience. When applicants
meet the requirements, they are allowed to sit for a qualifying examination that
consists of both written and practical assessment. The BCIA provides directories of
certified practitioners throughout the United States.How Does Biofeedback Work?
The nervous system has two major components—voluntary and involuntary or
autonomic. The voluntary component is totally under a person’s control. If someone
decides to stand, the brain sends a message to the appropriate muscle groups, and
the person stands. In contrast, the autonomic nervous system functions without con-
scious thought. Although people may be able to change their rate of respiration, for
example, they are not able to stop breathing indefinitely.
People receive biofeedback from their bodies all the time. When they do not eat,
they feel hungry. When they run, they get winded. When they experience stress,
their muscles tense. Other types of biofeedback are more difficult to discern. With the
use of technology, however, people can learn to adjust their thought processes to
control bodily processes such as blood pressure, temperature, muscle tension,242 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TOALTERNATIVE MEDICINE