If you have ever felt your heart race or your palms sweat before speaking in front of a crowd, you can thank your nervous system. People do not consciously control their heart rate or perspiration; however, many know that breathing deeply and slowly counteract the symptoms of nervousness. Biofeedback involves examination and treatment methods that determine the cause of these involuntary actions to help the patient regain control over them.
Biofeedback treatment is available at Aceso Natural Medicine in Plainfield, Joliet, Naperville and the surrounding area. Under the direction of Dr. Michael R. Smith, our team will use biofeedback to help identify the cause of involuntary functions in the body that hinder one's quality of life. By being aware of how the body reacts, a person can learn coping strategies to counteract negative consequences.
Call us at 815-782-3974 to schedule an appointment and learn more about the benefits of biofeedback today.
Biofeedback techniques work by training the mind and body to intercept sympathetic nervous system activity. The implications of unchecked adrenaline response from severe anxiety on the cardiovascular system alone can lead to irreversible damage over time. Side effects from biofeedback are generally rare and minimal.
As noninvasive therapy, biofeedback has many potential benefits. One of the most significant advantages of this type of therapy is that the patient is training their body to heal itself by interrupting a destructive cycle. Common benefits of biofeedback for patients can include:
Relaxation exercises are another method used by therapists to help patients in their training. The positive effects may be quickly evident when muscle tension is alleviated by breathing more deeply and practicing muscle relaxation techniques. Those with insomnia are frequently encouraged to use progressive muscle relaxation to fall asleep more quickly and easily, leading restorative sleep and improved health.
Biofeedback has been successfully used to treat many conditions, ranging from ADHD to treatment for the effects of chemotherapy. It can be used to manage both mental and physical ailments safely. Patients may employ it when dealing with any of these:
An example of how biofeedback can intercept the ripple effects of the sympathetic nervous system and promote healing is stress-induced migraine headaches. When the body is tense, the muscles tighten and the person takes more shallow breaths. The shallow breaths reduce oxygen intake and prolong the fight-or-flight reaction, which in turn raises blood pressure and pulse rate. The tense muscles, combined with the reduced oxygen, can trigger severe headaches.
Without addressing the root cause, the cycle can continue, causing recurring migraines. Biofeedback trains the patient to recognize the early signs. By using professionally guided techniques, the patient can learn to recognize the triggers, spot the early symptoms and employ natural methods to stop the cycle before it leads to pain.
As a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Michael R. Smith, ND, BCB can utilize biofeedback with other treatment techniques to help promote lasting healing.
While biofeedback can work in conjunction with necessary medications, this therapy does not always involve the use of drugs. Without the use of drugs, it is possible to help decrease the risk of potential drug side effects or overuse. There are several tools and techniques used by naturopathic therapists and physicians in the practice of biofeedback.
Different methods may be more beneficial than others for a particular illness. Some complementary approaches may enhance the results when used together. In a biofeedback session, electrodes will be attached to the skin and wires or leads transmit information back to a monitoring box.
Arriving at the optimal treatment plan is a trial-and-error process. By observing the results of different treatments, the therapist can select ones beneficial for the patient.
There are three most commonly used types of biofeedback therapy. Thermal feedback, done with a thermometer, measures skin temperature. Electromyography (EMG) measures muscle tension and can diagnose problems with the muscles, the motor neurons or nerve-to-muscle communication.
Neurofeedback or electroencephalography (EEG) measures electrical patterns in the brain. Thermal feedback can help in the treatment of headaches or Reynaud's syndrome, where spasms in the arteries of the hands or feet cause coldness and numbness. EMGs have proven to be useful for muscle injuries, incontinence and stress disorders.
EEGs are most commonly used to diagnose and treat seizure disorders due to stroke or epilepsy and are also part of biofeedback treatment for ADHD.
If you want to take an active role in your healing, contact our office for an appointment. Call us at 815-782-3974 to begin the first steps toward healing and a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Michael R. Smith, ND, BCB and our team will address any concerns or questions to help you receive the care you need with biofeedback.
Aceso Natural Medicine is located at
23501 W. Clark Street
Plainfield, IL
60586