Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as heart function, breathing, muscle activity, skin conductance (sweat gland activity) and hand temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately “feed back” information to the user. The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior — supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument.

-Definition adopted by BCIA, AAPB, and ISNR (May 18, 2008)

An important advantage of biofeedback is that the client is actively involved in the treatment by looking at the changes in body signals on a monitor, which promotes body awareness and the process of learning internal self-regulation skills.

Biofeedback has proven effective in the treatment of a variety of symptoms. For more information please view the list on the AAPB (Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback) website.