What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a method to visualize and train physiological activity that results from the mind-body interface. By using these signals as real-time feedback, people can learn to become aware of usually unconscious processes, thereby being able to self-regulate physiological processes in order to improve health. 

The ultimate goal of biofeedback is to gain more control over physiological processes and influencing behavior that leads to misbalances in these processes. Biofeedback is about reaching optimal health across physical, mental and emotional states. It focuses on treating the cause of health problems, rather than treating symptoms.

Research shows that biofeedback, alone and in combination with other behavioral therapies, is effective for treating a variety of medical and psychological disorders. Please see the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) review of efficacy ratings for an overview of biofeedback and neurofeedback applications.     

Neurofeedback is a specific application of biofeedback to visualize and train the electrical activity of the brain, the electroencephalography(EEG). Through visualization of the EEG people learn to better self-regulate their brain activity, according to the principle of operant conditioning. 

Neurofeedback is a non-pharmacological and non-invasive method for training brainwaves. It focuses on optimizing the brain, rather than suppressing symptoms like medication does. With successful neurofeedback training, the medications targeting brain function may be reduced or no longer required.  

Neurofeedback, sometimes referred to as EEG biofeedback, neurotherapy or cognitive enhancement, addresses brain disregulation. To get a full physiological view and insights in mind-body interaction, true power lies in combining neurofeedback with other physiological signals like Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Skin Conductance (SC/GSR).

Research shows that neurofeedback, alone and in combination with other behavioral therapies, is effective for treating several attention related problems and sleep disorders. Please see this review from the International Society for Neurofeedback & Research (ISNR) for more information.