In technical terms stress is a disruption of homeostasis, triggered by either real or perceived physical or psychological stimuli. Stress is something that occurs all the time and affects everyone one way or another at least some of the time. Stress can be a good thing. It can be a source of motivation to help get something done or help one to react quickly to a potentially dangerous situation. Too much stress however is detrimental to the body, mind and spirit. Since the effects of stress are so multi faceted and some of the negative results and symptoms of stress can be stressors in themselves; it is most beneficial to take a holistic approach to stress management. Biofeedback is one such holistic method of treatment.

Biofeedback operates on the notion that we have the innate ability and potential to influence the automatic functions of our bodies through the exertion of will and mind.

Biofeedback is not generally considered so much as a stress management technique as it is an aid in relaxation. Biofeedback is often used on athletes where electronic sensors to measure stress, and then feed the results of this measurement back to the athlete. This feedback may take the form of movement of a pen on a graph plotter, or may be by the pitch of sound coming through earphones. The feedback one receives then allows them to explore different methods or techniques of stress management and allows the individual to see or feel the effects. In this way you are able to then try different methods and compare results so that you find one best suited to your needs.

By helping you to become more attuned to your internal body functions, biofeedback teaches you and gives you the ability to control certain unhealthy conditions. There are three main approaches to biofeedback methods. One is skin temperature. During times of stress adrenaline is produced. Adrenaline diverts the flow of blood from the surface of the body to the core to prepare it for fight or flight. As less warm blood is going to the surface a drop in temperature can be observed. Another method involving the skin is to measure the electrical activity. When you sweat, and you sweat more during times of stress your skin becomes damp. Damp skin conducts electricity more effectively than skin that is dry. Biofeedback measures the amount of electricity conducted between two electrodes on the skin. Muscle electrical methods measure the electrical activity of muscles under the surface of the skin. This is useful in measuring the tension of these muscles.

Some methods of relaxation or visualization techniques lack definitive form or are too vague for some people to grasp. Biofeedback can convert these vague feelings into hard, observable information, allowing one to fully grasp and fined tune the use of certain stress management techniques. As stated earlier these methods are often used on athletes but are not limited to their use alone. Biofeedback therapy is not recommended for those who experience severe psychosis or those who suffer from certain medical conditions.