Biofeedback training allows people to learn to voluntarily control certain physiological processes by viewing on a monitor different physiological functions, such as heart rate, breathing patterns, muscle tension, blood pressure, and even brain wave activity.
At PNBC, we specifically offer Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback, using medical-grade equipment by Thought Technology. HRV biofeedback provides visual information regarding heart beat patterns and respiration via placements of a finger pulse and respiration monitors. Through HRV biofeedback training, patients learn to change the heart beat patterns and variability between heart beats through breath control. Effective emotional regulation require flexibility in adapting one’s physiological response to stressful situations. HRV biofeedback is an effective tool to gain greater awareness into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, and gain greater control over those responses.
HRV biofeedback has been shown to be effective as an conjunctive treatment for a number of medical and psychological conditions, including: Depression, anxiety, panic disorder, chronic pain, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, and asthma. It is also used to enhance athletic performance.
A good article regarding the science behind HRV biofeedback can be found at the following link:
Scholarly paper by Paul Lehrer, PhD and Richard Gevirtz, PhD explaining the scientific basis of heart rate variability: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4104929/