Biofeedback

Definition: This is a technique where people are taught to consciously trigger the relaxation response and control involuntary stress responses from their autonomic nervous system. Through the use of electronic feedback measuring hand temperature and muscle tension, patients learn to monitor their physiological arousal levels and physically relax their bodies, actually changing their heart rate, brain waves, muscle contractions and more. (Feedback is presented through beeps, graphs or a computer screen that can be seen and heart by the participant.)