According to the American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, the term "biofeedback" refers to:

"The technique of using monitoring devices to furnish information regarding an autonomic bodily function, such as heart rate or blood pressure, in an attempt to gain some voluntary control over that function."

Biofeedback encompasses a very broad field that uses devices ranging from those that train brainwaves, with a solid grounding in science and research, to a large number of "new agey" gadgets. One of the problems that home trainers face is sorting out fact from fiction, what they want to do, how they want to do it, and then how to go about accomplishing their goals. Then, they must decide if they want to use only well researched techniques or if they want to experiment - just for "fun." The dilemma is, of course, rather mind boggling (no pun intended) and can lead many neophytes to a state of total confusion before they even begin. While some home trainers have the advantage of working with professional therapists who can guide them, others do not. Furthermore, the vast amount of materials available (especially on the Internet), along with the ever-expanding body of research on biofeedback, certainly doesn't make matters any easier. It is hoped that this site will help biofeedback newbies sort through the overwhelming amount of material already available.

In order to assist biofeedback newbies, this section will be divided into three distinct parts; these are:

• Biofeedback/Neurofeedback - includes most of the traditional approaches
• Audio/Visual & Other Entrainment Approaches/Techniques - use of various audio and visual (especially light) to alter brainwave patterns
• Other Treatment/Healing Modalities - these run the gamaut from very ancient practices to controversial new age ideas

Biofeedback/Neurofeedback

This form of "biofeedback" includes those types of training that are, arguably, some of the most familiar to the general population. It is important to note that professionals distinguish between the two terms: "biofeedback" tends to be the most encompassing, while the term "neurofeedback" refers specifically to the training of brainwaves. Click on each item below for detailed information on each:

• Neurofeedback (EEG) - As just noted, neurofeedback strives to allow trainers to consciously alter/enhance/inhibit brainwaves.
• Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) - This treatment modality measures the electrical resistance of the skin and is one of the oldest forms of biofeedback as it is known today.
• Heart Rate Variability (HRV) - As its name implies, this form of biofeedback measures heart rate variability. This is an area that is relatively new to the field, is less expensive than EEG training, and holds much promise as an effective form of biofeedback.
• Hemoencephalography (HEG) - Another very new but promising form of biofeedback, HEG can measure (dependent upon the type of equipment being used) the level of oxygen currently found in the blood feeding feeding the brain (with higher levels usually being considered as "better") or the temperature of the blood found in the region of the forehead. This technology also appears to hold a lot of promise.
• Breathing Techniques - like all of the forms already discussed, the intent of bio/neurofeedack is to consciously change automatic bodily functions for specific reasons. The ability to breathe properly has already recieved a lot of research and can be used to enhance the efficacy of most other types of biofeedback.

Audio/Visual & Other Entrainment Approaches/Techniques

The following devices and techniques are not considered to be "biofeedback" modalities, per se, as they do not provide any feedback. Rather, they attempt to alter many of the same things as biofeedback (brainwaves, heart rate, GSR, etc.) but are passive. This means that using these devices may help to achieve similar outcomes as biofeedback. So far, the effects of some of these devices (with the exception of CES) appears to be rather temporary but may serve as effective adjuncts to the forms of bio/neurofeedback already mentioned.

The term "entrainment" refers to the ability for the brain to automatically align itself with various types of wave forms (electrical, light, sound, etc.). While this may sound rather bizarre, there is a lot of science to back up the fact that entrainment is one way to achieve specific outcomes and also appears to have many uses.

Some of the most common forms are:

• Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) - involves passing a very LOW level of electrical current through the the brain. Unlike the use of ECT (electro convulsive therapy) - the rather violent treatment of electroshock treatment that is often depicted in movies, CES devices are often very small and battery powered (in many cases, using just one nine volt battery). The amount of electricity is sometimes so low that nothing, literally, can be felt. Currently, there is just one such device that has been approved for use in the United States by the FDA. Interestingly, this device, is available in other countries without a prescription.
• Audio Visual Stimulation (AVS or “Light and Sound Machines”) - AVS is a fascinating form of entrainment that uses flashing LEDs (light emitting diodes) and sound to alter brainwaves. While this has been shown to be effective for quickly achieving certain states, the sole use of AVS may may not have lasting effects. Just the same, many people have found AVS to be useful and it can also be lot of fun!
• The Use of Binaural Beats (auditory stimulation only) - requires software, recorded materials, or devices that generate very specific sounds to entrain brainwaves. As a rule, sound is processed by the brain far faster than any of the other senses and has been shown to be useful for many purposes. Click on the link to find out more about this fascinating form of entrainment.

Other Treatment/Healing Modalities

Interestingly, entrainment has been achieved for thousands of years using a variety of often strange methods. While some of these ancient methods are still being used (and/or being rediscovered), science is beginning to recognize that many ancient practices are; indeed, highly effective, although much remains to be learned.

Another area of interest to some include related "new agey stuff" but, if one is willing to sift through much of the "bad science" that abounds in these circles and seek out sound (no pun intended) ideas, there may be some exciting things waiting to be discovered.

• Ancient Practices - ranging from use of music to shamanistic sound healing, there appears to be some interesting information that may be highly applicable to biofeedback.
• New Age Stuff - some of the most bizarre and just plain weird ideas pertaining to the use of "energy healing," force fields, and other such things are found here. Even so, there may be merit to some of these ideas, even though there is also a lot of "garbage" to filter through first in order to get to real substance.