Why Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is an exciting choice for those wanting to improve their lives. It is often used in place of "traditional" medical practices (especially as an alternative to the use of prescription drugs) for a broad spectrum of disorders including, but not limited to: ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disorders. Biofeedback is used to alleviate stress, boost academic performance, and to teach relaxation skills. Although biofeedback is a relative newcomer to the fields of medicine, education, and other relevant fields, there is a growing body of research that indicates it's efficacy is quite significant and yet it often struggles to gain acceptance due to the fact that many of its practices fly in the face of those propagated by established, and highly lucrative, businesses (especially drug manufacturers). Obviously, big pharmaceutical companies stand to lose considerable revenue should consumers recognize the potential that biofeedback currently has to offer.

Pharmaceutical Companies

Unlike pharmaceutical companies and their cohorts in the medical field, the use of biofeedback is not currently regulated to the same extent - nor should it be. At the moment, consumers are able to seek out and purchase a variety of biofeedback devices - and are often able to do so with the advice and consent of medical professionals - for personal use. While many of these devices are extremely simple to use, others are not. This site is designed as a support for those using such devices in the home.

Biofeedback vs. "Traditional" Approaches

One of the problems that biofeedback has faced in being accepted by some of those in the "traditional" medical and educational communities, is that it was often associated with the psychedelic culture of the 1960's when biofeedback was first beginning to be subjected to legitimate research. At that time, many were using biofeedback as an attempt to gain "alternative states of mind" and, sadly, this has impacted the opinions of many today. Time and continued research; however, have consistently demonstrated that biofeedback is a highly effective form of therapy that can enhance the lives of many. Furthermore, many (but not all) of the old biases against it are simply unfounded and undeserved.

Sorting Through the Biofeedback Quagmire

There are now many places on the Internet to find information on biofeedback. These sites range from those dedicated entirely to professionals conducting research to "new agey" sites that (often rightfully) scare away even the most progressive individuals due to the large amount of bogus and flawed "research" and false claims. With such an enormous amount of material to sift through, it is extremely easy for biofeedback newbies to get lost in the chaos. Hopefully, this site will help "home trainers" to make some sense of the biofeedback maelstrom.

Site Overview

This site is divided into several sections in order to better assist home trainers. These sections include:

• Biofeedback - Provides an overview of the various types of biofeedback now available and serves as a gateway for additional information.
• Equipment Reviews - Find out what other home (and other) users have to say about the equipment they own.
• Book Reviews - Sorting through books written on the subject can be a daunting task. Submit your opinions and read what others have to say.
• Glossary - As with any other new field or discipline, biofeedback has an ever-expanding lexicon. To further complicate matters, different terms are often used to describe the same thing.
• Forum - Communicate with other home trainers.
• Resources - Looking for equipment or supplies? We're compiling lists of those who cater to home trainers.
• About Biofeedback Home Trainers - Just a blurb about who we are, disclaimers, and other such matters.