• Beta (awake)
• Alpha (calm relaxation)
• Theta (light sleep)
• Delta (deep sleep)

Since alpha waves are commonly observed during relaxation, the researchers thought that patients could relief from anxiety, insomnia and perhaps epilepsy by learning to increase their alpha wave activity. But further research showed that alpha training is only useful if it is combined with other therapies. These days, insomniacs are taught to control theta waves, and epileptics have found relief by monitoring waves produced during seizures. As technology advances, EEG may be used for other neurological diseases.

Other biofeedback machines can monitor heart rate and blood pressure, both of which change in response to stress, arrhythmia and hypertension. You can purchase biofeedback instruments to use at home, though the most affordable are the type that monitor only one system, such as temperature.

Biofeedback is more effective if you combine it with relaxation techniques, self hypnotism and psychotherapy. In this way you not only learn how to control your reactions to stress but you can explore the causes of the stress and your thoughts and behavior that contribute to it.

See Also:

Electromyogram (EMG)

Temperature Biofeedback

Galvanic skin response (GSH) or Electrodermal Response (EDR)

[Biofeedback Home][Stress Management] [Other Alternative Therapies] [Holisticonline Home]