Bio and neurofeedback have been growing in popularity as a form of treatment for their reported physical and mental health benefits. They are non-invasive, free of medication, and can treat a variety of health problems.
Understanding what these kinds of feedback are, how they differ, and what they are used for is an important first step in deciding whether they are the right treatment fit.
What is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback gives providers information about vitals and bodily functions. It measures heart rate, respiration, tension, skin temperate blood flow, and pressure. Biofeedback can make patients more aware of how their body works, what emotional states and environments affect certain symptoms, and help reduce stress on the body.
Biofeedback can help reduce symptoms of stress-related disorders such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Muscle tension
- Insomnia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Heart Palpitations
- High Blood Pressure
- Nerve pain
- Addiction
How Does Biofeedback Work?
Biofeedback works by tracking bodily functions with sensors. These are placed on the body to track a number of involuntary functions regulated by the autonomic nervous system. Biofeedback looks at how stress and lifestyle choices influence involuntary activity. This can help teach self-regulation and achieve relief of symptoms. It can also teach patients how to prevent stress from affecting their bodies.
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback. It helps make patients aware of their brainwaves based on emotional states and develop healthy patterns of brainwaves.
Slower brainwaves are associated with deep sleep, relaxation, and stress reduction, while faster brain waves are associated with deep focus and awareness.
Neurofeedback can support several neurological conditions and mental health disorders. Some of these include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Autism
- Insomnia
- Addiction / Cravings
- Increase brain performance for athletes
For example, someone with anxiety may benefit from increasing slower brainwaves to help them relax. While someone who struggles to focus may benefit from increasing fast brainwaves such as Gamma and Beta.
How Does Neurofeedback Work?
Neurofeedback works similarly to biofeedback except sensors are placed on the head and functions of the brain are examined. Brainwave therapy measures levels of blood flow and oxygen to the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and other areas. It also measures the speed and size of different brainwaves associated with various functions. The primary brainwaves measured include:
- Gamma: focus & concentration
- Beta: alertness, and increased cognition
- Alpha: relaxation and creativity
- Theta: increased memory
- Delta: deep sleep
Differences Between Biofeedback & Neurofeedback
| Bio vs Neurofeedback | Biofeedback | Neurofeedback |
| Functions Observed | Heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, respiration, | Brainwave frequency, size of brainwaves, blood flow in key regions of the brain |
| Applications | IBS, high blood pressure, insomnia, nerve pain, muscle tension | Anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, sleep problems |
Which One Do You Need?
Understanding the key differences between these forms of feedback can help decide which one would benefit you. If you are struggling with physical health problems such as muscle tension, stomach problems, or nerve pain, biofeedback may be a better choice. Biofeedback can also be used as a supplemental therapy for anyone who struggles with high blood pressure, sleep problems, or respiratory issues.
Neurofeedback is designed for if you are struggling with neurological issues or mental health problems. It can help discover areas of the brain that are working inefficiently and teach patients to learn to control certain brain waves that can help them manage symptoms.
Neurofeedback Solutions in Utah
Harper Clinic is a state-of-the-art functional medicine clinic treating mental & physical health problems by focusing on the root of sickness and healing the brain-gut connection.
We offer revolutionary therapies such as Bio and Neurofeedback to increase brain performance and support several mental & physical health problems.
