What Is Biofeedback and the L.I.F.E. System?
The word 'biofeedback' was coined in the late 1969 to
describe laboratory procedures (developed in the 1940's) that trained research
subjects to alter brain activity, blood pressure, muscle tension, heart rate
and other bodily functions that are not normally controlled voluntarily.
Biofeedback is a training technique in which people are taught to improve their
health and performance by using signals from their own bodies.
One commonly used device, for example, picks up electrical
signals from the muscles and translates the signals into a form that people can
detect. This device triggers a flashing light or activates a beeper every time
muscles become more tense. If one wants to relax tense muscles, one must try to
slow down the flashing or beeping. People learn to associate sensations from
the muscle with actual levels of tension and develop a new, healthy habit of
keeping muscles only as tense as is necessary for as long as necessary. After
treatment, individuals are then able to repeat this response at will without
being attached to the sensors.
Other biological functions which are commonly measured and used in similar way to help people learn to control their physical functioning are skin temperature, heart rate, sweat gland activity, and brainwave activity.
Clinicians rely on complicated biofeedback machines in somewhat the same way that you rely on your scale or thermometer. Their machines can detect a person's internal bodily functions with far greater sensitivity and precision than a person can alone. This information may be valuable. Both clients and therapists use it to gauge and direct the progress of treatment.
Although most people initially viewed these practices with skepticism, researchers proved that many individuals could alter their involuntary responses by being 'fed back' information either visually or audibly about what was occurring in their bodies.
In addition, studies have shown that we have more control over so-called involuntary bodily functions than we once thought possible. As a result, biofeedback can train individuals with techniques for living a healthier life overall - whether one is afflicted with a medical condition or not.
Biofeedback is also providing real time information from psychophysiological recordings about the levels at which physiological systems are functioning. Electronic biofeedback devices are designed to record physiological functions non-invasively. Most record from the surface of the skin. The information recorded by surface sensors is frequently sent to a computer for processing and then displayed on the monitor and/or through speakers. The person being recorded and any therapist or coach who may be present can attend to the display of information and incorporate it into whatever process they are attempting to perform. The device does not send anything directly back into the person being recorded. The loop is completed only when the person being recorded attends to and uses the displayed information.
Psychophysiology studies interactions between the mind and body by recording how the body is functioning and relating the functions recorded to behavior. Changes in the body’s functioning cause changes in behavior and vice versa. Psychophysiological recording techniques are generally non-invasive. That is, they record from the body’s surface and nothing goes into the person being recorded. Psychophysiological recordings are frequently used to help assess problems with how the body is functioning.What is the L.I.F.E System?
The
LIFE System is an advanced electro-physiological biofeedback device used to
reduce stress and help muscles relax. Laboratory testing has proven the
positive effects of biofeedback for stress reduction, pain management and many
other conditions. The LIFE System also
works on an energetic level to clear blocks relating to physical, emotional,
mental and spiritual balance.
The
LIFE System is manufactured in the United States and is FDA Registered as a
Biofeedback Device. The LIFE System is
also certified and registered throughout the European Union as a Class 2A
medical instrument.
The LIFE System is used by thousands of trained and qualified practitioners:
- Acupuncturists
- Chiropractors
- Dentists
- Homeopaths
- Medical Doctors
- Nutritionists
- Psychologists
- Veterinarians
The LIFE System biofeedback device attempts to identify and record subtle, informational “stress potentials”, provided by the client during the assessment (“test”) procedure. The flow or blockage of this information reflects a profound system of communication that demonstrates the body-mind intelligence and inter-connection. The results are presented in the form of charts, numbers and text, making it easy for the technician and client to understand. The computer program evaluates each response and then challenges the individual with that information by feeding it back to them. The client uses this information as a self-regulating tool to re-define areas of stress and muscle tension in the body. This process assists the body’s self-corrective, natural defense mechanisms, by encouraging relaxation, balance and harmony.
Disclaimer: The LIFE System is designed to be used as a Bio-feedback, Stress Management and Muscle Relaxation Device. It is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure disease. Also, biofeedback technology personnel do not diagnose, treat, prescribe or claim to cure any disease. Clients are advised that they should consult their own medical professionals for the diagnosis, care and treatment of all health conditions.