Biofeedback is a alternative therapy and mind/body technique that enables a person to influence involuntary physical functions. Biofeedback uses high-tech electronic equipment readings to give auditory, verbal and visual information back to a person as to how the body is working. The technique trains people to improve their health by controlling certain body processes that normally happen involuntarily such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension and skin temperature.

Tom North is hooked up with biofeedback sensors at the HeartMath Institute.

The patient is wired with sensors and body processes are displayed on a monitor. Biofeedback practitioners interpret changes in the computer readings and help the patient learn special mental exercises to help stabilize erratic and unhealthy biological functions.

Although primarily used for blood pressure, biofeedback is an effective therapy for many conditions including tension headache, migraine headache, chronic pain and insomnia. Many people choose biofeedback over drugs because of the lack of side effects. For example, with practice, biofeedback can allow one to influence the part of the nervous system that regulates the dilation of blood vessels that contribute to migraine symptoms.