biofeedback

[bahy-oh-feed-bak] /ˌbaɪ oʊˈfidˌbæk/

noun

a method of learning to control one's bodily functions by monitoring one's own brain waves, blood pressure, degree of muscle tension, etc.

the feedback thus obtained.

Origin

1970-75; bio- + feedback

Examples from the web for biofeedback

Everything from drugs to yoga and biofeedback remain on the table.
Many studies have demonstrated that biofeedback is effective for reducing migraine headache frequency.
To date, relaxation training and biofeedback have the strongest evidence for improvement in tension-type headache outcomes.
Acupuncture, hypnosis, and biofeedback are all alternative ways to control pain.
biofeedback may be combined with relaxation techniques.
Some patients have found biofeedback and self-hypnosis to be effective at reducing the frequency of migraine attacks.
biofeedback and electrical stimulation may be helpful for those who have trouble doing pelvic muscle training exercises.
Non-medication methods, including biofeedback and muscle relaxation techniques may be helpful.
Relaxation methods include deep breathing, biofeedback, and meditation techniques.
Acupuncture, hypnosis and biofeedback are all alternative ways to control pain.

British Dictionary definitions for biofeedback

biofeedback

/ˌbaɪəʊˈfiːdbæk/

noun

(physiol, psychol) a technique for teaching the control of autonomic functions, such as the rate of heartbeat or breathing, by recording the activity and presenting it (usually visually) so that the person can know the state of the autonomic function he or she is learning to control Compare neurofeedback

Word Origin and History for biofeedback

also bio-feedback, 1969, from bio- + feedback. Said to have been coined by U.S. psychologist and parapsychologist Gardner Murphy (1890-1975).

biofeedback in Medicine

biofeedback bi·o·feed·back (bī'ō-fēd'bāk')
n.
A training technique that enables a person to gain some element of voluntary control over autonomic body functions. It is based on the principle that a desired response is learned when received information indicates that a specific thought or action has produced the desired response.

biofeedback in Science

biofeedback

(bī'ō-fēd'bāk')
The technique of using monitoring devices to obtain information about an involuntary function of the central or autonomic nervous system, such as body temperature or blood pressure, in order to gain some voluntary control over the function. Using biofeedback, individuals can be trained to respond to abnormal measurements in involuntary function with specific therapeutic actions, such as muscle relaxation, meditation, or changing breathing patterns. Biofeedback has been used to treat medical conditions such as hypertension and chronic anxiety.

biofeedback in Culture

biofeedback [(beye-oh-feed-bak)]

A training technique by which a person learns how to regulate certain body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, or brain wave patterns, that are normally considered to be involuntary. The person learns by watching special monitoring instruments attached to the body that record changes in these functions.

Note: Biofeedback has had some success in the treatment of such disorders as chronic headaches and back pain.