Healing Visualization is a
technique inspired by the principles of biofeedback, a therapeutic method in
which we become aware of our physiological processes by observing feedback from
these processes on a computer screen, and then exert conscious control over
them. In biofeedback therapy a patient uses the power of thought and concentration
to produce desirable physiological changes. A basic biofeedback exercise is to
consciously alter the peripheral skin temperature of the hands. While sitting
in front of a computer monitor that indicates their skin temperature, the
patient focuses their attention on lowering or raising the temperature of their
hands. Most adults are able to increase or decrease this at will by 1-5°C
(about 7°F).
Another biofeedback technique
attempts to slow down the heart rate. In this instance, a device that measures
average heartbeats per minute is connected to the patient’s chest, and they are
instructed to watch the monitor for variations in heartbeat and concentrate on decreasing
it. The instructions might be as simple as, “Concentrate on your heart and slow
it down. The computer will tell you when this is happening.” The patient
focuses their attention on making the heart beat more slowly, and this is
typically sufficient to obtain the desired change. Slowing the rhythmic
contractions of the heart is an efficient way to treat hypertension, anxiety,
and some circulatory conditions.
Headaches can be successfully
treated using biofeedback as well. One method involves connecting electrodes to
the muscles of the forehead and instructing the patient to relax these muscles,
using the signal on the monitor as a guide. Tension headaches are primarily caused
by contraction of the skull muscles, which leads to pressure and an excessive
accumulation of blood around the skull. By releasing these muscles, the patient
often experiences relief.
Although the equipment used in biofeedback therapy can be quite complex and sophisticated, the mental technique used to produce the desired physiological changes is surprisingly simple. More importantly, the high consistency most people exhibit in manipulating physiological functions provides assurance that these changes can be achieved even without biofeedback. If you attempt to lower your heart rate without the assistance of a computer monitor, there is a very high probability you will achieve it, even though you may not be consciously aware you have succeeded. There will be accompanying feelings of relaxation and a decrease in bodily tension, serving as indirect biofeedback and indicating that you are indeed making your heart beat more slowly. Likewise, you’ll know that you are relaxing your forehead muscles effectively if your headache becomes less intense. Often you can simply feel that the area of your body is responding to your concentrated thoughts.
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