Biofeedback Devices: How They Teach Us to Control Stress

In an era where stress is ubiquitous, Home biofeedback devices work by providing real-time feedback about physiological functions, typically heart rate, muscle tension, skin conductance, and brainwave patterns. By monitoring these signals, users can learn to control their body’s stress responses, leading to significant improvements in mental and physical health.

Biofeedback devices utilize sensors and monitors to track and display your body’s physiological state. This data is then fed back to you via sounds, images, or readings, which help you understand how your body reacts under stress. For example, a rise in skin conductance might indicate a stress response, signaling you to apply relaxation techniques.

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Celebrity Suicides Bring Light To A Hidden Problem

On June 5, 2018 fashion designer Kate Spade hung herself.  Her husband Andy said, “Kate suffered from depression and anxiety for many years.  The most recent stressor may have been her husband filing for divorce after 24 years of marriage.  This led to severe depression according to a Page-6 article by Yaron Steinbuch.

Soon after the death of Kate Spade Anthony Bourdain, celebrity cook, best-selling author of Kitchen Confidential and star of TV series A Cook’s Tour, and Parts Unknown, was found dead in a Paris hotel room.  He also apparently hung himself.

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The History of Muscle Dysfunction and SEMG

Jeffrey R. Cram, PhD and Maya Durie, MEd, CMT

Abstract

The history of muscle pain and dysfunction is viewed through the lens of a four factor theory of histologic (tissue related) issues, psychologic (emotional) issues, sensory motor (movement) issues and biomechanical (postural) issues. The historical antecedents of both bodywork and surface electromyography are reviewed.

Key words: Surface EMG, SEMG, bodywork, trigger points, posture, emotions, movement.

Note: Parts of this article have appeared in The History of SEMG, Jour App Psychophys and Biof, In Press.

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Is There a Neurofeedback Tsunami? (It is Synchrony.)

I think so and its name is Synchrony. Synchrony training is of great interest to many Neurofeedback practitioners. However, there seems to be a number of opinions about what synchrony means. We hope to add to the confusion by explaining our views. We will also explain why we feel synchrony training is an important part of Neurofeedback’s present and an even more important part of its future.

As multiple channel Neurofeedback systems come into fashion synchrony strategies will become critically important to this field. Stroebel, Fehmi, Green and others came to the view that there was a special relationship between EEG Synchrony and quality of some mind states in the early 70’s.

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Less Stress for the Holidays

The start of the holiday season is upon us. This should be a wonderful time to look forward to and yet many people experience this as one of the most stressful times of the year. What makes it stressful? The crowds and expense of shopping, the traffic, spending time with people who get on your nerves – shall I go on? I’m sure you could easily add to my list.

What can you do to make it less stressful?

Give thanks. The season starts with the Thanksgiving holiday. Take some time to actually give thanks for all of the things that you are blessed with. All of us kind find at least a few things to be thankful for. Here is a list of things you can pick through to find something that applies to you:

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Attention Or Sleep, Problems with Sleep related to ADHD

You wouldn’t want to have to make that choice for children. Many children diagnosed with ADHD are prescribed medications to help with the symptoms. Some popular medications in use are Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall. These medications are helping some people. The drug companies themselves are listing sleep problems as a possible side effect.

According to a November 23, 2015 online article in Pediatrics, research analysis led by Katherine Kidwell of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that children given stimulants tended to have sleep problems more often. One of the studies compared the sleep of children given methylphenidate (generic Ritalin) with children given a placebo. The children who took the generic Ritalin slept an average of 20 minutes less per night. They also found that taking a stimulant medication more often during the day caused a child to take longer to fall asleep at night.

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