A term first used in the 1960s, biofeedback refers to a variety of techniques used to enable an individual to identify, address, and control biological responses to different stimulants. Methods range from simple techniques such as deliberately slowing one's breathing to create a sense of calm, to more sophisticated therapies and treatments such as the use of machines9 to assist with more serious issues that may jeopardize one's health, such as a rapid increase in blood pressure in stressful situations.

Biofeedback trainers work closely with patients to identify the stimulants that cause unwanted or unhealthful physical or emotional reactions. Over a series of sessions, the individual learns how to manage his or her reaction to the stimuli that bring about changes in physical functioning. Measurements are taken to record skin temperature, heart rate, sweat gland activity, and brain wave activity the serves as an indicator of how the individual is reacting to the negative stimulus.10

Over time, patients learn to incorporate these methods in real-life situations to control their own responses to situations in healthy ways.