Biofeedback for Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep
I have been training some of my clients for the past few months in the use of the StressEraser — a biofeedback device proven to assist with stress, anxiety reduction, and some sleep difficulties. I’m constantly on the lookout for devices that will assist clients in a natural manner without the use of drugs — especially since so many of the clients I seem to get are resistant to taking medications.
The StressEraser uses heart rate biofeedback to teach you to learn how to breathe right. Heart rate biofeedback is when you see a graph on the device screen of how your heart rate is rising and falling between breathes. Biofeedback is a treatment technique in which people are trained to improve their health by using signals from their own bodies — in this case by looking at the graphic display.
Proper balance is primarily achieved through proper breathing. Your heart rate goes up and down with your breathing. When you breathe in, your heart rate tends to go up. When you breathe out, your heart rate tends to go down. Relaxation and stress are also tied to these changes in heart rate. More in-depth information about how StressEraser and biofeedback works and the science involved can be found by clicking here.
I have one client whose primary improvement has been linked to this device. I have a few others who say they are seeing gains. A few have quickly brought it back. The issue in these cases is that people who are anxious occasionally get more nervous when they view the device as like a test or a critic. I can sometimes move them beyond this and sometimes not.
The devices are retailing for $179 on the StressEraser website. I’ve been picking them up used off of eBay for less. Good gadget.