Anxiety is defined as a feeling or sensation of nervousness or unease. Many people feel anxiety in a variety of situations. It is usually felt during times of high stress or fear. It can also be felt in anticipation of stressful or fearful events. The feelings and symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person and dependent upon the level of stress or fear of the situation. Anxiety can cause faster heart rate, increased breathing, sweating and other physical symptoms. Anxiety is a normal response to many things in a person’s life. Unfortunately, for some people, anxiety can be triggered at other, often minor, moments in their lives. It is now believed by many that your can train your brain to relieve anxiety and stress.
An anxiety disorder is a form of illness that causes feelings of anxiety at irregular times. For some, these feelings of anxiety can be triggered by certain events. Sometimes, the anxiety can just happen for no explainable reason. For those with this disorder, the anxiety response can be more pronounced and have more physiological symptoms than those without the issue. This symptoms can be similar to a regular anxiety response, such as higher heart rate, increased breathing, and sweating. However, other symptoms may be noticed in these individuals, such as shakiness, tightened chest, confusion, and even panic attacks and fainting. These moments of anxiety can have serious effects on a person’s life and can severely limit their ability to function in the world.
In the video below, you hear from one of Leigh Richardson’s clients, and how his life was improved by her brain treatments of anxiety.
There are treatments available for anxiety disorders. Unfortunately,Sufferers are often treated either wholly or in part, with medications. These medication can come with varying side effects that can diminish their quality of life. Some medications cause severe drowsiness or sleepiness. This can make it hard for the person to get out and enjoy the things they once did. Others can cause confusion and fogginess. This can make it difficult to function in any capacity. Still others can have more severe and riskier side effects that can have permanent risks to the person’s health. In addition, many of them have a possibility of addiction. This can create a more serious issue for the patient.
Fortunately, there are other treatments available for these patients. Anxiety Treatment with Biofeedback is a safer option for many people who suffer with anxiety disorders. Biofeedback is an ancient remedy that utilizes the power of the mind to control different bodily functions. The process of using the mind to control body functions have been used for millennia India’s Hindu cultures. Practices, such as Yoga (exercise techniques) and Pranayama (breathing techniques), have been used to control various bodily functions. There has been much evidence showing how these treatments have been beneficial in a variety of ways. These treatments are an option for those who have such issues and do not find relief in medications. They can also be utilized by people who are already on medications but still have symptoms.
Today’s biofeedback is used with various mechanical and electronic equipment to aid in the treatment. Modern advances in technology have allowed greater ability to monitor the functions of the body. These sensors allow the administrator to monitor slight changes in various aspects of the body, such as heart rate, muscle tension, sweating and breathing. By sensing these changes in the body, the patient can become aware of them. Awareness is the first step in changing the bodies response to stimuli. By understanding the response of the body, the patient can more easily identify when an anxiety attack is starting. This can allow them to focus on treating the symptoms of the attack.
Treatments usually occur in a setting that is monitored by a therapist or doctor. A monitor is applied to various parts of the body to identify an anxiety response. An Electromyograph is used to detect deep muscle movements. These movements often precede muscle contractions associated with anxiety and fear. When the movements are noticed, either a light flashes or a beeping begins. It is then the patients job to focus on stopping those movements. Concentration and relaxation can be utilized to slow and eventually stop the beep or flash. A feedback thermometer can be used to identify a raise in the temperature of the skin. This can trigger the flash or beep to alert the patient to concentrate on stopping this.
Other monitors can be used to notice other varying changes that occur when anxiety starts. There are monitors that can identify changes in CO2 levels. They can also identify excessive sweating and raised heart rate. There are monitors that can identify brainwave patterns and notify the patient when high beta rhythms occur. These rhythms are often a sign of high alertness and panic. The flashing light or beeping also occurs with these monitors. With practice, the patient can slow and eventually stop the flashing or beeping of the monitors. Overtime, this process becomes easier for the patient to stop the effects of anxiety. Eventually, the patient will begin to notice these signs without the monitors. This can allow them to ease the symptoms on their own. This can help patients with this disorder to begin to take part in life again.
These treatments have been beneficial for many people who have had issues with anxiety. In addition, these techniques have also been used for other ailments, as well. Migraines and stress headache sufferers have found relief with these techniques. In addition, those with chronic pain have utilized biofeedback to minimize or eliminate their usage of pain medications. There have been positive results with various other mental health issues, as well. This treatment may not be right for everyone, but it is an option outside the realm of medications.