Msg # 2154   
Date: 17 Dec 93  13:09:00
From: Bob Johnstone Moderator
  To: Infomom
Subj: HELLO!
____________________________________________________________________________

 > Bio-feed Back has even helped some people who where paralized to learn
 > to walk again...they use another part of the brain that is not damaged.
 > It is wonderful to see this working. I also know MANY who have used it
 > for cronic pain related things, like migraines and things like that.  I
 > would think some of it is much like meditation...some are mind/brain
 > excersises.

 For many years I have been using Biofeedback equipment to help clients with
stress.  In my opinion the Alpha Pacer is best for this purpose, and I use it
with every client who comes to my office at one time or another.  I prefer to
teach them to eliminate stress without it, rather than make them dependent
upon a machine which is not always available.  But if a person has questions
about just how effective they are being without it, I can hook them up and
tell them just how much ALPHA and/or THETA they are producing.  If they are
having a difficult time learning to use Self Hyponosis on their own (about 3%
of clients) I hook them up and let them practice on the Pacer.  Then once
they get the feedback, they know HOW it feels, and use their FEELINGS as
feedback to tell they are producing alpha.

 In many of the ways it is used Bio-feed Back is the SAME as Self-Hypnosis
and/or Meditation, expecially when used for stress.  It is Self-Hypnosis or
Meditation, learned by useing electronic equipment which gives an audible or
visual feedback.  This feedback tells you when you are producing Alpha and/or
Theta brainwaves.  BUT, I would caution anyone against running out and buying
some of the "cheap" biofeedback meters you see advertised, it woudl be money
wasted, and if giving false readings, could program the individual to cause
more stress.

  Good equipment is not effected by anything in your surroundings.  Cheap
equipment can be effected by a flourecent lights or a refrigerator and many
other appliences.  Even a TV in another apartment on the other side of a
wall. Some of the best is available from Toomin Biofeedback Research
Institute, Los Angeles.  But, other brands of dependable equipment can also
be purchased thru those certified in the use of Biofeedback equipment.  Be
skeptical of anything costing less than several hundred dollars.

 As an example, if a person has a stroke, and it is LESS than six months
since then, Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) Meter electrodes may be attached to
the muscle(s) which is effected by a stroke.  As the person concentrates on
trying to move the muscle, the equipment gives the individual feedback when
they are getting an electrical response to the muscle by producing a tone or
lighting up led's, deflecting the needle on a meter, etc.  Thus the person
knows they are getting even weak nerve impulses to the muscle with the brain.
As they continue doing or thinking in the same manner, the 'tone' or response
in the meter may become stronger.  At first it might only be measured as a
few microvolts, then it can become stronger and stronger, until the muscle
moves.

 It was accidently discovered this could happen, when the friend of an
Engineer who had been paralyzed was holding the electrodes on a scope,
thinking about the patterns he was watching on the scope.   He told the
engineer, that his paralyzed hand had JUST MOVED.   The engineer thought he
was joking, but watched him then.  As he concentrateded on attempting to
create the same patter on the scope again, HIS HAND MOVED.  It was exhausting
mentall to practice.  They found maximum results could be obtained by
practincing, resting, practicing, resting, etc about three cycles.  Then
doing so again the next day.

 Full use of his hand and arm were restored.

 Many who have had strokes, etc in the past have restored use of limbs by
using Hypnosis.  Some of my clients have done it with only hypnosis, and
VISUALIZATION, which gives THE MESSAGE to the brain, which controls the
muscles.  When I began using Biofeedback it made it more of a science, and
much easier to repeat, increasing the number of individuals who can recover.
In my opinion, those certified in Biofeedback, who are also qualified
therapists using hypnosis have had a greater percentage of success than those
only certified in Biofeedback.  If you go to a Biofeedback clinic I would
recommend, if you have a choice use the tech, who also has knowledge of
hypnosis.

  As there are both visual and auditory feedback from the equipment the blind
or deaf can be a helped as well as those who are not impaired.  There is an
excellent book written by Barbara Brown on Biofeedback.


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