Stress in the body can create an imbalance in the nervous system leading to physical and mental symptoms. Extensive research has shown that Heart Rate Variability (HRV) training can rebalance the nervous system to improve physical, mental, & emotional functioning.
Conditions Treated:
Headaches
Chronic Pain
Addiction
Tinnitus
Arthritis
Gastrointestinal Problems
Anxiety & Panic Attacks
Depression
Asthma
Insomnia
Hypertension
Autoimmune Disorders
Obesity/Disordered Eating
ADHD
HRV Biofeedback triggers very powerful reflexes in the body that helps rebalance our autonomic nervous system. This part of the nervous system is involuntary and controls functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. The parasympathetic branch of the nervous system controls our natural relaxation response, sleep/wake cycles, digestion, and healing/immune function. The sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system controls our large muscle groups, cortisol and adrenaline, and the “fight or flight” response. HRV Biofeedback is designed to naturally and easily reduce the sympathetic stress response and enhance the parasympathetic relaxation response.
During a biofeedback session, equipment measures HRV and provides the participant with information about changes in heart rate that accompanies breathing. With this information participants learn how to influence the reflexes that regulate the autonomic nervous system. This technique helps the body to function more efficiently, improving overall health and ability to manage everyday stress. Biofeedback has been scientifically proven to treat stress related physical symptoms such as panic attacks, headaches, stomachaches, gastrointestinal issues, autoimmune disturbances, chronic pain, and insomnia.
Positive outcomes include improved cognitive abilities, reduced pain & fatigue, increased performance, greater emotional balance, increased oxygenation in the blood, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, stronger ability to cope, and enhanced immune system functioning. These all amount to better physical functioning and stronger emotional regulation of the nervous system. In essence, HRV Biofeedback helps your body rebalance and become more resilient to stress. If you have additional questions about how HRV Biofeedback can help you reach out to Dr. MacKinnon.