BIOFEEDBACK & SELF-REGULATION

Abstract

Work with biofeedback in a self-regulation context is detailed through presentation of representative papers. Applications of biofeedback with migraine, hypertension and other disorders are described, as are skills in voluntary control of the physiology found in individuals with special abilities. Philosophical consideration is given to whether biofeedback represents a process of learned voluntary control or merely a conditioning process. The role of volition in biofeedback is examined. Dr. Green points to important ideas underlying biofeedback from ethology, freudian psychodynamics, perception, autogenic training and jungian psychology. The roles of self-reliance and empowerment in health is noted, as is the importance of "health" as a goal, rather than simply "illness treatment." Finally, Dr. Green discusses the esoteric significance of biofeedback training.