Biofeedback training

An instrumental technique for human self-monitoring and control of physiological processes and psychological states, using technological devices to present information to a person externally about the state of internal processes. Biofeedback training is a procedure whereby an individual can tune his involuntary bodily processes and, eventually, to some extent control them. It is thought that there is improved coordination between various parts of the brain due to global cortical damping. The technique has been described as a "new mode of communication between the physical self and the mental self". It can therefore open the door to learning (or in the case of neurosis, to unlearning) physiological and psychological data previously beyond the range of unassisted awareness. Conscious control can be developed over the theta and alpha brain waves (electrical rhythms of 4-7 and 8-12 cycles per second respectively, as measured by an electroencephalograph), heartbeat, blood pressure, body temperature and gastrointestinal activity. This has the effect of control of attitudes, thoughts and emotions; and of awareness of inner and external processes and perceptions.

Of special interest is the relationship between meditation and biofeedback. Adept practitioners show almost continuous alpha waves (normally associated with a state of relaxed alertness) during meditation. Alpha waves are inhibited by sensory stimuli and intellectual activity, when they are replaced by beta waves (13-30 cycles per second) of a lower amplitude. Their frequency drops with diminution of the level of central excitation (such as in sleep).

Although it is not suggested that the state of consciousness of adept practitioners of meditation can be equalled by that of someone using biofeedback therapy to produce almost continuous alpha rhythm, the possibility exists that one of the consequences of the practice of meditation for many years is the production of a high alpha state. Consequently, if this state can be achieved by an individual in a psychophysiological laboratory with just a few hours of training, such an individual might thus eliminate the need for much preliminary work in attempting to achieve the same state of consciousness as an adept practitioner. Certainly, after initial training in the art of meditation, biofeedback techniques have been shown to produce a hierarchy of states which may be distinguished physiologically as well as experienced. So far six levels have been documented; stage 5 is said to be just above the fourth stage of traditional meditation and to be preceded by 'sudden excursions into other realms'. However, questions are raised as to the quality of an experience resulting from attempts to produce physiological changes compared with one in which physiological changes occur more as a by-product unrelated to intention.

In addition to the control of alpha and of theta waves (the latter being associated with the hypnagogic state preceding sleep in which the average person, without biofeedback training, cannot maintain awareness), biofeedback is being used in an attempt to balance the activity of left and right-hand hemispheres of the brain, again a condition shown to accompany mystical awareness.