Biofeedback & Neurofeedback in York

Biofeedback for Essential Hypertension

Biofeedback is a scientifically validated non-drug means of reducing blood pressure. It works by measuring changes in Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) functioning. Imbalance in the ANS leads to raised blood pressure and is often associated with stress. By feeding back this information via computer, biofeedback allows you to become more aware of your body's stress responses, and learn to influence the ANS towards a healthier state.

Heart Rate Coherence Training

Perhaps the best measure of ANS balance is Heart Rate Coherence (HRC) HRC is a beneficial pattern of change in Heart Rate which is synchronised with breathing. Low HRC has been shown to correlate with risk of developing hypertension. Regular practice of meditative breathing exercises in conjunction with HRC biofeedback can lower blood pressure significantly.

HRC training has also been shown to beneficially affect hormone imbalances. Levels of cortisol (the "stress hormone") go down while levels of DHEA (the "youth hormone") rise.

Essential hypertension is high blood pressure not related to another illness such as diabetes. There are a number of causal factors including poor diet and sedentary lifestyle, but one immediate mechanism is vasoconstriction. This is constriction of arteries caused by the contraction of tiny muscles in the walls of blood vessels.

These muscles are under the control of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The ANS controls many automatic functions in the body. Its two branches - the sympathetic and parasympathetic - work on the body's arousal level like accelerator and brake. We need a healthy balance between these two branches.

Hormone imbalances (e.g. excess cortisol) are another causal influence. Both hormone imbalance and ANS imbalance are known to be connected with stress.

Please note that high blood pressure can be a symptom of several illnesses so it is essential to consult your doctor before beginnning biofeedback training.