EMG AND TEMPERATURE BIOFEEDBACK
In addition to HRV biofeedback, we also utilize other forms of peripheral biofeedback, such as electromyographic (EMG; muscle) biofeedback and skin temperature biofeedback to address imbalances within the body and improve its response to stress. It is common for our muscles to tense and tighten when faced with stress and anxiety. Over time, however, we often start chronically holding that tension, especially in the shoulders and jaw. This not only contributes to painful muscle tension and headaches, but it can also send messages back to the brain that there must be a threat to worry about, triggering a stress response.
EMG biofeedback involves training the muscles to relax and be more flexible while also balancing the nervous system. We start by attaching sensors to the targeted muscle group, which allow us to measure real-time muscle activity. Then, using auditory and visual feedback, the brain and body receive data on the level of tension and are rewarded when the tension is reduced. We then pair this with tools and techniques to aid relaxation. With regular training, clients gain better awareness around how their bodies are storing stress and ways to promote relaxation and balance. Over time, we can engrain new patterns with the nerves that innervate our muscles, leading to more lasting effects.
When we experience chronic or excessive stress, our nervous system is tipped into a sympathetic (i.e., fight-or-flight) state. In such a state, our brain and body prepare for an immediate response to a direct threat to our life or wellbeing. As part of this response, our body constricts the blood vessels to divert blood out of our extremities and into our heart and larger muscle groups, allowing us to fight harder and run faster. As a result, the temperature in our fingers and toes tends to drop. In contrast, when the body is relaxed and calm, skin temperature increases. Interestingly, with the help of technological feedback, we can consciously control this response and increase the temperature within our fingertips. This can not only assist with physical challenges such as Raynaud’s syndrome, but can also send messages back to the brain that we are safe and thus reduce anxiety and stress reactivity.
Temperature biofeedback helps provide us with greater awareness around the nervous system’s level of activation by using a temperature sensor attached to the finger. We then guide the client through a variety of relaxation exercises, such as breathwork and autogenic phrases, to help the body enter into a calmer state. As the parasympathetic system is activated and the body becomes more relaxed, the skin’s temperature begins to rise. Like with other forms of biofeedback, clients learn how to gain conscious control over the nervous system and can more easily drop into relaxation and balance.