What is biofeedback primarily used for?

Biofeedback is primarily used to bring the autonomic nervous system under voluntary control. This technique allows individuals to receive real-time feedback on physiological functions, such as heart rate, muscle tension, or skin temperature, which are generally automatic and not consciously controlled. Through this feedback, people can learn to recognize their body’s responses and develop strategies to modulate these functions consciously.

This process is beneficial for various therapeutic applications, including stress management, anxiety reduction, and physical rehabilitation. By gaining awareness and control over these ordinarily involuntary bodily processes, individuals can improve their physical and mental well-being.

Other options touch on related concepts but do not define the primary use of biofeedback as accurately. While biofeedback can assist in managing pain without medication by enabling patients to learn to control their pain response, its fundamental purpose is broader, focusing on the control of the autonomic nervous system. Although it can enhance cognitive function and physical fitness, these applications are secondary to its core goal of fostering control over physiological processes.