Biofeedback is now a popular treatment for a variety of health conditions including stress, chronic back pain, post-traumatic stress, and anxiety. The treatment also helps athletes gain control of their bodies, according to an article by HealthDay News Feb. 4, 2010.

Biofeedback uses sensors to provide people with access to detailed physiological information about themselves so that they can consciously control their bodily functions and obtain certain health goals.

The process involves measuring functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature, sweat gland activity, and muscle tension.

According to the article, students at Iowa State University have access to a Biofeedback Center so they can use the information to help them deal with stress. They practice relaxation techniques while wearing sensors to see which techniques work most effectively.
 
“Once users of biofeedback learn what works to alter their body's processes, they can practice until they have mastered the techniques,” says the article. “They then are armed with tools that can be used whenever they need them.”
 
Biofeedback also helps users master relaxation and meditation techniques to ease pain such as back pain and headaches.