Mind-body techniques
Biofeedback is another therapy where definitive proofwill be hard to obtain. Most specialty headache clinics offer biofeedback,which strongly suggests that a large number of patients benefit from it(but does not prove its efficacy).
Biofeedback is only one of many relaxation and stress management techniques which can be equally effective if strictly adheredto. This is a big "if." Biofeedback is a preferred technique because itgives the patient a structure and a therapist, who acts as a coach.
The essence of biofeedback, which is often combined withbehavior modification, is to teach a patient how to encounter stress withoutadverse physiological effects. A typical course of biofeedback consistsof 8-10 weekly 30-45 minute sessions. Learning to control body functionssuch as temperature can be achieved only by first learning to relax theskeletal muscles. This is achieved through progressive relaxation, visualizationand breathing techniques. Most important though is the daily practice ofthese techniques. The practice sessions can be only a few seconds or minuteslong, but have to be very frequent. A conscious effort is required in thefirst few weeks of training, but gradually self-monitoring and very briefrelaxation techniques become a subconscious habit. This appears to allowmany patients to lower tension throughout the day and this results in fewerheadaches. Children are especially adept at biofeedback. They can oftenlearn not only how to prevent their headaches in 4 to 5 sessions, but attimes can learn how to stop their headache once it begins.
