Name of Lecture: …Use of Biofeedback for Pain Control and Stress Reduction

Name of Speaker: …Dr Anil Singhal    

Program Time: …9:45-10:30am

Location: ... Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT)

Name of Reporter: …Adel Enderson

Main Points of the Lecture: ....

Dr Singhal discussed the relationship between the body, mind and emotions and the role that the breath can play in balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic action of the autonomic nervous system.  He discussed the nature of pain as a combination of past remembrance, present experience, and future anticipation.  With the use of awareness techniques he suggested we can limit the impact to just the actual present effect, and let the other aspects be released.  He suggested that observation of pain during meditation can be used to observe changes in that pain.  With concentration the pain will often disappear or be reduced.  Dr. Singhal discussed how the brain can produce natural pain relieving chemicals during periods of relaxation and used the quote, “Tension is who you think you should be, relaxation is who you are.” 

Dr Singhal discussed the nature of the stress response in the body and identified a number of physical parameters which are affected during periods of stress.  At such times the sympathetic nervous system is more active and this has an associated increase in muscle tension, restriction of blood vessel, higher blood pressure and increased heart rate.  The negative emotional and mental state which arises during periods of stress was identified as a significant contributor to these physiological changes. 

Dr Singhal discussed the stress level test available at HIHT Mind and Body Medicine Department.  This is a 15 minute test during which the subject performs a number of mental tasks while being monitored for the key physical paramaters of stress.  The biofeedback technique can be used to show the subject the effects of relaxation practices on their physical stress response, and therefore help them to manage their behavior to reduce stress.  Dr Singhal noted that the regular practice of biofeedback can be empowering to help an individual manage physical stress.