Temperature biofeedback or blood flow is a basic tool for general relaxation training. It monitors skin temperature and aids relief in certain circulatory disorders such as Raynaud’s disease.

This device shows when blood flow increases by registering an increase in finger temperature. Blood flow in the hands is sensitive to stress and relaxation, so it is necessary that you learn to watch the rise and fall of your temperature. Soon, you will become so aware of your internal feelings linked with relaxation that you will begin to produce this state voluntarily.

How temperature biofeedback helps:

For relief from migraine and cluster headache, and certain types of chronic pain, temperature biofeedback works best. Temperature feedback is very good in assisting you gain control over a migraine by simply warming your hands. For best results, a sensor is attached to your foot or to the middle or small finger of your dominant hand. If you are tense or anxious, your skin temperature will automatically fall as blood is redirected inwards to the muscles and internal organs.

Measuring skin temperature, therefore, is similar to monitoring muscle tension, in terms of managing stress. If you know this, it can help you reduce the frequency of your migraine headaches, and help you relax.

How temperature biofeedback works:

If you are stressed or in pain, your body reacts with a “fight or flight” response that involves greater muscle tension, heart rate, respiration, hormonal changes, blood flow to the head, and lesser blood flow to the extremities. When your body is ready to fight or run away, it responds by increasing blood flow to the brain, heart and large muscles which help you move.

However, blood flow is reduced to the hands and feet to stop you losing blood in an injury. When the blood flow to the head increases, it results in the head feeling warm, and when it reduces in the extremities, it results in these areas feeling cool. Temperature biofeedback, therefore, can be useful for demonstrating deep relaxation. Conversely, when the subject stops the relaxation process, the hand temperature begins to decrease and become cooler.

Normality range:

The temperature of your hands and fingers, when measured, should range between 34°C and 36°C, and indicates that your body is very relaxed. If it reads a lower value of about 30°C-33°C, it shows that you are under slight stress which could increase with any drop in temperature.

However, if your temperature falls below 26°C, it could point to problems of blood circulation in the fingers or Raynaud’s Syndrome, which can be organic or psychological in origin. It is necessary to remember that temperature measuring is sensitive to room temperature, and a standard room temperature is usually 25°C.

With temperature biofeedback device in place, you can get ample relief from your ailments and lead a healthy life.