Biofeedback training is born out of modern western technology, physiology, cybernetics and eastern philosophy, i.e. yoga and zen. Biofeedback training also means the application of high technology, IC technology, computer technology and new knowledge about the function of the human body as part of the human self. With the application of this technology, an old truth seems to prove itself again: spirit and matter are one in the deepest sense, even though their manisfestations or expressions are different. But spirit is always the master, even though not too many people realize this until now with the advent of biofeedback. With biofeedback we have gained a new insight of the human body, but also of the human spirit. It is almost like a new dream coming true. Mankind can shape its own future, whenever we so desire.

An important feature of modern medical measurement instrumentation is the high sensitivity and the built-in logic functions as a result of the rapid explosion of computer technology after the second world war. Faster and faster integrated circuits, better displays (i.e. LCD displays), computers and software enable the measurement of micro volts.

Such instruments can measure biosignals from the skin of the body and the head, amplify them, filter them and convert them into meaningful easy to read displays, or into graphics or auditory signals. This enables the person under test to become consciously aware of inner processes while they are happening (on-line). Based on this technology, it has been demonstrated, that voluntary self-control of psychophysiological processes is possible, even though they are considered autonomic, and normally are not subject to voluntary control. One could also say, that with the help of biofeedback training, the awareness can be expanded to unconscious processes within the body. Biofeedback is the tool to learn psychosomatic self-control. This self-control can be learned quite easily. Let's for instance say, somebody wants to learn how to lower the pulse rate. The person gets connected to an instrument that registers the pulse rate, and influences nothing else. Is the trainee capable, however s/he does it, to raise the energy in the brain for just a moment, the digital display of the biofeedback instrument will inform and thereby reward the trainee.

As long as the person is capable to control involuntary reactions, the display will show this. As soon as the energy in the brain decreases again, the trainee will see that immediately from the LCD display. Based on this information (success or failure) being fed back, the trainee learns very quickly to steer brain energy under conscious control. It is very important to recognize, that any attempt to bring about a physiological (or energetic) change, sheer force or active will-power will not bring success, but instead a relaxed attitude will bring the desired change. We call this the passive will.

The relaxation is important, because it is this condition that makes it easy to have a detached yet expectant attitude, useful for the desired change to occur. It was found helpful to visualize the body part under influence, to repeat self-suggestions or to imagine the end result. This is the way to make contact with the particular body part. This is important for psychological processes that lead to physiological changes. This results in essence from the psychophysiological principle: "Any change in a psychophysiological condition is accompanied by a conscious or unconscious change in the mental-emotional condition. In reverse, any change in the mental-emotional condition will be unconsciously or consciously accompanied by a corresponding change in the physiological condition." This principle allows the unfolding of a natural process, connected with our will-power, the psychosomatic self-regulation. After one has learned the psychosomatic self-regulation, it can be applied in all circumstances, even without relaxation. One only needs to visualize, imagine and feel, that the change takes place, and just let it happen. Do not interfere with the body's inclination for cooperation.

It is the intention to train the body to such cooperation, that a brief imagination of the desired process (visualization) will bring the desired bodily (physiological) change. After completion of the biofeedback learning process, the commands to the body are so conditioned, that i.e. a person under stress will automatically command the pulse to be lowered, aleviating an undesired condition. In other examples, one can immediately activate the brain at any place or at any time or raise the internal temperature if one feels cold. The biofeedback instrument is only necessary for the training. After that, the trainee can utilize the acquired ablities at any time and in any place. It is recommended to recheck once in a while or to deepen the power of self-control even more. Children are very adept with the training. Anxieties and problems with learning can be eliminated very quickly. American scientists discovered, that children, once they understood the principle of biofeedback, are capable of applying the principle creatively and on their own outside of their learning situation. It is most remarkable that the trainee learns to unconsciously influence body and mind. As a result biofeedback becomes a very important weapon against illnesses, which originate in a misbehavior of the nervous system.

Can the nervous system be voluntarily controlled, one does not deal with the symptoms, but with the underlying causes, without toxification of organs as a result of medication, destruction of healthy cells, or the creation of undesired side-effects.