[Biofeedback and relaxation therapy for patients with migraine and tension headaches]

The biofeedback literature shows that biofeedback training is most effective when combined with relaxation and visualisation techniques. This approach was used to run a pilot study for training 40 people with migraine and tension headache. Our results indicate an improvement in both headache symptomology, general well-being and a reduction in anxiety. In addition, our observations from working with these patients suggests that the training programme could be improved by adding physical measures such as the re-education of breathing patterns and posture. We also found that insight, awareness of factors causing stress and an ability to change life style were an essential ingredient to reduction of headache intensity of frequency.