According to biofeedback advocates, how does their treatment help relieve tension headaches?

• A. By using hypnosis to eliminate the perception of pain
• B. By encouraging avoidance of all stressful situations
• C. By prescribing medication to reduce pain signals in the brain
• D. By teaching individuals to control physiological processes such as muscle tension and heart rate

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that biofeedback is a psychological technique that helps individuals gain awareness and control over certain physiological functions that are typically involuntary, such as muscle tension, heart rate, and skin temperature.
2. Recognize that tension headaches are often linked to muscle tension and stress-related physiological responses in the body.
3. Note that biofeedback treatment involves using monitoring devices to provide real-time feedback on physiological processes, allowing individuals to see how their body responds to stress or relaxation techniques.
4. Learn that through this feedback, individuals can practice controlling these physiological processes, such as reducing muscle tension or slowing heart rate, which can help alleviate the physical causes of tension headaches.
5. Conclude that biofeedback helps relieve tension headaches by teaching individuals to consciously control physiological processes that contribute to headache symptoms, rather than relying on hypnosis, avoidance, or medication.