Biofeedback: what the research says

May help prevent tension headaches, and small studies suggest it eases stress. UK guidance advises against it for long-term pain.

What a session is

Small sensors on your skin show your heart rate, breathing or muscle tension on a screen. A practitioner guides you to change those readings, for example by breathing slowly or relaxing your muscles.

What the research says

• Headaches: Studies found fewer tension headaches and migraines, but results conflict. It is unclear whether it beats a placebo for migraine. Some evidence it may help · NCCIH, 2021
• Stress, worry and anxiety: Small studies of heart-rate biofeedback found people felt less stressed and anxious. Better-controlled studies are needed. Limited evidence · NCCIH, 2022 · Psychological Medicine, 2017 · NCCIH, 2021
• Back, neck and muscle tension: A few small, low-quality studies found short-term relief of long-lasting back pain. UK guidance says don't offer it for long-term pain without a clear cause. Limited evidence · NCCIH, 2020 · NICE, 2021
• Sleep, low mood, menopause and grief: Not studied in the sources we use. No good evidence yet

More on each need: Feel calmer · A relaxed body

Is it safe?

Biofeedback generally has no harmful side effects. If you have epilepsy, a mental health condition or a history of trauma, check with your doctor first. NCCIH, 2021 · NCCIH, 2021

Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.

Checked 22 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.