ABSTRACT
The topic of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is included in this chapter along with biofeedback applications because the basic information obtained in PNI research also has practical health implications. Psychoneuroimmunology is the area of research that examines the bidirectional relationships among the nervous system, behavior, and the immune system. Research in biofeedback may lead to techniques for helping individuals cope with physical disorders and findings in PNI research may point to strategies to enhance immune function. Another reason for including PNI here is that some procedures used in biofeedback approaches to alleviating physical problems also have potential benefits for immune system functioning. Specifically, a variety of relaxation and stress management techniques are used as adjuncts to biofeedback in the clinic and also have potential for enhancing immune function. Thus, when attempting to lower muscle tension the biofeedback clinician may employ techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or autogenic training and may also instruct the patient in techniques for managing stress. Preliminary evidence suggests that relaxation and stress management techniques may play a role in enhancing immune function.
