Stress Reduction

Product Features

• Single channel, pocket-sized biofeedback thermometer.

From the Editors

Skin Temperature feedback instruments generally employ precision linear thermistors for temperature detection. A thermistor is a tiny semi-conductor embedded in a small epoxy bead; it serves s a temperature sensor when the epoxy bead is in contact with the surface of the skin. A thermistor also acts as a physiological transducer in that it converts skin temperature information into an electrical resistance coefficient whose level is proportional to the monitored skin temperature. The diameter of a thermistor is very small (usually 1/8 inch or less) and it accurately detects the temperature only of the small area of the skin surface in direct contact with it. Because skin temperature can vary as much as 1 - 2 degrees F over a one inch diameter of the skin surface, the small area monitored by the thermistor can limit information consistency and reliability
Product Description

Customer Response

Psychologist
I am a psychologist and I purchased this instrument to use for biofeedback with clients. I've only experimented with it as of yet, but it seems to work like a charm and I am eager to use it with clients. In my own practice with it, I saw a temperature increase of 3-4 degrees with relaxation. This tool is a nice way to provide a concrete indicator for the physical benefits/implications of relaxation. At around $20, it is a super tool to own!

Temperature data useful, but flip-out stand is useless
Works as described. I was able to warm my hands the first time in about 5 minutes from 70 to 86. After a couple days I can get 92 sometimes. Certainly interesting and a good indicator of stress.
But, the desktop stand that flips out of the back only supports it on one side, is very difficult to get out without a knife and is unbalanced and unstable. I had to make my own stand for it.
Would have been nice if they included the Velcro strap they described using in the instructions.

As described
This device works exactly as written in the description, nothing more, nothing less. As you find and correct tension in your body, blood circulation improves, and your temp increases. Simple, fun, inexpensive, and effective. I am very pleased with the quickness in shipping, and they included some fun sample stress cards. More than a fair deal.

Convenient, works well, and great price!
The thermometer is easy to tape onto a finger, and it seems to read accurately. The size of the unit is small, portable, and can be discreetly used in many situations (I've brought this to work with me sometimes to use when I'm sitting at my desk). When I compared online for similar "stress thermometers," this unit did not seem different in construction than others but was better priced. The thermometer was shipped quickly and came with some nice "stress"-related freebies. I have no complaints and would highly recommend this unit & seller!

Useful Biofeedback Tool for Hypnotherapists
I use this meter in my professional hypnotherapy practice, to monitor my clients' termperature fluctuations during their sessions. I explain to the client how it works, and then I provide them with a velcro "finger belt" and ask them to place it at the base of a finger, comfortably snug, where you wear a ring (I now use one of those narrow strips sold for bundling cables, cut down a bit and tapered at the end to fit easily thru the 'slot' in its length). Formerly, I had asked clients to tape the sensor end to their finger, but the little finger belt is preferable. I then ask them to slide the sensor end of the wire under the finger belt on the palm side of their hand, making sure the tip is held firmly against the skin by the belt.

I note their initial temperature on the session sheet, then monitor their temperature changes as the session progresses. I usually see a pattern of a slow, steady climb in temperature as the client relaxes, as well as 'sudden' increases of 1-2 degrees when I have given the suggestion of the hands or toes being comfortably warm. The effectiveness is even more evident in subsequent sessions, as their intial pattern emerges and changes in a predictable direction for each client; disruptions to the pattern usually indicate some emotional disturbance to the client on that day (verified by questioning after the session).

A very useful tool, as you can see, and one that also lends 'credence' to the relaxation and induction procedures for the client as well, especially those who put faith in measurable data and are thus reassured by the results! (Susan Wilson, MA, CHT - Certified Hypnotherapist, Eureka, CA - also happy to answer any questions via email at punzelle at gmail dot net, although I will be in India after September 2009).

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