Does anyone use HRV biofeedback training and/or breathing training?

I had an app once (it’s outdated because the developers didn’t update I guess) that guided breathing with the ideal pace to improve heart rate variability, I think. But I stopped using it because I realized it’s just the same as breathing practice in my own, or what healthcare providers would call “diaphragmatic breathing.” Or meditation. I haven’t tried any other fancier version, but my doctor (a physiatrist) said that biofeedback is doing anything with feedback, whether that’s coming direct from a therapist or counting the length of an inhale/exhale or the feeling your hand on your diaphragm rise and fall.

It helps. I’ve had chronic pain and POTS since at least 2015, before COVID. I got diagnosed with Long COVID because it got worse after infection. So I have been doing breathing practice for years, at least 3 minutes every morning though I find 5 minutes or more is best.

Breathing is the one thing that helps most things, for me, because it triggers the parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system. I have POTS and the sympathetic (fight or flight) side is overactive. The longer you practice the more it becomes instinctual.

I also practice yoga and there are various breathing patterns; it’s called “pranayama.” May sound strange if unfamiliar but different breathing patterns can change your energy and how you feel. It also means there are lots of different ways to do it.

Yea I'm very effective at lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Was introduced to it in the 70’s. I find my most frequent application of the skill is in the doc’s office before they take vitals. 🙄

Historically it has also been useful with vascular headaches.

Lol’ing, but in recognition about the comment about vitals.

I’m so over that. I go to the doctor so many times; I really don’t think they need my oxygen and blood pressure every time or multiple times in a day! You’re right; it does help though.

I have been using an app called Visible that monitors my morning HRV as well as my symptoms daily. The app also has the ability to show your trending graphs. When I wake, before I get up, i open the app, follow the instructions and it gives me the information.

I’ve been hearing more about Visible as a way to help people with conditions like this better adjust pacing. It seems like a lot of data but I can see how that would be helpful too. How are you liking it?

(I do like the concept behind the name, making an invisible illness more visible.)