Heart Rate Variability Podcast Dr. Erik Peper Discusses Pain and Pain Management
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Aug 21, 2025 Dr. Erik Peper, a renowned authority on biofeedback and self-regulation from San Francisco State, dives deep into the multifaceted nature of pain. He discusses how psychological framing and cultural practices influence pain perception and management. Breathing techniques and mindful practices emerge as powerful tools for mitigating pain. Dr. Peper also shares insights on the mind-body connection, emphasizing the role of emotional support and meaningful activities in pain relief. His research invites listeners to rethink their approach to pain and wellness.
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HRV Alone Is Incomplete
- HRV alone misses meaningful cardiovascular signals like pulse amplitude which reflect peripheral vasoconstriction and cardiac output.
- Monitor pulse amplitude alongside HRV to capture emotional reactivity clinicians often miss.
Practice Diaphragmatic Breathing
- Breathe diaphragmatically: let the abdomen expand on inhalation and relax on exhalation to engage healthier breathing mechanics.
- Practice until the diaphragm moves without forcing it so breathing becomes a natural pulsing rhythm.
Student Found Release By Letting Breath Happen
- A young man with severe anxiety and recurrent abdominal pain could only relax his abdomen after letting go of trying to force diaphragmatic breathing.
- The shift from 'pushing' the breath to allowing relaxation produced a deep internal release that reduced his pain.