Biofeedback Explained: The Science of Stress Reduction and Pain Relief with Kristin Derus Dore

What if stress isn’t only something you “manage” with willpower—but something your body can learn to regulate more effectively?

In today’s episode, Dr. Sami Estrada sits down with Kristin Derus Dore, a biofeedback practitioner whose work focuses on FDA-approved biofeedback for stress reduction and pain management. Kristin breaks down what biofeedback is (in normal-people language), what happens in the body during fight-or-flight, and why learning to return to rest-and-digest can impact everything from mood and irritability to headaches, sleep, and chronic pain.

Kristin also shares practical tools you can try right away—including a subtle vagus nerve reset technique (yes, you can do it in public without anyone noticing), simple ways to interrupt stress spirals, and why sleep is often the most underrated (and powerful) stress intervention. You’ll also hear real stories of unexpected shifts—like improved social connection, reduced pain, and stress resilience that carries into everyday life.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What biofeedback is and how it works
• Stress as a full-body experience (not just a mindset)
• Fight-or-flight vs. rest-and-digest—and why it matters
• A discreet vagus nerve calming technique you can use anywhere
• The sleep–stress connection (and why you’re your biggest asset)
• How stress can influence pain, headaches, and inflammation
• How support systems can reduce stress (and how to offer help well)

Connect with Kristin:
Website: EdenBioFeedback.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-derus-dore/