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| Heart coherent vs incoherent |
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“Most people are the servants and not the masters of their emotions.” Napolean Hill In contrast to what many think, a healthy heart does not beat like a metronome. Between each beat there is a variation in time. These beat to beat changes are called Heart Rate Variability (HRV). It is now known that the heart is constantly sending signals to the brain telling it about our emotional state. In turn, these signals tell the brain what its response should be so that the brain can ensure that the proper biochemical processes are taking place.
Stress producing emotions such as fury, fear, annoyance, and frustration cause the beat to beat changes to be sporadic and uneven (chaotic). The heart sends an incoherent signal which triggers the brain to respond by ensuring that stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline are produced. When stress hormone levels increase it is difficult to think clearly. Body and mind can't function as a cohesive, coherent unit. Optimum communication between our body and mind occurs when the beat to beat changes between are gradual and regular. This leads to 'coherent' heart signals to the brain which in turn signals for the release of ‘feel good’ hormones such as oxytocine (love hormone) and DHEA (the youth hormone). |
This image shows the beat to beat changes in HRV while using HeartMath's biofeedback software and techniques. You can clearly see the difference in the signals the heart is sending to the brain.