HeartMath is a form of biofeedback where the heart regulates the brain.
Why is HeartMath Important?
We live in increasingly stressful times. While modern medicine and advancements in technology have given us extraordinary capabilities, the demands on our everyday lives contribute to the rising rates of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even illness.
Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to change the demands placed on us, but what if we could change our response to them? What if there was a way to intentionally regulate our emotions while healing our minds, bodies, and potentially the world? Heartmath is making this possible.
The Science of the Heart and HeartMath
We are just beginning to understand the power and intelligence of the heart. For centuries it was believed the brain sends signals to the heart, but recent discoveries have shown the heart sends more signals to the brain than the other way around. With Heartmath, it is possible to measure this communication and train the heart to stay in “coherence.” This practice promotes balanced emotions, increased energy, and mental clarity.
For example, studies have shown that in individuals who struggle with depression, the heart’s signal to the brain is “out of coherence.” Studies also show that individuals with head injuries who practice HeartMath can improve their ability to learn. More and more information is becoming available as to the ways HeartMath supports increased coherence and promotes healing.
How does HeartMath Work?
To get a sense of how this works, try this simple practice*:
1
Focus your attention on the area of the heart. Imagine your breath is flowing in and out of your heart or chest area, breathing a little slower and deeper than usual.
Suggestion: Inhale 5 seconds, exhale 5 seconds (or whatever rhythm is comfortable.)
2
Make a sincere attempt to experience a regenerative feeling such as appreciation or care for someone or something in your life.
Suggestion: Try to re-experience the feeling you have for someone you love, a pet, a special place, an accomplishment, etc., or focus on a feeling of calm or ease.
* This exercise was taken from the HeartMath Website. You can view the Quick Coherence® Technique here, along with a brief video.
HeartMath is more than this simple technique. It is also a way to measure your HRV (heart rate variability) and heart coherence. The team at HeartMath has developed a device that measures your HRV and teaches you to stay in coherence for extended periods.
MotlMD and HeartMath
At MotlMD, we’ve seen how powerful HeartMath is and make it available to all our clients. This might look like taking a few minutes during a counseling session to check your heart coherence or purchasing a device to use at home. We encourage you to see how HeartMath can positively impact your life.
Why choose MotlMD for treatment?
At MotlMD, HeartMath is one of many treatments available to you. Our treatment model views symptoms through multiple diagnostic lenses to better understand the underlying cause of your symptoms. We use this information to personalize your treatment and restore both your mind and body to balance.
Better outcomes start with the right diagnosis, and we would love the opportunity to show you how our approach can help!
News and Research on HeartMath:
- Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback, Self-Regulation, and Severe Brain Injury (HeartMath.org, PDF)
- Heart Rate Variability and Cognitive Bias Feedback Interventions to Prevent Post-deployment PTSD: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial (HeartMath.org, PDF)
- Heart Coherence: A New Tool in the Management of Stress on Professionals and Family Caregivers of Patients with Dementia (HeartMath.org, PDF)
- Heart Rate Variability and Emotional Shifting: Powerful Tools for Reducing Cardiovascular Risk (MacQuarieInstitute.com, PDF)
Ready to get started?
We look forward to hearing from you. Please complete this short form or give us a call at (916) 836-0036, and we will be in touch.