Let Your Heart Talk to Your Brain

Did you know that the heart contains a brain in its own right? What do researchers mean when they talk about heart-brain interactions? Why is it important to you?Researchers at the Institute of HeartMath and other organizations have shown that the human heart, in addition to its other functions, actually possesses the equivalent of its own brain, called the heart brain, which interacts and communicates with the head brain.

When I first heard about this, it intuitively made sense. Then as I delved into the research, it really confirmed what I have felt for a long time: that the heart has its own way of knowing.

Until recently, scientists assumed and most of us were taught that it was only the brain that sent information and issued commands to the heart, but now we know that it works both ways. The heart and head communicate via a number of pathways. Between them they continually exchange critical information that influences how the body functions.

Dr. J. Andrew Armour first introduced the term heart brain in 1991. Armour showed that the heart’s complex intrinsic nervous system qualified as a “little brain.” This heart brain, explains Science of the Heart, published by Institute of HeartMath, “is an intricate network of several types of neurons, neurotransmitters, proteins and support cells, like those found in the brain proper. Research has shown that the heart communicates to the brain in four major ways: neurologically (through the transmission of nerve impulses), biochemically (via hormones and neurotransmitters), biophysically (through pressure waves) and energetically (through electromagnetic field interactions).” Its elaborate circuitry enables it to act independently of the cranial brain – to learn, remember, and even feel and sense.

Next – Heart-Brain Communication Pathways

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Sara, from Institute of HeartMath

Sara Childre is President and CEO of the non-profit Institute of HeartMath. Since 1991, Sara has helped oversee and develop HeartMath trainings, educational products and scientific programs. She was appointed vice president and CFO of the institute in 1992, then president and CEO in 1998.

also by Sara, from Institute of HeartMath

Geoff P.

11:21PM PDT on Apr 28, 2013

More drivel

April 28
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Zee K.

11:30PM PDT on Apr 20, 2013

I had an eye examination appointment yesterday. My eyes are in great shape and I'm 70. My health is wonder full. I told the doctor that I am convinced the body has a consciousness of it's own as differentiated from my own consciousness.

Her response .... most people don't know that. I said, "I take care of my body and my body takes care of me,." She agreed.

I talk to my body. I encourage it, just as I would encourage a pet. "You're a good body."
When I meditate on my Creator, my body responds also, I can truly say, "I love you with all my heart, my mind, my soul and my body." The response of my body to my Creator is often tears of joy overflowing. My Creator's response to my body? I'm 70 and in near perfect health. If something goes wrong with my body, Creator fixes it. lol

April 20
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Martyna W.

4:15PM PDT on Mar 29, 2013

yeah, I'll listen to my heart then :)

March 29
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Marian A.

3:58AM PDT on Mar 23, 2013

The heart comes first

March 23
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Andras C.

11:44AM PST on Mar 1, 2013

Well written, Thank you.

March 1
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Alice B.

6:06PM PST on Feb 27, 2013

Thank you !!

February 27
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Ruby A.

8:23AM PST on Feb 21, 2013

es un articulo muy interesante, y tiene algo de cierto

February 21
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Shirley E.

11:18AM PST on Feb 19, 2013

This could explain my constant battle with procrastination - the heart trying to override the head and vice versa. I end up virtually paralysed over those things I know I ought to do but don't want to, or that I want to but didn't ought to! It must be truly a case of being in two minds.