What Is Heart Rate Coherence?

A healthy heart has a natural beat-to-beat variation in rate. Patterns and rhythms within this variability are important to health and well-being. Research shows that when you shift into a different emotional state, heart rhythms immediately change. Negative emotions such as anxiety and frustration show a disordered and chaotic variation, while positive states like appreciation and tranquillity show an ordered rhythm which is synchronised with breathing - as you can see in the graphic below. The state is known as Heart Rate Coherence (HRC).

A shift towards this ordered rhythm creates a favourable cascade of neural, hormonal and biochemical changes that benefit the entire body. The effects are both rapid and long-lasting. Heart Rate Coherence is a highly efficient mode of functioning in which the heart synchronises with several other oscillatory systems in the body, including brainwaves (EEG), leading to research-proven physical, mental and emotional benefits.

Heart Rate Coherence and Biofeedback Training

Much more than just a relaxation technique, Heart rate coherence training can be a powerful component of therapy for anxiety, depression, and stress related symptoms and illnesses including insomnia, fatigue, aches and pains, high blood pressure and asthma.

Regular practice of Heart Rate Coherence is important - that's why York Biofeedback Centre has available for hire instruments developed by the Heartmath Institute.

HRV Biofeedback Links

The Heartmath Institute - a non-profit research and education organisation devoted to Heart Rate Variability and Heart Rate Coherence.