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.