Did You Know Your Heart is a Brain Also?
Your heart does way more than just pump blood—it’s like a brain of its own! Scientists, like Dr. J. Andrew Armour in 1991, found that the heart has its own nervous system with neurons, kind of like the ones in your brain. Research from the HeartMath Institute, using tools like heart monitors (ECG) and heart rate variability (HRV), shows that your heart talks to your brain all the time, sending more signals up than it gets back. This “heart intelligence” helps you feel and think clearly, especially when you’re experiencing positive emotions like love or gratitude. These emotions create smooth, steady heart rhythms that help you stay calm and make better choices.
The heart and brain work together through signals like nerve impulses and hormones. When you’re happy or calm, your heart beats in a steady pattern called coherence, which helps your brain think clearly and stay focused, according to HeartMath’s studies with brain scans (EEG). But when you’re stressed or upset, your heart rhythm gets messy, making it harder to think straight. Amazingly, research also shows your heart can sense things, like future events, a little before your brain does—especially when you’re in a calm, coherent state. This means your heart can guide you, almost like an inner compass for your feelings and decisions.
For people dealing with anxiety or depression, this heart-brain connection can be a game-changer. HeartMath’s research shows simple practices, like focusing on your heart while breathing slowly or thinking of something you’re grateful for, can calm your mind and body. These exercises create coherence, reducing stress and helping you feel more balanced, as seen in studies tracking heart rhythms. By tapping into your heart’s wisdom, you can ease anxious thoughts or lift your mood, feeling more connected and energized. It’s like giving your heart a voice to help you find calm and hope in tough moments.
Marianne Love
Principal Clinical Psychologist
Aspire Health & Psychology
