The brain inside the brain
Besides the part of the brain that is responsible for our consciousness and ability to reason (neocortex), there is a part called the limbic system which houses our emotions. The limbic system is older than the neocortex evolutionarily. Humans therefore share this brain structure with all other mammals. The influence of the neocortex, i.e. our consciousness, on our limbic system is limited. We cannot control our emotions as directly as we control bodily functions for example. That is why it does not work to tell yourself not to be afraid in a fearful situation.
On the other hand, our limbic system can take control over our neocortex, and our consciousness is not able to escape the influence. For example, the sight of a spider can lead to a panic flight reaction if the concept of a spider is connected to excessive negative emotions in the limbic system. It does not help if the affected person tells themselves that this is not actually dangerous – the fear remains.
The connection between emotions and bodily symptoms
When it comes to the emergence of illnesses it is crucial to know that essential parts of our physiology (blood pressure, pulse, immune system, digestion, hormones etc.) are not controlled by the neocortex but by the limbic system. This means that the part of the brain that houses our emotions also manages essential bodily functions at the same time – without our consciousness directly exercising control over it. That is exactly why chronic stress and mental illnesses like depression or anxiety lead to physical illness as well. Those illnesses worsen the regulation of important bodily functions at the same time.
Heart coherence, the key to the limbic system and an improved bodily function
The limbic system is best and most easily reached by physical action. Heart coherence is a renowned method for that. With the Qiu / MyQiu – HRV Device two characteristic types of fluctuations in heart rate can be depicted: chaos and coherence.
Heart coherence training with the Qiu / MyQiu – HRV Device: The diagram shows how the chaotic, rapid pulse in stress situations can be changed into a regular pulse which runs along neatly with the respiration by using heart coherence training. Through this the “inner break” of the parasympathetic nervous system is activated.
When it comes to states of stress, anxiety, depression or anger, pulse variations become irregular or chaotic. HRV biofeedback combined with positive emotions leads to a synchronisation of inner rhythms such as respiration and pulse. This results in a regular alteration between acceleration and deceleration of the heart rate. This state is called heart coherence. Heart coherence training on a daily basis with the help of the Qiu / MyQiu – HRV Device has a positive effect on physiology.
Studies on heart coherence
Studies show that a coherence of the heart also directly affects the performance of the brain and its functions. For example, faster reactions and an improved performance in stress situations become apparent. Coherence training on a regular basis also leads to inner peace. It can be applied in all everyday situations and controls anxiety and depression in the long run. Studies on HRV biofeedback and heart coherence show progress in the treatment of asthma and neurotic cases.
At Stanford University, patients suffering from severe heart failure participated in a heart coherence training course. Their symptoms were inter alia: shortness of breath, fatigue, anxieties and depressions. After a six-week treatment the stress level of the group was decreased by 22%, depression by 34%. The physical condition was improved by 14%. With members of the control group, who were treated with conventional means, every indicator stated had deteriorated.
In London as well as in the United States, several thousand employees of large companies underwent coherence trainings. Follow-ups showed that the training was successful on three levels: physical, emotional and social. After four weeks, the blood pressure of the participants had dropped to such rates as if they had lost 10 kilogramme. Another study shows that after a four-week training of 30 minutes every day, the level of the “youth hormone” DHEA had risen by 100%. Constant palpitation decreased within three months, physical tensions sank to a minimum; insomnia and feelings of fatigue and pain shrank considerably.
There were also changes on a mental level: the employees stated that anxiety at work, discontent as well as anger and irritation had declined significantly.
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