Neurologically: Every beat of the heart generates a burst of neural activity that reaches the brain. The heart has a very complex system of neurons, and there are nerve cells there that are only now being understood, because their functions seem to be far more complex than most of those in the brain. The heart senses information regarding the hormones, the rates of electrical and mechanical vibration, internal pressure throughout the body, etc. It then sends this information to the brain via the vagus nerve and the spinal colums, so that the brain knows whether or not to produce more neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and so forth.
Biochemically: ANF has been called the balance hormone, and it is produced in the heart. This hormone regulates such important functions as blood pressure, fluid retention and electrolyte balance. ANF also has a very powerful effect on various organs such as the blood vessels, kidneys, adrenal glands and certain regions of the brain involved in regulatory functions. Anf has also been proven to be important to the immune and reproductive systems and to inhibit the release of hormones usually associated with stress.
Physically:The pulse is the result of the physical pressure wave produced by every beat of the heart. A skilled medical practitioner can gain a tremendous amount of information from the pulse - not only about one's physical state of health, but about their personalities, likes and dislikes, and even how they will react to circumstances.
Electromagnetically: The electromagnetic field produced by the heart is approximately 5,000 times more powerful than the field produced by the brain. In recent experiments, stimulating emotions in one person would register changes in the EKG of another person at a distance of several yards.
Modern scientists working in the field of neurocardiology have re-discovered what has been said for thousands of years - there are many supposedly automatic functions of the body that can be regulated, and many experiences of the consciousness that have not yet been explored. It has been proven that when focus is brought to the heart and a positive feeling like gratitude or compassion is generated, the heart signals become coherent. This coherent state automatically entrains the brain and regulates the body bringing rest, peace and focus to the body and mind. Habits of thought that no longer serve on, or even those that are keeping a person unhappy or ill can be completely eliminated - sometimes very quickly. All from simply bringing the focus and breath to the heart in peace, and offering the universe gratitude, love, compassion or appreciation, for just a few minutes a day.
© copyright Roy Kirkland 2007