Neurocardiology is a relatively new branch of medical science of the heart, but also neurology. The term was coined when scientists discovered that our heart has about 40 thousand neurons and has its intelligent brain, the heart-brain.
What is Neurocardiology?
Neurocardiology examines the heart’s intrinsic nervous system, the 40,000 neurons that enable the heart to absorb, process, and make decisions independently. The heart also can learn and a memory of its own, which shares experiences with the brain. There is a constant exchange of information between our brain and our heart brain.
Also, the heart appears to play an essential role in our endocrine system. It is also a hormonal gland, which produces and secretes numerous hormones and neurotransmitters. One of these hormones is oxytocin, the cuddle hormone that makes you bond with people or animals. It’s pretty easy to see why we illustrate loving someone with hearts.
Later, the science of neurocardiology discovered that the heart also emits a powerful electromagnetic field and that the heart functions as a transmitter. This transmitter function explains the continuous exchange of electromagnetic fields between people. We pick them up and broadcast. Sometimes we feel we are “not on the same frequency” with someone or when someone’s energy “fills the room.”
Neurocardiology and HeartMath Institute
The energetic field broadcasted by the heart plays a vital role in our health, both physically and emotionally. The HeartMath Institute scientists discovered that the active radiation from the heart is closely related to our emotions.
The scientists now understand that not only does the heart respond to emotion, but that the signals generated by the heart – including heart rate variability (HRV) – actually play an essential role in the quality of our moment-to-moment emotional experience.
The frequencies broadcasted by our heart also affect our perception and cognitive function, as the heart and brain are constantly communicating with each other. The scientists at HeartMath have shown with their electrophysiological studies that the heart plays a crucial role in our intuition. This is where spirituality and science meet.
Heart coherence
When we are in a state of gratitude., the heart produces coherent signals, called heart coherence, that is, a state in which the heart energetically synchronizes with other bodily processes – changes take place in our physical function. In that state, we can think clearly, and it gives a relaxed, happy feeling. It’s a state of “flow.”
The above discoveries about our cardiac functions are just the first findings of the new field of neurocardiology. There is still much to discover, and this new branch of science will yield many more startling discoveries in the years to come.
