Wikipedia defines heart rate variability (HRV) as the “physiological phenomenon of variation in the time interval between heartbeats.” Furthermore it is “measured by the variation in the beat-to-beat interval.” This might seem like a piece of boring information, until you dig a little deeper and find out that HRV is a predictor of how likely a person is to survive a heart attack. More specifically a reduction in this variability of the heart, in a sense the less responsive to change or stimulation, the more likely a person is to die after suffering a myocardial infarction.
There is a lot more to this story…and it’s a fascinating one.
We all strive to find that state of creative “flow”, when playful attention maximizes our ability to find new ideas, become inspired, and create our best work. By observing network behavior between brain and heart we can learn how heart rate variability serves as an objective measure of how “resonant” we are, and how “in tune” we may be with our current circumstances.
Simple attention to our pulse can give us useful insight into heart rate variability. Can we improve this variability through attention and practice? Are there herbs and practices that can help maximize it?
If you are guessing YES! and are curious to hear the rest of the story, check out this FREE online class: Resonance of the Heart with Guido Masé
Guido Masé, RH(AHG) is a clinician and educator in the Western herbal tradition. He spent his childhood in Italy and has been living in Vermont since 1996. His practice interweaves clinical experience, mythology, and science.
He is chief herbalist at Urban Moonshine, clinician at the Burlington Herb Clinic, faculty member and clinical supervisor at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, teacher in herbal medicine at the University of Vermont, and author of The Wild Medicine Solution and DIY Bitters. He is developing the integrative phytotherapy department at Wasso Hospital in Loliondo, Tanzania.
He has a talent for explaining complicated subjects in an interesting and understandable manner. He creates a bridge between the scientific community and the public, feeding both groups with practical information that can be used personally in the home, or with clients in a clinic.
His new BotanicWise online course, Natural Cardio Care begins January 21 and is designed to empower both individuals dealing with cardiovascular issues AND clinicians wanting to broaden their therapeutic options for clients.