Since centuries human beings have studied the connection between intellect and emotions and how this linkage influences our behavior. The Book of the Essences written between the 2nd century BCE and the 1st century CE already state the relationship between the feelings and the mind. In the late 8th century Buddhist teachings introduced the hierarchy of seven inner energy centers- called chakras (“circles,” “wheels”). In which the lower 3 chakras dominate the emotional components, the middle chakra demonstrates our feelings and the higher three our intellectual processes.
Fast-forward to the 20th century and neuroscience has proven again and again the strong association between the heart and the brain. The cranial brain is the major control network for the body’s functions and abilities and enables conscious communication with our body and automatic operation of vital organs. Nevertheless, the brain alone is not the sole responsible of our complex behavioral interactions.
In 1991 Dr. J. Andrew Armour introduced the concept of heart functional brain. The “heart brain” has a complex intrinsic neural network similar to the criteria specified for the brain such as neurons, neurotransmitters, proteins and support cells. Its elaborate circuitry enables it to act independently of the cranial brain – to learn, remember, and even feel and sense. Research has also shown that the heart communicates to the brain in four major ways: neurologically, biochemically, biophysically and energetically[1]. Therefore, exchanging critical information that influences how the body functions and the brain activity.
The biggest take away of Dr. Armour research is that when the heart behaves in coherent fashion, that is beating at a rhythmic pattern, after experiencing a positive emotion, the body, including the brain, begins to experience all sorts of benefits, among them greater mental clarity and intuitive ability, better performance and better decision-making[2].
[1] neurologically (through the transmission of nerve impulses), biochemically (via hormones and neurotransmitters), biophysically (through pressure waves) and energetically (through electromagnetic field interactions) [2] Quick Coherence® Technique for Adults https://www.heartmath.org/resources/heartmath-tools/quick-coherence-technique-for-adults/FURTHER REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR