Have a (healthy) Heart

     “Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart.””      - Carl G. Jung

February is the month that we celebrate love with St. Valentines Day, but it is also the month designated by the American Medical Association (AMA) as American Heart Month. This special focus is on cardiovascular disease, the # 1 cause of premature death in America, and ways to prevent heart disease and promote a healthier lifestyle.

We all know that a heart healthy diet, adequate exercise, good sleep will help our hearts go a long way. But did you know that Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measures the tiny fluctuations between heartbeats, while vagal tone reflects the activity of the vagus nerve—that long 10th cranial nerve that regulates our sleep/wake cycle, stress levels, heartrate, respiration and even peristalsis (digestive forces).  High vagal tone/HRV equals better stress management and emotional regulation, increased resilience and cognitive performance, and lower resting heart rate and blood pressure.

At the HeartMath Institute, situated in the Santa Cruz Mountains in California, many studies have shown, with scientific reliability, that people can reduce significant stress levels, increase peace, personal satisfaction, and promote overall well-being. Based on biofeedback, studies confirm that HRV is a powerful window into our health and emotional wellness. Through “Heart Coherence” training, there are techniques to improve mental clarity, release stress, help access intuition and choose love and compassion.  For more information, visit: www.heartmath.org.

To a strong heart for life-Salud!!