Heart Rate Variability Testing

“Everything in excess is opposed to nature” —Hippocrates

What is Heart Rate Variability (HRV)?

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a phrase used to describe/measure the irregular rhythms produced by a normal, healthy heart that’s in a resting state. In other words, HRV represents the measure of irregular, beat-to-beat changes in a resting, healthy heart. This irregularity is important because it represents the flexibility or adaptability in individuals’ abilities to cope with stressors from both our internal environment as well as the external environment. An optimal balance in HRV is required within individuals to promote healthy regulation of organ systems that are under the control of the ANS.

In essence, HRV represents a measure of Autonomic Nervous System functionality in terms of Sympathetic Nervous System/Parasympathetic Nervous System balance that accelerates and deaccelerates the heart rate—a rate that’s influenced by our thoughts, emotions, and physical exercise.

In addition, the rhythms produced by our beating heart have a profound impact on our brain’s ability to function creatively in solving problems and in making decisions. By understanding the relationship between HRV and the Autonomic Nervous System, individuals empower themselves with the ability to examine their mental/ emotional/ physiologic processes to promote inner health and a sense of well-being.

The Autonomic Nervous System is directly impacted by our thoughts and emotions which in turn affect digestive, cardiovascular, neurological, immunological, and other bodily processes. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that positive thoughts/emotions cultivated via a sense of acceptance, appreciation, gratitude and lovingness, promote order and balance in the ANS. Yet, contrarily, negative thoughts/emotions promote chaotic disorder in the ANS that can lead to feelings of isolation, anger, hostility and other emotions that are conducive to disease-forming processes.

The usage of ANS-Analysis Heart Rate Variability Testing provides a window into how one copes with stress, which is important because chronically stressed organ systems can potentially manifest symptoms related to dis-ease processes. Therefore, clinicians can use this tool to discover and monitor the emergence of imbalances before they have progressed to more severe disease processes.  This tool can also be used to develop customized/individualized treatment plans and to the effects of treatment.

Ultimately, Heart Rate Variability Testing can help lead you to optimal health and a greater sense of well-being via your body’s innate healing forces.