The Coherent Heart explores communication within and among the body’s systems through the generation and transmission of rhythms and patterns of psychophysiological activity. Using the pattern of the heart’s rhythmic activity as the primary physiological marker, six different modes of psychophysiological function are identified, distinguished by their physiological, mental, and emotional correlates. Building on these empirical findings, IHM’s research on the psychophysiology of emotions is synthesized for the first time in a typology–a conceptual “map”–of psychophysiological interaction, which is presented graphically. Explored in depth are the characteristics and benefits of the psychophysiological coherence mode, associated with sustained positive emotions and a global shift to increased synchronization and harmony in psychophysiological processes. Topics covered include how coherence aids in pain reduction, the interactions between heart rhythms and respiration, and how heart coherence affects emotional experience. Of particular interest is the thorough discussion of how coherence improves cognitive performance, which highlights how the heart and brain interact to affect cognitive processes. This section provides a review of past research on heart-brain interactions, presents new research data on heart coherence, and introduces a new hypothesis regarding the influence of “macro-scale” patterns of heart activity on cognition.

Important note: This monograph is intended primarily for the researchers, medical professionals, students of psychophysiology and related fields, and laypeople who desire a deep understanding of HeartMath’s research.