Synergetics

PUBLICATIONS

Heart-Brain Neurodynamics
A 21-page monograph discussing historical controversies and a new, systems-oriented model of emotion in which the heart plays a key role.

As pervasive as they are in human experience, emotions have long remained an enigma to science. This comprehensive monograph explores recent scientific advances that clarify central controversies in the study of emotion, including the relationship between intellect and emotion, and the historical debate on the source of emotional experience. A discussion of the critical role of ascending input from the body to the brain in the generation of emotions culminates in a detailed presentation of a new model of emotion in which the brain functions as a complex pattern-matching system. From this perspective it is shown that the heart is a key component of the emotional system, thus providing a physiological basis for the long-acknowledged link between the heart and our emotional life.

Neurocardiology
Neurocardiology--Anatomical and Functional Principles, by J. Andrew Armour, M.D., Ph.D.

Groundbreaking research in the field of neurocardiology has established that the heart is a sensory organ and a sophisticated information encoding and processing center, with an extensive intrinsic nervous system sufficiently sophisticated to qualify as a "heart brain." This insightful 19-page monograph is authored by pioneer neurocardiology researcher Dr. J. Andrew Armour of the University of Montreal, who first introduced the concept of a functional heart brain in 1991. Here Dr. Armour describes the anatomical organization and function of the cardiac nervous system, which is comprised of a complex hierarchy of nested feedback control loops organized in three regulatory levels. He details the interactions that occur among multiple populations of neurons to maintain cardiovascular stability and maximize cardiac efficiency, and also considers the role of the cardiac nervous system in various forms of heart disease. Armour discusses intriguing data documenting the complex neuronal processing and memory capabilities of the intrinsic cardiac nervous system, indicating that the heart brain can process information and make decisions about its control independent of the central nervous system. By providing an understanding of the elaborate anatomy and physiology of the cardiac nervous system, this monograph contributes to the newly emerging view of the heart as a complex, self-organized system that maintains a continuous two-way dialogue with the brain and the rest of the body.

Important note: This is a technical monograph written primarily for medical professionals, students, and researchers with a background in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.

Science of the Heart
A comprehensive document providing key background and detailed summaries of IHM's research studies in a variety of fields.

The science behind the HeartMath system! This comprehensive, insightful document compiles years of innovative research at the Institute of HeartMath. You'll develop a new understanding of the scientific discoveries that have shaped the development of the tools and techniques that comprise the HeartMath system. Charts, diagrams and full explanations are presented in a form that is both easy for the layperson and complete for the science professional. (72 pages)

The Energetic Heart
Bioelectromagnetic Interactions Within and Between People. A 20-page monograph covering IHM and others' research on bioelectromagnetic interactions.

The Appreciative Heart
The Psychophysiology of Positive Emotions and Optimal Functioning. A 21-page overview of IHM's research on the physiological correlates of positive emotions and the science underlying the core HeartMath techniques

Autonomic Assessment Report
Intended primarily for researchers and health care professionals, this guidebook provides an excellent introduction to the use of 24-hour heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in the assessment of the autonomic nervous system.

Sports Performance e-Booklets

Managing Emotions-- Golf's Next Frontier
Based on research by Doc Childre and the Institute of HeartMath

If you are a passionate golfer, you can appreciate the pleasurable emotional state associated with playing at the peak of your game. You also understand how emotional blowups or meltdowns can quickly override and undo the results of countless hours of practice. A new, illustrated, 60-page book explains how you can achieve and maintain optimal emotional states for extended periods of time-even in the heat of intense competition. You’ll learn HeartMath’s Quick Coherence™ technique for emotional balance and high performance in golf. It’s easily integrated into practice routines, just like chipping, putting, ball striking, etc., and will help you maintain your energy, avoid errors due to emotional judgments and inner turbulence, shoot lower scores, and stay at peak longer.

"Effective management of the emotions in your golf game will not only lower your scores, but is guaranteed to increase your enjoyment of the game." --Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson, Voted Top 50 Teachers 2003-2004, Golf Digest