How the Heart Can Heal

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The information below is from a HeartMath Institute study www.heartmath.org and supports the work and experiences here at the Bodhi Wellness center.

 

“Recent studies conducted by the Institute of HeartMath provide a clue to explain the bidirectional “healing” that happens when we are near horses. According to researchers, the heart has a larger electromagnetic field and higher level of intelligence than the brain: A magnetometer can measure the heart’s energy field radiating up to 8 to 10 feet around the human body. While this is certainly significant it is perhaps more impressive that the electromagnetic field projected by the horse’s heart is five times larger than the human one (imagine a sphere-shaped field that completely surrounds you). The horse’s electromagnetic field is also stronger than ours and can actually directly influence our own heart rhythm!

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Horses are also likely to have what science has identified as a “coherent” heart rhythm (heart rate pattern) which explains why we may “feel better” when we are around them. . . studies have found that a coherent heart pattern or HRV is a robust measure of well-being and consistent with emotional states of calm and joy – that is, we exhibit such patterns when we feel positive emotions.

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A coherent heart pattern is indicative of a system that can recover and adjust to stressful situations very efficiently. Often times, we only need to be in a horse’s presence to feel a sense of wellness and peace. In fact, research shows that people experience many physiological benefits while interacting with horses, including lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased levels of beta-endorphins (neurotransmitters that serve as pain suppressors), decreased stress levels, reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, improved social functioning; and increased feelings of empowerment, trust, patience and self-efficacy.”

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Horses have an extremely strong heart rhythm or heart energy field. Equine assisted therapies have conducted studies, using HeartMath, showing horses assisting in healing humans. This occurs when a horse’s heart rhythm is strong enough to influence, like a magnet, the human’s heart rhythm, thus aid in regulating, calming, neurochemistry within the brain.

 

The level of emotional balance and congruency found within us is what creates the level of leadership horses need in order to cooperate in willing partnerships. Because horses are affected by our emotions and easily influenced, it is our responsibility to offer the same to those equines that are in need of healing – feeling calm, emotionally safe and secure.

 

The energy work at the Bodhi Wellness Center is about helping people and horses become balanced, aligned, congruent and at ease. This is the foundation to developing deep bonds, connection, clear communication and ultimate unity.

 

Heart to Heart Article  Click Here

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Measuring the Emotional Bond Between Horses and Humans Article  Click Here