[ heart, mind and brain]

ABSTRACT

It has been a general observation that in many cultures throughout history, the heart has been considered the source of emotions, passion and wisdom. However, scientists in the past emphasized the role of the brain in the head, to be responsible for such experiences. Interestingly, recent studies explored physiological mechanisms by which the heart communicates with the brain, thereby influencing information processing, perceptions, emotions and health. These studies provided the scientific basis to explain how and why the heart affects mental clarity, creativity and emotional balance. Also research indicates that the heart is far more than a simple pump. The heart is, in fact a highly complex, self-organizing information processing centre with its own functional "brain" that communicates with and influences the cranial brain via the nervous system, hormonal system and other pathways. These influences profoundly affect brain function and most of the body's major systems. In this review, I shall try to summarize and integrate the interesting findings in this area