We offer an interactive biofeedback programme using cardiac coherence to help you improve your general health and for specific health-related conditions. The programme is based on how the variability of the heart rate (HRV) is very important to health and how a number of simple practices, including breathing and stress-reduction exercises, can improve HRV and general well being.

From a scientific point of view, all stable systems, biological or otherwise, are in a complex pattern of oscillation1. Our heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, energy level, along with our mood, relatedness, task-orientation, etc. all are constantly in motion, and never are completely stable. In particular, decreased heart rate variability has been shown to be a marker of impaired heart and blood vessel regulation. It is associated with high blood pressure2, sudden cardiac death3, abnormal heart rhythms4 and the presence and severity of ischaemic heart disease5.

People with various other disorders (probably related to abnormal regulation of the automatic part of the nervous system) tend to show changes in HRV, including depression and anxiety6,and asthma7. The amount of HRV decreases with age8 and improves with aerobic exercise ability9.

In terms of our emotions, stress, anger, frustration, and anxiety can all give rise to heart rate patterns that are irregular and erratic. This causes our body to work inefficiently, deplete our energy and produce extra wear and tear on our whole system. Once coherence of the heart rhythm and breathing has been achieved, feeling the positive emotion can then help one to maintain a coherent state without conscious mental focus on the breathing rhythm all the time.

The biofeedback process uses a specialized computer programme connected to a pulse sensor that fits comfortably over the end of your finger. On the computer screen you can see both your pulse and breathing rate in a way that allows you to learn how to optimize, by following specific and personalized instructions, the coherence of your heart rate.

Sessions are available on Thursday and Friday afternoons with Alicia as your coach.

• Ideally you need to commit to 4-6 sessions.
• The initial session is for 1 hour - $40 Thereafter sessions are 45min's - $30.

For bookings or further information contact Mapua Health Centre
Phone: 03 5402211 or email: sue@mapuahealth.com