The Heart Has A Brain: Understanding The Mind/Body Connection

THE HEART HAS A BRAIN: UNDERSTANDING THE MIND/BODY CONNECTION There was a time when “thinking” was the sole function of the brain. Then science discovered the heart has a brain- an intrinsic network of neurotransmitters that connect to the brain via the vagus nerve located in the spinal cord. In fact, the heart sends more information to the brain than the brain to the heart. Additionally, these neurotransmitters are responsible for the viability of the heart muscle, the heart rate, and the heart rhythm. How does the heart “think”? Our emotions-joy, contentment, fear anxiety, etc. are processed by the heart and then messaged to the brain via the vagus nerve. If emotions are processed as calm and feeling good the heart secretes Oxytocin (associated with empathy, trust, and love), telling the brain that all is well. The parasympathetic nervous system is activated and signals the release of Endorphins (the body`s natural pain reliever), dopamine (associated with pleasurable sensations, learning and memory), and serotonin (which regulates mood, sleep appetite, learning ability, and memory). When the heart processes what we are feeling as “dangerous”, the brain is sent the message to activate the sympathetic nervous system “fight or flight-tsignaling the release of the stress hormones adrenalin, epinephrine, and cortisol. It is these hormones that wreak havoc with the physical body contributing to the development of illness and disease. 
The vagus nerve is the mind/body connection serving as a conduit between the heart-brain and every organ, muscle, and cell in the body.