The HeartMath Solution

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 3/05/1999

Is the heart the missing link in the mind-body connection? By combining age-old philosophy with modern science, Childre and Martin--respectively the founder and an executive consultant of the California nonprofit research organization, Institute of HeartMath--make a compelling case for the idea that good health is really a triumph of heart, not mind, over matter. Citing the Institute's research on the heart's role in human health, they demonstrate that the so-called metaphorical condition of the heart--which has long been associated with love, wisdom, courage and happiness--may play as important a role in mental well-being as its physical function. The HeartMath solution lies in developing what Childre and Martin call the core heart feelings (such as love, forgiveness, appreciation and care), which trigger physiological responses resulting in less stress, better brain function and a stronger immune system. Although this book is about the heart, it's written with cool intelligence and intelligibility for the head. Despite slightly off-putting names (Freeze-Frame, Cut-Thru and Lock-In), the relaxation exercises, which are being taught at corporations and at schools, are simple to do, although perhaps already too familiar to anyone who has tried other kinds of meditative techniques. Nevertheless, in presenting a clear argument for following one's heart, this book certainly breaks new ground in the holistic approach to health. Author tour.