The Heart as a Regulatory Organ

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The Heart as a Regulatory Organ

Article in a Nutshell

Did you know the heart is far more than a simple pump that pushes oxygen-rich blood through the body to keep us alive? In fact, research continues to expand on the broader role the heart plays regarding whole-body regulation, how we perceive and regulate pain, and even conscious awareness – a function that was considered to originate from the brain alone.

Why is this important? Prior to recent research, science viewed the brain as the governor in charge of how we think, feel, learn, and move. If you have ever experienced heart palpitations from stress, anxiety, grief, or a change in sleep patterns, you already know something important about the heart – it is not an isolated muscular pump; it actually plays an important role by assisting the brain and body systems to adjust things like blood pressure, fluid balance, and stress responses.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the heart is deeply connected to regulation, emotion, and balance. This understanding expands the science of cardiology and the heart’s function, not only as a pump, but as a regulatory organ that orchestrates homeostasis. It performs this through its rhythm and signals, which have an effect on the body’s autonomic nervous system, physiology, and so much more.

The physical, emotional, and energetic states of the body are complex. Taking this into consideration, we will explore some interesting facts about the heart, its role as a whole-body management system, and its relationship with the brain. We will also learn about lifestyle choices that support the heart’s ability to regulate the body and the heart’s effects on healing and overall wellness.

Article in a Nutshell

The Heart, Emotions, And More

It is wondrous to think the heart is formed and begins to pump approximately ten weeks after conception – this occurs before the brain is even formed. Modern medicine has long believed the brain controls thoughts, emotions, and feelings.

However, research in neuro-cardiology suggests the heart may send more signals to the brain than the brain sends to the heart, via the heart’s very sophisticated intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS), sometimes called the heart’s own “small brain.” (1)

The ICNS has the ability to self-organize, process, and in turn, influence the brain via the nervous system, hormonal system, electromagnetic fields, and other pathways.

The heart and the brain have a bi-directional communication pathway, whereby the heart can at times physiologically and biochemically control what occurs in the brain, thereby affecting responses like thoughts, respiration, digestion, motor function, and sensory systems. (2) (3) (4) (5)

Because of this network, the heart can sense changes inside the body, process information, and adjust its own rhythm and strength of beating. This means the heart can control some of its functions without waiting for instructions from the brain. (6)

These heart cells (neurons) can process information, learn, remember, and communicate with the brain in several ways, including:

Through Nerves

The heart and brain are constantly sending signals to each other through nerves such as the vagus nerve. These signals can influence parts of the brain that control emotions, memory, decision-making, stress, pain perception, and pain regulation.

Techniques that target the heart, such as vagus nerve stimulation or heart-rhythm coherence training, have been shown to affect pain-processing centers in the brain, potentially altering not just the sensory experience of pain but also its emotional and cognitive dimensions. (7)

Through Hormones and Chemicals

The heart communicates with the brain by releasing hormones and chemical signals into the bloodstream, such as atrial natriuretic peptide, which relays information via the hypothalamus and amygdala and helps control body balance, stress, and emotions.

By sending these signals, the heart can influence how the brain regulates things like blood pressure, respiration, digestion, thirst, and stress responses. In simple terms, the heart helps communicate the body’s physical state to the brain through hormones that circulate in the blood.

Through Blood Pressure Waves

When heart rhythms are steady and balanced, the brain works better, stress is lower, and the body is healthier. When these rhythms are not balanced for an extended period of time, other health conditions may arise, including heart disease.

Through Electromagnetic Fields

Have you ever walked into a room and been able to sense a positive or negative person without speaking with them? This is not esoteric; it is scientifically proven that the heart’s electromagnetic energy field is a powerplant that can extend to at least 3 ft. (approx. 91 cm) beyond the body and can influence the energy of others in the surrounding area. This human biofield radiates emotional information and acts as a central communication pathway/connection.

Some researchers believe this field may influence our own brains and even affect people around us physiologically. Therefore, positive emotions like love, gratitude, and compassion create a smooth, harmonious heart rhythms called heart coherence, which improves emotional regulation, mental clarity, stress relief, creativity, and overall well-being. (8) (9)

“ Our thoughts and emotions affect the
heart’s magnetic field, which energetically
affects those in our environment,
whether or not
we are conscious of it. ”

This understanding is important because it assists scientists and doctors to see the body as a connected “holistic” system and appreciate the many ways that the heart’s communication affects stress, mood, and overall health. Researching these connections further can lead to better treatments for conditions involving both the heart and brain, such as heart disease, stress disorders, and irregular heart rhythms.

Ways to Support Heart Health & Emotional Regulation

Nutritional Tips for a Healthy Cardiovascular System

An interesting study confirmed three-thousand years of Chinese medical theory when researchers found smell and taste receptors present on the human heart! The study reports that twelve (of our twenty-five) taste receptors are expressed in the heart and respond to bitter compounds. (10)

Based on TCM and “5 Elements Perspective,” bitter is the taste associated with the Fire Element that balances the heart. This is in part due to the alkaloids and glycosides found in bitter plants, which have an effect on the nervous and circulatory systems and is said to counterbalance stress and mental strain. Bitter flavors have also been known to relieve digestive illnesses, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. Below are some nourishing bitter foods and herbs to incorporate into your diet for optimal heart health.

Keep in mind that all recommendations are based upon certified organic foods and herbs. If you are taking medications, have any delayed food allergies, or allergies to ragweed or other plant allergens, some of these recommendations may not be suitable for you. It is recommended that you check with your primary health care provider for contraindications before implementing any recommendation into your daily routine.

Nutritional Tips for a Healthy Cardiovascular System

Bitter flavors have also been known to relieve digestive illnesses, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. Below are some nourishing bitter foods and herbs to incorporate into your diet for optimal heart health.

Bitter Flavored Foods for Hearth Health

Bitter Greens
Celery
Kale
Quinoa
Asparagus
Turnip
Papaya
Coffee
Cranberries

Bitter Flavored Foods for Hearth Health

Bitter Greens
Celery
Kale
Quinoa
Asparagus
Turnip
Papaya
Coffee
Cranberries
Cherries
Kidney Beans
Goji Berries
Citrus Peel
Dark Chocolate (70% or higher)
Tea (black-neutral, green-cooling)

Herbs for a Healthy Heart

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is known for its brain boosting power and exceptional support of your entire cardiovascular system. Rosemary contains several neuro-cardio and neuro protective compounds for heart and brain health including salicylic acid, the natural alternative to aspirin, known to soothe headaches and increase blood flow.
Garlic contains a organosulfur compound called allicin. Consuming garlic daily has tremendous benefits for cardiovascular health like reducing bad cholesterol and triglycerides; resolving phlegm; and reducing high blood pressure, clots, and artery stiffness.
Turmeric (Curcumin) is a polyphenol compound that is yellow-orange in color. Its properties are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antithrombin, and cardiovascular protective. Note: to increase absorption, take turmeric with black pepper, fat, and slightly heated.
Hawthorne (Crataegus) is known as “The Heart Herb.” The phytonutrients in these berries can strengthen heart function, stabilize blood pressure, improve blood circulation, reduce angina (chest pain), and reduce risk of heart disease. Hawthorne berries contain potent antioxidants called flavonoids.
Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) is known for its effects on blood pressure regulation. It also acts as a natural diuretic, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and offers anti-clot/platelet prevention.

Final Thoughts

The more we learn about the heart, the more it becomes clear that it is a powerful regulatory organ that influences the body in many interconnected ways by continuously exchanging information with the brain and the rest of the body.

Ultimately, caring for the heart is about preventing dis-ease and cultivating coherence within the entire system. When we support the heart physically, emotionally, and energetically, we strengthen its ability to regulate the body, connect with others, and sustain vitality throughout life.

Through these targeted physiological states, the heart truly becomes what many traditions have long described: not only the engine of life, but the rhythm that helps bring the whole body—and our experience of life—into balance.

About the Author

M. Moriah Mor, ND, CHN, is a Naturopathic Practitioner, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, and founder of GreenSilk.com. She is dedicated to helping people live healthier lifestyles through education, nutrition, and premium natural health products. With more than 18 years in the wellness field, Moriah is a graduate of the Energetic Health Institute, AMCC, and the University of Southern California. She is passionate about researching the latest breakthroughs in holistic health.

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