Deborah Rozman’s scientific contributions

Emotional stress, the strains of modern life and aging all can hasten cognitive decline. Memory, focus and concentration are especially vulnerable, but you can actually learn to take care of your brain, improve mental functions, remain alert and develop your brainpower. The new HeartMath Brain Fitness Program book explores the critical relationship between our emotions and the brain. It describes the heart's role in shaping and controlling our emotions and communicating with the brain. Learn how to harness your neuroplasticity, the brain's capacity for changing and rewiring itself. Learn to raise your heart coherence to promote emotional stability, optimal cognitive performance and harmonious function across all of your body's systems. This wonderful research-based work lays out a practical and simple method for using HeartMath techniques and technology to improve and sustain your cognitive abilities throughout your life. Contents 82 pages; detailed color illustrations, charts, graphics Fall in love with your brain and your heart Heart-Brain Communication Benefits of positive emotions Self-directedness and leadership Increasing Brain Power with Heart Power HeartMath Brain Fitness Five-Step Program Detailed instructions for 5 HeartMath techniques Integrating emWave® and Inner Balance® technologies Action plan HeartMath brain-fitness outcomes Additional resources

Heart Rate Variability Coherence (HRV-C) biofeedback is exciting new technology that has broad-based applications for health and Wellness and for performance enhancement. Based on research done at the Institute of HeartMath psychophysiology laboratory and at other institutions, heart rhythm coherence feedback training has proven to facilitate rapid, profound, and enduring improvements in a wide variety of conditions. An important reason this technology is effective in diverse applications is that it facilitates the maintenance of a highly efficient and regenerative internal state, characterized by reduced nervous system chaos and increased synchronization and harmony in human system-wide dynamics. This psychophysiological mode, termed physiological coherence, is conducive to healing, rehabilitation, emotional stability, learning and optimal performance. A heart rhythm coherence training and feedback system known as the emWave PC is now being used in a wide variety of settings for clinical, workplace, school, sports and fitness, and home applications.

This study examined the effects on healthy adults of a new emotional self-management program, consisting of two key techniques, “Cut-Thru” and the “Heart Lock-In.” These techniques are designed to eliminate negative thought loops and promote sustained positive emotional states. The hypotheses were that training and practice in these techniques would yield lowered levels of stress and negative emotion and cortisol, while resulting in increased positive emotion and DHEA levels over a one-month period. In addition, we hypothesized that increased coherence in heart rate variability patterns would be observed during the practice of the techniques. Forty-five healthy adults participated in the study, fifteen of whom acted as a comparison group for the psychological measures. Salivary DHEA/DHEAS and cortisol levels were measured, autonomic nervous system function was assessed by heart rate variability analysis, and emotions were measured using a psychological questionnaire. Individuals in the experimental group were assessed before and four weeks after receiving training in the self-management techniques. The experimental group experienced significant increases in the positive affect scales of Caring and Vigor and significant decreases in the negative affect scales of Guilt, Hostility, Burnout, Anxiety and Stress Effects, while no significant changes were seen in the comparison group. There was a mean 23 percent reduction in cortisol and a 100 percent increase in DHEA/DHEAS in the experimental group. DHEA was significantly and positively related to the affective state Warmheartedness, whereas cortisol was significantly and positively related to Stress Effects. Increased coherence in heart rate variability patterns was measured in 80 percent of the experimental group during the use of the techniques. The results suggest that techniques designed to eliminate negative thought loops can have important positive effects on stress, emotions and key physiological systems. The implications are that relatively inexpensive interventions may dramatically and positively impact individuals’ health and well-being. Thus, individuals may have greater control over their minds, bodies and health than previously suspected.

Our educational systems focus on honing children's cognitive skills from the moment they enter the kindergarten classroom. But very little emphasis is placed on educating children in the man- agement of the inner conflicts and unbalanced emotions they bring with them every day to school. As new research sheds light on the development of the brain and concepts such as "emotional intelligence" become more widely understood, many educators are realizing that cognitive ability is not the sole or necessarily the most critical determinant of young people's aptitude to flourish in today's society. Developing skill in emotional management, conflict resolution, decision making, communication and interpersonal skills are essential for children to develop a broader intelligence to help them successfully deal with the pressures and obstacles that will inevitably arise in their