Alive Blog
Heart rate variability:
Cultivating resilience and wellness
In the pursuit of holistic health and well-being, understanding the body’s intricate systems is key. One such system that holds immense potential is heart rate variability (HRV). By exploring the concept of HRV and its connection to resonant breathing exercises, we can release a powerful tool for promoting balance, reducing stress, and enhancing our overall wellness.
Demystifying Heart Rate Variability
Heart rate variability refers to the variation in time intervals between consecutive heartbeats. Contrarily to what is commonly thought, a healthy heart exhibits fluctuations in beat-to-beat intervals, influenced by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). HRV serves as an indicator of the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS, reflecting the body’s adaptability and response to internal and external stressors. Higher HRV is associated with better overall health, while reduced HRV may indicate autonomic dysfunction and increased susceptibility to various health issues.
The Role of Resonant Breathing in HRV
Resonant breathing exercises, also known as coherent breathing or deep breathing, offer a practical means to influence HRV positively. By consciously adjusting our breathing rate to a specific rhythm, typically between 4-6 breaths per minute, we can induce a state of coherence between our breath and heart rhythms. This intentional breathing pattern stimulates the relaxation response and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to increased HRV and improved overall physiological functioning.
Enhancing Stress Resilience
Stress has become an inevitable part of modern life, impacting our physical and mental health. Resonant breathing exercises play a crucial role in mitigating stress by increasing HRV. As we engage in slow, deep breathing, the body’s stress response is counteracted, leading to reduced heart rate, lowered blood pressure, and decreased levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Regular practice of resonant breathing cultivates resilience to stress, enabling us to better cope with life’s challenges and promote emotional well-being.
Promoting Cardiovascular Health
The link between HRV and cardiovascular health is well-established. Higher HRV is associated with improved cardiovascular function, reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, and overall heart health. Resonant breathing exercises that enhance HRV contribute to maintaining healthy blood pressure, improving heart rate regulation, and optimizing the overall function of the cardiovascular system. By incorporating these practices into our daily routines, we can support and enhance our cardiovascular well-being.
Enhancing Mental and Emotional Well-being
The benefits of resonant breathing exercises extend beyond the physical realm, positively impacting our mental and emotional well-being. By increasing HRV and promoting coherence between heart and brain rhythms, resonant breathing fosters emotional balance, enhances cognitive function, and improves mental clarity. These exercises have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while promoting feelings of calmness, relaxation, and overall psychological well-being.
Cultivating Mind-Body Connection
Resonant breathing exercises serve as a bridge to deepen the mind-body connection. By bringing awareness to the breath and synchronizing it with the heart’s rhythm, we foster mindfulness and present-moment awareness. This practice not only enhances our ability to manage stress and emotions but also promotes a sense of harmony within ourselves. Through resonant breathing, we tap into our innate capacity for self-regulation, fostering a deeper understanding of our bodies and the profound connection between our physical and mental states.
How to practice
HRV can be easily monitored with a heart rate monitor (The Polar H10 is one of the most accurate one, we have many of these at the clinic). It could be useful to track it in the morning, to have an objective parameter upon which base your training for example (lower HRV, take it easier). There are also different useful apps to practice resonant breathing (“The breathing App” or“Resonant breathing”). I suggest to take it easy first, practicing a pattern of 5:6 (5 seconds inhalation, 6 seconds exhalation) and stick to it for at least 10 minutes.
Heart rate variability, influenced by resonant breathing exercises, holds immense potential in promoting balance, reducing stress, and enhancing overall wellness. By incorporating these exercises into our daily routines, we can harness the power of HRV to support cardiovascular health, enhance mental and emotional well-being, and cultivate a deeper mind-body connection.
Get your HRV measured at Alive Chiropractic Poundbury. We serve the areas of Dorchester, Weymouth & Bridport, book a consultation today!
Dr. Edoardo Elisei DC
Alive Chiropractic LTD
alivechiropractic.co.uk
1C Crown Gate Square
POUNDBURY
01305602314
1/02/2023
Alive Chiropractic Poundbury
1C Crown gate square DT1 3EJ
Poundbury, Dorchester
Email Address
reception@alivechiropractic.co.uk
Phone Number
01305602314
07845096314
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I have 38 years of patchy recovery from a nursing back injury.
This intensive approach has markedly reduced my painful episodes and spinal posture problems.
My family has noticed a big difference in me with many obvious and subtle improvements.
I look forward to continuing this progress with both Edo and Phil to achieve further improvements.






Saved me from different injuries and helped me a lot of chronic issues I was dealing with.
He is a saviour.
Highly recommended









You are always polite, very knowledgeable with great approach to patients.
To all interested - do not hesitate, I highly recommend! See you soon!

Will definitely be visiting again!

I would fully recommend Alive Chiropractic,
Edo is a very warm, welcoming caring and does not judge.





He explained what and how he was going to help me , had an extensive treatment period to begin with and then became a monthly visitor .
He has been so much help to me over this time and I would recommend his gifts to everyone.
A truly lovely man and gifted communicator and practitioner.
If in pain go and give him a try , living in a body that feels like a prison is no fun but this guy has the keys to set you free!

Offers practical advice for individuals of any age
Explains proposed programs well
Very confident that treatment will be successful
Highly recommend
I am sleeping more comfortably again, my walking has improved too, my confidence has improved, I was treated with great respect. I have learnt new exercises which also has helped thanks to Ed owner of Alive chiropractor and Phil too for his excellent deep tissue massage therapy. I cannot thank them both enough, I feel like a new person!
Iโve now signed up for a regular maintenance programme. Thank you both very much, itโs very much appreciated.

He certainly has 'healing hands'.
Clearly passionate about his profession, not only does his treatment keep you supple. He also gives plenty of advise & exercises to keep yourself active.
The waiting room area is that of peace & tranquility with soothing background music.
There is ample free parking.
You've nothing to lose but everything to gain if you want to stay fit, healthy and active.
I highly recommend his expertise & personalised approach.
I highly recommend Edo and Alive Chiropractic. Great service from initial assessment, to treatment, and ongoing progress checks. As well as a range of exercises to continue at home.
As well as the work he done with me in the clinic, he has taught me many different exercises to help me with the problems in which i suffer with, as well as explaining to me how my diet can also help me going forward.
He has been a great help, and i shall continue to see him in the future so that he can help me maintain ( and improve) my well being.
Regards
Peter



Dr Edo provides a whole body approach to resolving chiropractic issues. His care plan to help solve your unique issues is fantastic, short and simple adjustments rather than long sessions of big adjustments has worked brilliantly for me. Communications are easy and booking ahead is brilliant for me and my schedule.
I canโt recommend Alive highly enough!

The reception is also very welcoming. I very much recommend this place!




Dr Edo is professional, knowledge, and believes firmly in his work which he is clearly passionate about. I feel he has an empowering vision, cares deeply, and has a refreshing balance of western and eastern understanding. Because of this, Dr Edo has a deeper, holistic approach by taking into account all aspects of one's lifestyle (diet, exercise, mental/emotional state) in sessions. For someone like myself who values a holistic perspective on health, Dr Edo's approach is invaluable and helped me relax and feel at great ease. Sam in reception is lovely and you instantly feel welcomed when coming in for a session also. Thank you to you both. Highly recommend!



Thank you!






I will happily recommend Alive Chiropractic to my friends.


Ed takes a very holistic approach, encouraging me to lose weight and work on different rehab exercises to reinforce the manipulations and adjustments he made.
Here I am some three months on, I weigh a lot less, I have incredible flexibility in my lower back and can now touch my toes and, best of all. I have full flexibility of my neck.
Eds holistic approach really works, he is very approachable and easy to chat about things with.
One caveat, Ed knows when you haven't done your exercises so don't cheat. ๐
I cannot thank him enough for the massive improvements in my health and his encouraging me to make little changes for a healthier long term lifestyle.
