HRV Biofeedback

Heart rate variability (HRV) looks at the changes in time intervals from one heartbeat to the next. It reflects the balance between sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) systems. HRV is an indicator of overall health, with higher HRV being associated with cardiovascular fitness, emotion regulation, self-control, and positive health outcomes. Low HRV, on the other hand, has been associated with excessive stress, disease, increased cardiovascular risk, and aging. HRV biofeedback trains individuals to maximize their HRV, via paced diaphragmatic training, activating the vagus nerve. HRV biofeedback has been shown to be an effective treatment for many issues, including chronic pain, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and gastrointestinal disorders.