Videos of Professor Owen Epstein

Heart rate variability

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Description:

This videoscribe explains how the vagus nerve regulates the fight and flight response and how measurement of heart rate variability provides a moment to moment window on the state of vagus influence on the "unconscious" autonomic nervous system. This, in turn, provides measurable physiological insights to "inner balance" and "wellness". Loss of normal heart rate variability is an early warning sign of both psychological and physical ill health. Continuous 72 hour heart rate variability can be measured using a lightweight wearable device (Bodyguard 2) providing individuals with physiological information on vagus tone, stress (good and bad) and, perhaps most important, recovery and restoration. The videoscribe explains the importance of the vagus in modulating emotional and physical well being. This neurophysiology has only recently been described by Professor Stephen Porges in his work "The Polyvagal Theory" and although not yet taught to healthcare professionals, measuring and monitoring the vagus nerve is likely to become increasingly important to the understanding health, wellbeing and the factors contributing to ill health.