Introduction
Understanding Practice
Heart consistency is usually a slow breathing, often close to six cycles per minute. It aims to temporarily increase the regularity of changes in heart rhythm.
Benefits sought
- Stress relief break
- Emotional regulation
- Sleep preparation
- Respiratory awareness
History and evolution
The method popularizes work on heart rate variability and biofeedback. Simple formulas have facilitated its dissemination, sometimes with promises wider than the available data.
Practice guidance
- Breathe effortlessly
- Keep pace with the rhythm
- Observe effects without aiming for a perfect score
- Use the measure as a return, not as a verdict
What does a session look like?
Often five minutes of regular breathing, guided by animation or timer. A biofeedback can show the evolution of heart rhythm.
What we know — and what we don't know
Biofeedback of cardiac variability and slow breathing show promising results on perceived stress and anxiety.
Biofeedback of cardiac variability can reduce self-assessed stress and anxiety. However, the commercial formula of "coherence" should not be presented as a treatment of all diseases.
Precautions and limits
- Choose a comfortable rhythm, without forcing inspiration.
- Stop exercise causes discomfort or shortness of breath.
- Consult if heart symptoms are present rather than rely on an application.
Severe pain, aggravation, unusual symptom or psychological distress require appropriate professional advice. Orabel does not offer any diagnosis or prescription.
Status in France
The designation is not a regulated professional title. A general public device does not make a medical diagnosis.
Avoid universal numbers: the comfortable frequency varies according to the person and context.
Sources