Anxiety and stress brought on by psychological or physiological stressors may cause erratic heart rates. Holistic therapies, such as controlled breathing and self-pacing, are viable options for the control of stress and anxiety, and can stabilize one's heart rate. Do not rely solely on holistic approaches for suspected cardiovascular diseases.
Breathing Techniques
Holistic breathing techniques can improve the overall emotional and physical health of patients receiving ongoing medical treatment. A study published in the March 2011 Nephrology Nursing Journal found that patients on dialysis therapy experienced reduced levels of anxiety, fatigue, insomnia and pain after instruction on holistic breathing. The study concluded that holistic techniques present a viable option for the management of heart rate variability.
Music Therapy
An article in the May 1998 issue of Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care investigated the effects of music therapy on relaxation and anxiety for patients on ventilators. The researchers recruited 54 nonsedated patients and divided them into two groups -- one that received music therapy and a control group. The study found heart and respiratory rates effectively decreased in the patients in the music therapy group. The authors concluded that holistic treatment, including music therapy, was beneficial in lowering anxiety and improving relaxation.
Self-Pacing
Self-pacing is a holistic technique to reduce stress and anxiety, which can influence heart rate. A June 2011 study in The Annals of Occupational Hygiene explored the effects of self-pacing on physiological strain through the adjustment of physical movement in manual laborers working in severe thermal conditions. The researchers monitored the heart rate and body temperature of 150 worker, who were subjected to 12-hour workdays in severe heat over two days. The study recommended the implementation of self-pacing as part of a holistic approach to manage heat stress.
Heart Rate and Obesity
A study published in the April 2011 issue of Clinics investigated the effects of holistic approaches to control variations in heart rate induced by obesity in children ages 8 to 12. The researchers monitored the heart rate variability of 127 children, about half of whom were obese. The study found that holistic techniques, such as controlled breathing, were beneficial in the stabilization of the heart rate and recommended holistic therapy techniques for obese children.
References
- "Clinics"; Analysis of Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Obese and Eutrophic Children; L. Vanderlei, et al.; June 2010
- "Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care"; Effectiveness of a Music Therapy Intervention on Relaxation and Anxiety for Patients Receiving Ventilatory Assistance; L. Chlan; May 1998
- "The Annals of Occupational Hygiene"; Self-Pacing as a Protective Mechanism against the Effects of Heat Stress; V. Miller, et al.; June 2011
- "Nephrology Nursing Journal"; Benefits of a Holistic Breathing Technique in Patients on Hemodialysis; R. Stanley, et al.; March 2011
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