Question: What is meant by empowering heart-based living?
Answer: The words "empowering heart-based living," which appear on some Institute of HeartMath Web pages with IHM’s logo and often in our literature, essentially encompass our mission and vision: giving people tools to experience this healthy, coherent way of living, described as follows:
When all of our intentions and actions in daily life originate from the intuitive wisdom of our hearts, when we feel and act with sincere appreciation, caring and kindness for others – all qualities of the heart – and when we can observe the world around us without the preset judgments of the mind, but rather with the compassion in our hearts, then we will truly be living life from the heart.
"Heart-based living," IHM founder Doc Childre wrote, "helps you learn to live in the now, bringing more of your real self into each moment. Becoming more of who you really are releases inner security, allowing you to relate to life with increased hope and confidence. Increased fulfillment is the result of this process.
Question: What is meant by personal and global coherence?
Answer:Personal coherence, also known as psychophysiological coherence, refers to the synchronization of our physical, mental and emotional systems. It can be measured by our heart-rhythm patterns: The more balanced and smooth they are, the more in sync, or coherent, we are. Stress levels recede, energy levels increase and our brain and what HeartMath calls the "heart brain" are working together. It is a state of optimal clarity, perception and performance. HeartMath tools and technology have been scientifically proven to help us achieve personal coherence.
Global coherence refers to the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of the greater community of human beings, while acting in concert with their own hearts, each other and nation to nation in harmony with our living planet. HeartMath believes coherence on a grand scale is highly achievable when large numbers of people focus their heart intelligence on a common goal.
Question: I’m interested in learning about HeartMath for self-improvement. Where should I start?
Answer: The most comprehensive work about the science and research of HeartMath and the HeartMath System is the e-Booklet Science of the Heart, by the HeartMath Research Center staff. This comprehensive monograph gives fundamental and detailed summaries of the Institute of HeartMath’s years of innovative research and has an overview of heart-rate variability, entrainment, coherence, head-heart interactions and the scientific discoveries that shaped the tools and techniques developed to empower heart-based living. Science of the Heart.
Also, the book, The HeartMath Solution, by Doc Childre and Howard Martin, includes cutting-edge science, practical information and easy-to-learn HeartMath techniques. You’ll learn about the heart as control tower of the body’s systems and health, and the techniques will show you how to deepen your heart qualities of wisdom, compassion, strength and joy and increase your intuitive, creative and heart-centered aspects. The HeartMath Solution.
Question: Are HeartMath techniques simply types of relaxation/meditation techniques?
Answer: Although HeartMath techniques produce many benefits for the body, mind and emotions, IHM does not consider them to be forms of meditation because their purpose – the experience they give – and their effects are quite different from relaxation/meditation practices. In fact, professional meditators say HeartMath actually facilitates their meditation experience by improving their focus, emotional management and self-awareness. Here are two e-monographs you may find interesting:
Question: How does HeartMath view breathing in the stress reduction process?
Although rhythmic breathing exercises can help control your heart rate and have a calming effect on the body, shifting your attitudes and emotions require more. Research shows the key to learning how to neutralize and counter the effects of stress is by actively adding a positive feeling such as appreciation, care and compassion to the process. Experiencing positive emotions has a much broader range of health and wellness benefits than simply forcing the system into coherence through rhythmic breathing. Generating feelings of appreciation, care or compassion adds a dynamic element for stress management. Using the breathing pacer found in the emWave® in conjunction with generating positive emotions helps synchronize your nervous system and creates positive changes in your heart-rhythm patterns to create and sustain the coherence needed for stress relief.
Question: Can I visit the Institute?
Answer: As much as we would like to meet all of our friends, we are unable to receive casual visitors or give tours of our facility. We receive visitors by appointment for business or research purposes only. If you are a scientist, doctor, psychologist, teacher, etc., and would like to make an appointment to discuss relative business, let us know. We’ll put you in contact with the right person to meet your needs. Please submit your request to info@heartmath.org or call us at (831) 338-8500.
Question: How can I become a member of HeartMath?
To learn about all the wonderful benefits you’ll receive with your membership in the Institute of HeartMath and how to become a member, please go to the following page: Become a HeartMath Member.
Question: In what languages are your books and programs available?
Answer: At present, a small number of HeartMath materials are available in Spanish. Please click the following link for more information: Spanish-language materials. You can also learn about independent providers of HeartMath products in many countries and languages around the world through IHM’s sister company, HeartMath LLC at HeartMath Alliances.
Question: What authors other than those with IHM discuss HeartMath?
Answer: HeartMath is referenced in over 300 books, a number of which are written by esteemed best-selling authors such as Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. Barry Sears, Patricia Aburdene, and Stephen R. Covey. Go to Independent Books.
Question: What type of Alliances do you have?
Answer: The Institute of HeartMath has established many alliances and partnerships with a variety of institutions, organizations and research entities that have similar interests and goals. HeartMath’s Alliances.
Question: Can I learn the HeartMath techniques without taking a class?
Answer: Yes. A great way to learn the HeartMath techniques is through any or all of these books: The HeartMath Solution, Transforming Anger, Transforming Stress and Transforming Anxiety and Transforming Depression. They can be found in the HeartMath Store.
If you want to speed up the process and measure the results as you go, you’ll want to have the emWave® Personal Stress Reliever, the emWave® PC/Mac Stress Relief System or both. Go to emWave Technology for more information.
Question: What do I need to do to use your intellectual property in a presentation? May I use HeartMath’s copyrighted materials in my seminars, workshops or publications?
HeartMath does permit use of its intellectual property and copyrighted materials for some limited purposes. Click here for information. Read More.
Question: How do I search your site for specific information?
The Web site search box is located in the upper, right side of our pages. Basic search functions usually will bring up the desired results. Simply type in the word or words pertaining to the topic or item for which you are searching. Fewer words likely will bring up a greater number of results, but they may not be as specific to your topic as you would like. Using more words usually brings up fewer, but more pertinent results. To do an exact word or phrase search, type double quote marks at the beginning and end – "emWave technology" – of your search string. You also can search the page you are on by doing a "find." On Windows systems, hit control F and type your search word or words. Macintosh users hit Apple/command F. Click to top of page for Web site search box.
Question: Are there any career opportunities at the Institute of HeartMath?
Answer: Click on the following link to learn about career opportunities at the Institute of HeartMath. Employment with HeartMath.
Question: How can I sign up for News and Updates? For HeartQuotes?
Answer: You must first sign up with HeartMath. It only takes a few moments and all information you provide is strictly confidential. Then simply check the box down the page that says "Yes, I want to receive News and Updates from the Institute of HeartMath and my free copy of The Inside Story—Understanding the Power of Feelings." Even if you’ve already registered in the HeartMath store, you will still need to sign up. Register.
To receive HeartQuotes, interesting and inspirational messages from the world’s greatest thinkers in your e-mail box Monday through Friday, click this link: HeartQuotes®.
Question: Can I listen to a sample of Doc’s Childre’s music?
Answer: Yes, you may hear samples of Doc’s music on Amazon.com by clicking here: Listen to Doc. Enjoy!
Question: How do I change my mailing and shipping address information?
Answer: Changing your address is easy. Go to the HeartMath Store and click on My Account on the upper right side of the page. This page contains an Edit Profile link
under Support that will take you to the mailing and shipping addresses we have on file for you. Click the "change" button beneath either of them to make modifications. The My Account page also allows you to conduct other personal business such as changing your e-mail address or your account password, check your orders and downloads, view billing statements and more.
Question: I had a life-changing experience using HeartMath. Where or how can I submit my story?
Answer: We’d love to hear your story, testimonial or comments. Please e-mail them to info@heartmath.org.
Question: Do you have a catalog? Can you send me literature?
Answer: Submit requests for a brochure about the Institute of HeartMath at info@heartmath.org. For a printed version of an educational brochure on specific products and educational literature, click her: IHM Brochure.
Question: What is the HeartMath organization?
Answer: We’re three organizations, one system. The HeartMath System of performance enhancement, stress relief and mental and emotional self-management lies at the core of three companies with complementary missions: the Institute of HeartMath (IHM), an innovative nonprofit research and education organization; HeartMath LLC, a cutting-edge performance and consulting firm providing unique programs, products and technology to boost performance, productivity and health while reducing stress; and Quantum Intech, a licensing and development company that focuses on biometric and emotion-regulated technology products.
Question: Will you publish my book?
Answer: No, the Institute of HeartMath is not a publisher.
Question: Can you send me a copy of the Cut-Thru® book?
Answer: We’re sorry, but the Cut-Thru book is no longer available. All of the material in the book was incorporated into the Overcoming Emotional Chaos book and later into the Transforming Anxiety
and Transforming Depression books. You’ll find that these books contain not only the Cut-Thru technique for learning to release, but also other useful HeartMath practices and information for improving your health and quality of life.
HeartMath Trainings
Question: What types of training or seminars do you offer? Can I conduct HeartMath training programs?
Answer: The Resilient Educator® workshop teaches educators HeartMath skills for stress reduction, improving performance and resiliency, The Qualified Instructor Program® is a train-the-trainer program for trainers, educators and consultants and others to provide HeartMath training in educational settings. For more information, go to HeartMath Training.
Question: I’m looking for a HeartMath workshop to attend. When and where are they held?
Answer: The Institute of HeartMath does not offer public workshops. People have received HeartMath instruction by taking an individualized course through private HeartMath providers. We have learned that through private training many people learn the HeartMath techniques quite well and how to effectively apply them in their lives. The institute does, however, train educators in the Resilient Educator® program and trains trainers in HeartMath skills through the Qualified Instructor Program. For more information about these programs, including when and where they are held and about IHM
training generally, go to HeartMath Training. You’ll also finds links here training offered by our sister company, HeartMath LLC, for corporate and government agencies, health professionals and the personalized telecourse Voyage to Heart Intelligence.
Question: I’d like to learn HeartMath from someone in my area. How do I find someone?
Answer: For information about HeartMath programs, people who offer them and where, click here: Find HeartMath Providers.
Question: I live outside the USA. Where can I get HeartMath training?
Answer: Click on the following link to learn more about the options available for people who are interested in HeartMath but live outside the USA: Options for non-U.S. Residents.
Customer Service
Question: What is your Privacy Policy?
Answer: The Institute of HeartMath, recognizes the importance of protecting the privacy of all information provided by users of our Web sites, subscribers to our mailing lists, registrants for our events, participants in our surveys and contests and all of our customers. We have created this policy out of a fundamental respect for our users’ right to privacy and to guide our relationships with our customers. This Privacy Policy statement discloses the privacy practices for all products and services owned by IHM.
Question: I want to place an order by phone. Whom do I call?
Answer: If you need to or feel more comfortable placing orders by phone, you may do so by calling the following between 9:00am and 5:30pm Pacific Time (800) 711-6221. International customers call (831) 338-8500.
Question: I am unable to open your PDF files. What can I do?
Answer: Click the following link for advice from IHM’s Technical Support team: Opening PDF Files.
Question: I have questions about my order, where can I get help?
Answer: HeartMath will do everything we can to assist you with your orders. We have a special page with answers to questions about orders. The Order FAQ’s button is on the left side of the HeartMath Store home page. Click here to go immediately to Order FAQ’s.
Question: Can you explain your 60-day no-risk policy?
Answer: HeartMath wants you to be completely satisfied, and that’s why we stand by our products 100%. Please click here for complete details: 100% Guarantee.
Question: What is the process for returns?
Answer: We are happy to accept returns, but we must ask that you adhere to the following conditions and procedures: Return Policy.
Question: Whom do I call or write for technical support?
Answer: HeartMath has tried to anticipate most technical problems and provide answers online at Technical Support. We understand, however, you may have additional questions. If you can’t find the solution you need, please go to Contact Us to select an appropriate method for reaching us so we can help.
Question: I need help finding specific information about HeartMath?
Answer: There are several ways to find all kinds of information about the Institute of HeartMath and its life-changing programs, tools, technology, research, special funds and much more. For starters, try our HeartMath.org, the official Web site of the Institute of HeartMath search box in the upper right-hand corner. Also try our Knowledge Base which contains a wealth of information.
Question: Where do I go for login information or FAQ’s?
Question: How can I get the downloads I purchased?
Answer: First, go to the HeartMath Store and click on My Account on the upper right. Click on My Downloads to retrieve any online products you’ve purchased. If you’re not logged into your account, do that first. The login button is on the upper right side of the HeartMath Store home page, near the My Account button. If you’re still having problems retrieving your downloads, we can help: Give us a call at (800) 711-6221.
Question: Is your Web site secure?
Answer: Yes. Please click here Secure Web Site for complete details.
Webinar Questions
Question: How do I join a Webinar?
Answer: Joining a Webinar on a PC or Macintosh® (Mac) is easy. When you receive a Webinar e-mail invitation, click the registration link and register for the Webinar. You can then join the Webinar at the scheduled time by clicking the "Join a Webinar" button or link in your confirmation e-mail, which will be automatically sent to you after registering. You do not need to pre-install any software prior to joining the Webinar.
Question: Do I need special equipment to join the Webinar?
Answer: Participants wishing to connect to audio using VoIP will need a fast Internet connection, microphone and speakers. (A microphone is not necessary if you only want to listen.)
Question: Do I need a computer to attend the Webinar, or can I simply listen to it over the telephone?
Answer: If you only want to listen, call the number in the e-mail notification, enter the access code number and hit the pound sign. You do not need a personal identification number (PIN).
Question: Will the Webinar be recorded?
Answer: Yes, and a download link will be sent within a week to all who register for the Webinar. So, be sure to register even if you can’t attend.
Question: Do I have to download the Webinar to view it?
Answer: Yes. The file is an mp4 and must be downloaded to your computer.
Question: Are Webinars posted on the Institute of HeartMath’s Web site?
Answer: Most are posted within a week of delivery. For Public Webinars, click here or for Members Only Webinars, click here.
Question: Do I need a PIN?
Answer: If you desire to communicate with the presenter, you need the audio PIN. If you are only listening, you don’t need to enter the PIN.
Question: If the presenter’s audio is too low for me, what can I do to get more volume?
Answer: Turn up the internal volume control on your computer, or turn up your speakers. If you are using a telephone, adjust your headset or change its position.
Question: Will there be any long-distance charges?
Answer: Yes, if you choose to use your telephone. If you select Mic & Speakers in the audio section of the control panel on the day of the Webinar, you can listen through your computer speakers and there will be no long-distance charges.
Question: Do I need to set my browser to accept cookies to attend a Webinar?
Answer: Yes. You will need to adjust your browser’s privacy settings to accept cookies. We primarily use cookies to provide you with secure access to Webinars. You do not need to pre-install any software prior to joining the Webinar.
Question: Can Mac users join a Webinar?
Answer: Yes, Mac computer users can attend Webinars.
System requirements:
Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer
Safari 3.0 or newer, Firefox 2.0 or newer (JavaScript™ and Java™ enabled)
Cable modem, DSL or better Internet connection
Power PC G4/G5 or Intel processor (521 MB of RAM or better recommended)
