Brain Waves and Heart Rhythms
The human brain generates distinct patterns of electrical activity, known as brain waves, which can be measured in frequencies. These include alpha waves (relaxed but alert state), beta waves (active thinking), theta waves (light sleep or deep relaxation), and delta waves (deep sleep) (1). The heart also emits an electromagnetic field detectable several feet away, and its variations correlate with emotional states (2). Research has shown that the heart’s electromagnetic field may influence the physiological states of people nearby (3). The “Heart-Brain Connection” model developed by the HeartMath Institute suggests that heart rhythms influence brain function and emotional regulation, creating an interplay between individuals in close proximity (2).
Interpersonal Synchronisation
Research indicates that close interactions can lead to physiological synchronisation in heart rate, respiration, or even brainwave activity. For instance, dyads involved in cooperative activities or close relationships often show aligned heart rates and respiration patterns during positive interactions, a phenomenon called “physiological coupling” (4). Studies on romantic partners and parent-child pairs confirm that shared emotions or experiences can synchronise heart rhythms, likely due to autonomic nervous system responses (5). This synchronisation enhances empathy and rapport, supporting the experience of “frequency alignment.”
Electromagnetic Interactions and Biofield Hypothesis
Humans emit low-level electromagnetic fields primarily due to bioelectrical activity in the heart and brain. Although subtle, these fields can interact when people are in close physical proximity. This effect is central to the “biofield hypothesis,” which proposes that human electromagnetic fields play a role in energy-based therapeutic practices (6). While not fully understood, the biofield may be involved in the nonverbal connections felt between people in close contact, potentially influencing physiological and emotional states (6).
Mirror Neurons and Emotional Resonance
Mirror neurons, first identified in primates and later in humans, are neurons that activate both when an individual performs an action and when they observe the same action in another. These neurons facilitate empathy and social bonding by “mirroring” the emotions and intentions of others (7). This neural mirroring can foster a form of “emotional resonance,” creating a sense of being “in sync” with others and reflecting another form of frequency-like alignment at the neurological level (7).
Oxytocin and Neurotransmitter Synchronisation
Neurochemical processes also support social bonding and “frequency alignment” between people. Oxytocin, known as the “bonding hormone,” is released in response to positive social interactions, promoting trust and emotional closeness (8). Dopamine and serotonin further modulate mood and influence interpersonal attraction and cooperation, contributing to a shared emotional state (8). These neurochemical processes support the experience of closeness and synchrony, similar to frequency alignment.
Brainwave Entrainment
Studies using electroencephalography (EEG) reveal that during activities like group meditation or synchronised teamwork, individuals can experience a phenomenon called brainwave entrainment. In these scenarios, participants’ neural frequencies begin to synchronise, particularly in cooperative or compassionate settings (9). This finding suggests that individuals in close social or emotional connection can experience neurological “resonance,” aligning their brainwaves during shared focus or emotional engagement.
References
1. Niedermeyer E, da Silva FL. Electroencephalography: Basic Principles, Clinical Applications, and Related Fields. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005.
2. McCraty R, Tiller WA, Atkinson M. The effects of emotions on short-term power spectrum analysis of heart rate variability. Am J Cardiol. 1995;76(14):1089–93. doi:10.1016/s0002-9149(99)80309-9.
3. McCraty R, Atkinson M, Tomasino D, Bradley RT. The coherent heart: Heart-brain interactions, psychophysiological coherence, and the emergence of system-wide order. Integr Physiol Behav Sci. 1998;33(2):151–70. doi:10.1007/BF02688674.
4. Palumbo RV, Marraccini ME, Weyandt LL, et al. Interpersonal autonomic physiology: A systematic review of the literature. Pers Soc Psychol Rev. 2017;21(2):99–141. doi:10.1177/1088868316628405.
5. Feldman R, Magori-Cohen R, Galili G, Singer M, Louzoun Y. Mother and infant coordinate heart rhythms through episodes of interaction synchrony. Infant Behav Dev. 2011;34(4):569–77. doi:10.1016/j.infbeh.2011.06.008.
6. Rubik B. The biofield hypothesis: Its biophysical basis and role in medicine. J Altern Complement Med. 2002;8(6):703–17. doi:10.1089/10755530260511711.
7. Gallese V, Fadiga L, Fogassi L, Rizzolatti G. Action recognition in the premotor cortex. Brain. 2004;119(2):593–609. doi:10.1093/brain/119.2.593.
8. Carter CS. Neuroendocrine perspectives on social attachment and love. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 1998;23(8):779–818. doi:10.1016/s0306-4530(98)00055-9.
9. Konvalinka I, Xygalatas D, Bulbulia J, et al. Synchronized arousal between performers and related spectators in a fire-walking ritual. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2011;108(20):8514–9. doi:10.1073/pnas.1016955108.
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