Memory of the Heart: A Mysterious Phenomenon

by Jeanie Christian

During the last three decades various alternative beliefs have slowly become mainstream. The mind-body connection has grown more accepted within conventional medicine, with clinical practices such as biofeedback. In the late 1980’s, clinical neurocardiology was developed after research showed our heart has cellular activity similar to brain neurons.

Our heart’s 40,000 cells react to stimuli faster than our brain and also generate an electromagnetic field thousands of times more powerful. Even at rest it works harder than the leg muscles of a jogger. Our heart is much more than a life sustaining pump, beating nearly 100,000 times a day and 2.5 billion times in our lifetime. These intelligent heart cells are more reliable than our brain cells in knowing what’s best for the well-being of our body.

More recently, it has come to the attention of researchers that memory isn’t just a function of our brain. This memory—referred to as body memory—is energy stored throughout our body with recall capabilities. It is imprinted in every organ, including our skin and heart. Body memory is an accumulation of all our past experiences, physical interactions, reactions, sensations and psychological perceptions and ideations. These memories are latent and sometimes surface at a later date. They can express themselves though recollection, emotional reactions, recurring sensations and often adverse physical and psychological symptoms.

Beyond the mind-body concept exists the mind-body-spirit phenomenon. Over the years, much has been researched and published which has helped set the standard of acceptance in this triad interconnectedness, especially within the holistic and alternative circles. But research suggests that there is more to this unification—the elements of the holistic self—than previously thought. There is much more to our heart than having a memory, reliable intelligence or the ability to communicate with our body. Heart memory has a more permanent component. These imprinted cellular energy fields are transferable.

Case studies show overwhelming evidence that, after receiving heart transplants, patients often develop memories, behaviors, habits and preferences like their donors. There is reliable documented data of donor recipients who have personality changes similar to that of the transplant donor. The information stored in the heart—called cellular memory—is passed on to the patient receiving the heart. This is viewed as one of the most unique and astounding body-mind-spirit discoveries of our time.

It is also believed there is a spiritual element involved within this mysterious phenomenon. Our heart is where we innately feel love and compassion. It is our heart that instinctively longs for a connection to something greater than oneself, a higher power or something sacred and ethereal. This powerful heart cellular energy and transferable memory could be proof—a small piece of the larger puzzle—that we are spiritual beings who inhabit human bodies, instead of merely physical beings who have the capabilities of being spiritual in nature.

If our heart is truly the source of a deeper and more dependable intelligence, with an undeniable spiritual component, perhaps we need to explore these phenomenal mysteries and quit ignoring our heart’s energy. Maybe we need to take the time to listen—really listen—to our heart.

Jeanie Christian is a photographer and writer presently specializing in natural health and nutrition research and writing to help promote awareness of holistic medical techniques, herbal treatments, organic foods and other alternative ways of thinking and living in the world.