An alternative perspective on heart-brain information processing: a narrative review

The intricate relationship between the heart and the brain has captivated human curiosity for centuries. It is a fascinating aspect of human experience, encompassing both physiological and psychological dimensions. It is a complex relationship that has been contemplated, explored, and interpreted by philosophers, poets, psychologists, and scientists throughout history. Historical perspectives, ranging from the ancient Egyptians who thought the heart was the seat of the soul to the Eastern philosophies that emphasize the significance of the heart's function in meditation and mindfulness, resonate with contemporary scientific discoveries. This review article bridges the gap between the physical and emotional aspects of human existence by exploring the concept of the heart and mind. The purpose of the article is to elucidate the concepts and functioning of the Prana and mind in the cardiac plexus that play an intrinsic role in communication between the heart and brain. Furthermore, the impact of regulated cardiac plexus on physical, mental, and spiritual upliftment with respect to traditional Vedic wisdom and contemporary research. In conclusion, this article mainly presents the two different concepts of information processing as understood by Western and Eastern thought processes. The essential aspect of this difference is the element of the ‘mind’ which, according to the Eastern perspective, stimulates the heart and subsequently the brain to process the information. Understanding and harnessing the concept of mind in the model of cognitive processing offers the potential to open new avenues for readdressing the established cognitive and health models that ultimately help in promoting cognitive health, mental health, and emotional harmony.