How are emotions and well-being linked? Emotions are the body’s working environment and play a central role in our physical health. Emotions affect us on several levels at once. Not only psychologically but also – physiologically, biochemically and frequency-wise. And of course, emotions affect our mental well-being and our relationships. By understanding how emotions express themselves, we can understand how they affect our capacity for healing and health.
Emotions as physiology
Physiologically and biochemically, emotions are the result of complex interactions between the nervous system, hormones and bodily reactions and sensations.
- Nervous system: Emotions activate different parts of the brain, such as the amygdala (fear and stress), the prefrontal cortex (emotion regulation) and the hypothalamus (autonomic responses). The sympathetic nervous system is activated during stress and fear, while the parasympathetic nervous system supports relaxation and calm.
- Hormonal changes: Emotions release hormones such as cortisol (stress), adrenaline (fight or flight response), oxytocin (attachment and security), serotonin (happiness and stability) and dopamine (reward and motivation).
- Physical reactions: Heart rate, breathing patterns and muscle tone change depending on our emotions. For example, stress can lead to tension in the shoulders and neck, while sadness can lead to a heavy, hunched posture.
- Link to the gastrointestinal tract: The gut-brain axis is central to emotional regulation, where imbalances in gut flora can lead to neuroinflammation and also affect serotonin production which can contribute to anxiety and depression.
- Chronic stress and inflammation: Long-term stress leads to chronic inflammation, which can be linked to depression and anxiety.
- Nutrition: Lack of B vitamins, magnesium, omega-3s and amino acids can make it harder to manage your emotions.
- Epigenetics: Stress and trauma can alter gene expression and affect emotional health.
Emotions as psychology
Emotions are a result of how we perceive and interpret both the world around us and our bodily signals.
- Primary and secondary emotions: Primary emotions, such as fear and joy, are innate and universal. Secondary emotions, such as guilt and shame, are learned through social interaction and culture.
- Trauma and learned behaviors: Childhood trauma and social experiences influence our emotional responses and coping strategies.
- Cognitive processes: The interpretation of a situation determines the feeling that arises. For example, the same event may be perceived as threatening by one person and as a challenge by another.
- Link between emotions and perception: Emotions can color our perception of reality, for example, anxiety can make us perceive the world as more dangerous than it really is.
The physical emotional map of the body
A 2014 Finnish study investigated how emotions are experienced in the body by mapping bodilysensations associated with different types of emotions. The researchers conducted five experiments with a total of 701 participants from different parts of the world (Finland, Sweden and Taiwan). Participants were asked to identify and color in body parts where they felt increased or decreased activity during different emotions.
The results showed that each emotion was associated bodily sensation. These bodily sensations were consistent across cultures, suggesting that emotions are experienced similarly regardless of language and culture. Positive emotions (e.g. joy, love, pride) activated large parts of the body, while negative emotions showed more localized reactions (e.g. anxiety and fear in the chest, distaste in the stomach area). Emotions trigger responses in the autonomic nervous system and affect heart and respiratory rates and muscle activity(1)
Emotional regulation
According to Paul Gilbert, PhD, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Derby, we have three types of emotion regulation systems – the threat system, the drive system and the reassurance system. Paul Gilbert’s three emotion regulation systems are based on research in evolutionary psychology and affective neuroscience(2).
The threat system, controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, is linked to survival and is activated by stress and fear. It triggers fight, flight or freeze responses through hormones such as cortisol and noradrenaline.
The drive system, which is also linked to the sympathetic nervous system, motivates us to achieve goals, seek rewards and perform through dopamine and the brain’s reward system. When this system is in balance, it provides us with energy and motivation, but when overactive, it can lead to stress, exhaustion and addictive behaviors.
The reassurance system, controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, is what creates calm, recovery and social well-being through hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin. It is crucial to our ability to feel safe and self-love.
For optimal mental and physical health, these three systems need to be in balance – when we are stuck in the threat or drive system, we can easily become stressed, exhausted or anxious, while a well-functioning security system helps us to cope with life in a more harmonious way and provides the body with a working environment for self-healing.
The therapeutic power of emotions
Emotions are thus an important part of the body’s working climate. If we have our stress system switched on, such as when we are angry, scared or generally on edge and driven, the body prioritizes survival or the task at hand. The sympathetic nervous system, the accelerator, is turned on and everything else is put on hold. For example, digestion, healing, repair and reproduction. To heal and repair, absorb nutrients and reproduce, the body needs peace and quiet. Safety and harmony, the parasympathetic nervous system switched on.
Positive emotions such as love, gratitude and hope strengthen the body’s self-healing ability by putting us in the parasympathetic mode and releasing healing hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin. Studies show that emotional balance reduces inflammation, supports neuroplasticity and improves heart rate variability, which is linked to improved physical and mental health.
Damasio(3) describes how emotions are central to consciousness and affect the body’s recovery. Porges(4) shows through his polyvagal theory that emotional security and social attachment can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote healing. Sapolsky(5) highlights how chronic stress and long-term elevated cortisol levels can impair immune function and negatively affect the body’s self-healing processes.
Emotions as frequencies
Emotions, often considered abstract and intangible, can also be understood through the perspective of energy and vibration. As humans, we experience a wide range of emotions throughout our lives, which are manifested through physiological, neurological and biochemical reactions in our bodies as described above. Like everything else in the universe, these biological components are made up of atoms that vibrate and generate energy.
Dr. David R. Hawkins of the Institute of Noetic Sciences used applied kinesiology (muscle testing) to investigate how different states of consciousness and emotions correlate with energy frequencies. Dr. Hawkins conducted over 250,000 calibrations over 20 years of research to define a range of values, attitudes and emotions that correspond to levels of consciousness. This range of values – along with a logarithmic scale from 1 to 1,000 – became the Map of Consciousness (see image below), which Dr. Hawkins first wrote about in his book Power vs. Force , first published in 1995(6).
The scale is based on the notion that each emotional and mental state has a measurable vibrational frequency – with higher frequencies corresponding to more expansive and loving states, while lower frequencies are associated with negativity and contraction. The 200 level, according to Hawkins, acts as a threshold, where consciousness moves from destructive (catabolic) growth-limiting states to constructive (anabolic) energizing states. Hawkins said that individuals below 200 tend to experience life through negative emotions, while those vibrating above 200 move towards a more conscious and harmonious state.
Hawkins’ research gained attention and his mapping of consciousness has had a major impact on fields such as psychology, personal development and frequency medicine.
Building on Hawkins’ findings, researchers have also studied the therapeutic potential of emotional energy in different healing modalities. Dr. William Tiller, a former professor at Stanford University, found that positive emotional states can facilitate healing processes. Tiller’s research challenges traditional physics by suggesting that consciousness and intention have a direct impact on matter via subtle energy fields. Tiller conducted experiments in which mental intentions could influence physical systems through a method called intention imprinting. The experiments produced results such as changes in pH, increased enzyme activity and altered energy production in cells. His work has had profound implications for neuroscience, quantum physics and energy medicine.
To explain his observations, Tiller proposed a new physical model that divides reality into two spheres:
Tiller was a pioneer in the field of psychoenergetics (7), and his work has inspired scientists and writers to explore the connection between consciousness and matter. Among others, Dr. Joe Dispenza.
Dr. Joe Dispenza is known for his research in neuroscience and quantum physics, investigating how thoughts and meditation can affect brain function and body physiology. His work shows that by changing our thought patterns, we can reprogram the brain and thus affect both health and well-being. Dispenza has conducted several studies showing how meditation changes brain waves(8), increases heart rhythm coherence and HRV(9) and strengthens the immune system(10).
Vagus nerve, Brain waves, HRV
Research on the measurable frequencies of emotions is limited and somewhat controversial in orthodox medicine. Apart from the work of Hawkins and Tiller, there are few scientific studies that directly link specific frequencies to emotions. Traditional science has not yet established a standardized method for measuring the exact frequency levels of emotions. However, there are indirect measures of frequency that can provide insights into the frequency impact of our emotions, such as heart rate variability (HRV) and EEG (brainwaves).
Vagus nerve and HRV – key players in emotional and physical balance
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve 10) is the longest and most influential cranial nerve in the parasympathetic nervous system. With around 80 000 nerve fibers, it accounts for about 75% of all parasympathetic nerve fibers in the body. Its extensive network extends from the brain down through the throat and on to the heart, lungs and digestive tract, where it plays a crucial role in digestion, inflammation and emotional regulation. When activated, the vagus nerve promotes the body’s ability to cope with stress and recover by lowering the heart rate, stimulating bowel movements and releasing calming neurotransmitters.
An important indicator of vagus nerve function is heart rate variability (HRV), which measures the variation in time between heartbeats. HRV reflects the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and provides insight into the body’s autonomic regulation. As the vagus nerve is a central component of the parasympathetic nervous system, it plays a key role in regulating heart rate. High vagus activity is strongly linked to increased HRV, especially the high-frequency component of HRV, which reflects vagal tone (11). A high HRV indicates a predominant parasympathetic activity, which is associated with better stress management and inner balance.
Brainwaves and emotional recovery
Brain waves are electrical signals in the brain that control our consciousness, emotions and physiological functioning. Brain waves affect the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls the immune system, digestion and the stress response. Depending on brainwave activity, the body can either be in healing or stress mode(12):
- Delta and theta waves (0.5-8 Hz): Activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote deep relaxation, sleep, cell repair and immune function.
- Alpha waves (8-13 Hz): Associated with relaxation, creativity and an open state of mind. Alpha waves balance stress and can improve concentration and emotional stability.
- Beta waves (13-30 Hz): Associated with analytical thinking and, when overactive, can lead to increased cortisol production, immune system suppression and stress-related diseases.
- Gamma waves (>30 Hz): Linked to neuroplasticity, emotional integration and the release of endorphins. They are often elevated during deep meditation and experiences of happiness and gratitude.
How do we influence the body’s working climate?
Emotions express themselves through the body in many different ways, and by understanding these connections we can actively work to regulate our emotional health. By understanding our physiology, psychology and the influence of frequencies, we can find ways to balance the emotional working climate of the body.
For example, by using the suggestions below, you can get powerful emotional results. Working with both body and mind creates excellent conditions for managing emotions in a sustainable and balanced way.
Frequency therapy and bioresonance
Using the Metatron bioresonance method, we can do frequency readings to identify and correct imbalances in the body. It also includes measuring the frequencies of emotions in real time. Bioresonance can help balance emotions, stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and strengthen the body’s working climate and self-healing ability. However, it is important to incorporate regular recovery into daily life for lasting results.
Breathing, yoga, meditation
Breathing techniques, yoga, meditation and mindfulness have been shown to have measurable effects on both the parasympathetic nervous system and the body’s inflammation levels. Deep, rhythmic breathing activates the vagus nerve, which improves heart rate variability (HRV) and reduces the stress response. Meditative practices such as yoga, qigong and tai chi combine physical activity with conscious breathing and lower cortisol levels, improve sleep and strengthen the body’s stress resilience.
Mindfulness and meditation are strongly supported by research and have been shown to affect emotional regulation, inflammation, brain plasticity and cellular ageing. EEG measurements shown that mindfulness can alter brainwave activity and strengthen the link between the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, improving our ability to manage emotions.
Controlled studies show that regular mindfulness meditation affects specific markers of inflammation, such as reduced levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), which are linked to chronic inflammation(13).
Telomeres, the protective ends of chromosomes, shorten with age and stress. Studies show that meditation can have a positive impact on telomerase activity, the enzyme that maintains telomeres, potentially slowing down cellular ageing(14).
Nutrition and gut health
A balanced diet rich in nutrition and in particular omega-3, magnesium and B vitamins can support the brain’s neurotransmitters and contribute to better emotion regulation. A balanced gut flora is important as a large part of serotonin production occurs in the gut.
Biohacking and technological tools
For those who enjoy biohacking, there are technologies that support emotion regulation and nervous system balance. Wearables that measure HRV provide direct feedback on stress levels, neurofeedback and vagus nerve stimulation that improves our ability to shift between sympathetic and parasympathetic states. Light and sound frequency therapies are also used in functional neuroscience to modulate brain waves and stimulate recovery.
References
- Bodily Maps of Emotions” (Nummenmaa et al., 2014)
- Affiliative and prosocial motives and emotions in mental health, Paul Gilbert 2015
- The Feeling of What Happens: Body and Emotion in the Making of Consciousness, Damasio 1999
- The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation.
- Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: The Acclaimed Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping.
- Power vs Force (Hawkins 1995)
- Psychoenergetic Science and the Work of William Tiller (Mollon 2023)
- Large effects of brief meditation intervention on EEG spectra in meditation novices, Dispenza et al 2020
- The Mathematical Characterization of the Complexity Matching during a Healing Circle Meditation.
- Meditation-induced bloodborne factors as an adjuvant treatment to COVID-19 disease, Dispenza et al 2023
- An Overview of Heart Rate Variability Metrics and Norms, Shaffer et al 2017
- A systematic review of the neurophysiology of mindfulness on EEG oscillations, Lomas et al 2015
- Mindfulness meditation and the immune system: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, Black et al 2015
- A pilot study of yogic meditation for family dementia caregivers with depressive symptoms: Effects on mental health, cognition, and telomerase activity, Blackburn et al 2014
