these areas, we also present our own findings, which, so far as we know, represent anoriginal contribution.INTEGRAL REVIEWDecember 2009Vol. 5, No. 2Complex living systems, such as human beings, are composed of numerous interconnected,dynamic networks of biological structures and processes. The recent application of systemsthinking in the life sciences has given rise to the understanding that the function of the humanorganism as an integrated whole is determined by the multi-level interactions of all the elementsof the psychophysiological system. The elements influence one another in a network fashionrather than through strict hierarchical or cause-effect relationships. Thus, any node within thepsychophysiological networkany organ, system, substance, or processnecessarily exerts animpact, whether pronounced or subtle, on the functioning of the system as a whole. And whilecertain nodes have a greater influence than others in a given network at a particular level ofsystem organization, those nodes that constitute multi-level linkages across different subsystemsand scales of organization will have a greater influence on the system as a whole. Abundantevidence indicates that proper coordination and synchronizationi.e., coherent organizationamong the lateral and vertical networks of biological activity generated by these structures andsubsystems is critical for the emergence of higher-order functions.As we have seen thus far, one of the primary ways that information is encoded andcommunicated throughout our psychophysiological systems is in the language of dynamicpatterns. In the nervous system, for example, it is well established that information is encoded inthe time interval between action potentialsand, on a macro-scale, in the intervals betweenbursts of neural activity. Likewise, in the endocrine system, patterns of pulses of hormonerelease are used to convey biologically relevant information. This is an important principle ofoperation, as it appears that the body uses this same encoding and transmission strategyencoding information in the time intervals between pulses of activityin many systems andacross very different time scales. This is biologically efficient in that the body is organized to usea common information communication mechanism across multiple systems.There is substantial evidence that the heart plays a unique role in synchronizing the activity inmultiple systems of the body and across different levels of organization, and thus in orchestratingthe flow of information throughout the psychophysiological network. As the most powerful andconsistent generator of rhythmic information patterns in the body, and possessing a far moreextensive communication system with the brain than other organs, the heart is in continuousconnection with the brain and other bodily organs and systems through multiple pathways:neurologically (through the transmission of neural impulses), biochemically (through hormonesand neurotransmitters), biophysically (through pressure and sound waves), and energetically(through electromagnetic field interactions).As we discuss each of these main communication pathways in more detail, it will becomeclear that the heart is a central node in the psychophysiological network that influences multiplesystems, and is thus uniquely positioned to integrate and communicate information both acrosssystems and throughout the whole organism. Because of the extensiveness of the heartsinfluence on the physiological, cognitive, and emotional systems, the heart provides a point ofaccess from which the dynamics of bodily processes can be quickly and profoundly affected.From this perspective, we will also see how intentional interventions that increase coherence inINTEGRAL REVIEWDecember 2009Vol. 5, No.