Breath-Heart-Brain: Investigating the Relationship Between Autonomic Activity, Interoception, and Emotion Regulation

This thesis investigated the extent to which slow-paced controlled breathing and heart rate variability are involved with interoceptive processes, emotional state, and emotional regulation. Documenting the underlying neurological and physiological mechanisms associated with controlled breathing was the underlying motivation for this thesis. While breath control practices have been used for millennia across various ancient spiritual traditions, this thesis builds upon the scientific evidence-base for breath practices. This is especially important for those that may benefit from slow-breathing techniques such as anxious individuals, as well as practitioners in the field who advocate for such techniques.