The Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system can be segmented into 2 distinct divisions: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The sympathetic nervous system triggers a “fight, flight, or freeze” response when a stressor or threat (either real or perceived) is detected. Once the stressor has lessened, the parasympathetic nervous system helps us calm down and re-enter a “rest and digest” state. 

When you experience chronic stress, your sympathetic nervous system stays in overdrive and continues to produce stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This can be devastating to the body long term, leading to major health concerns like chronic pain, anxiety, gut inflammation, and more.

The Vagus Nerve

The body has a reset button that can help decrease the “fight, flight or freeze” response. The vagus nerve, which is the longest nerve in your body, connects your brain to your body and allows bidirectional information flow. It is part of the parasympathetic nervous system and influences your heart rate, respiration, and digestion.

Stimulating the vagus nerve activates the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces the neuro-physical experience of stress: lowers the heart rate, reduces blood pressure, stimulates digestion, and increases a sense of well-being. It also influences the limbic system in the brain, where emotions are processed. 

HeartMath Training

Learning how to stimulate your vagus nerve allows you to shift from “fight, flight, or freeze” to “rest and digest” by creating a cooperative alignment between your heart, mind, and emotions. This state of alignment is called coherence, and it happens when your physical, mental and emotional systems are in sync, working more efficiently and harmoniously to optimize your physical and mental health. The HeartMath Training Series introduces 6 vagus nerve stimulation techniques over 3 sessions to teach you how to create and maintain this state of coherence.

Benefits of HeartMath

A few minutes of daily coherence practice has been shown to provide wide-ranging benefits for your health.

Reduce Stress

Improve Sleep

Restore Energy

Balance Emotions

Increase Focus

Improved Memory

HeartMath 1 Training Session

For those interested in learning how to stimulate the healthy function of the vagus nerve, we offer HeartMath 1 Training Sessions. 

This session is great for anyone experiencing the negative effects of stress, such as scattered thoughts, feeling overwhelmed, emotional distortion, fatigue, exhaustion, sleep disruption, anxiety, and burnout.

The HeartMath 1 Training Session is part 1 of a 3-part series.

What to Expect During This Shared Medical Visit

This hour-long class with a functional health coach:

  • The difference between coherent and incoherent heart rhythm patterns
  • The 4 domains of resilience 
  • The difference between depleting and renewing emotions

You will have the opportunity to practice:

  • Heart-Focused Breathing™ Technique for autonomic nervous system deactivation
  • Quick Coherence® Technique for in-the-moment regulation
  • Bio-feedback with Inner Balance Trainer (in-person attendees)

Scheduling

The HeartMath 1 Shared Medical Visit is offered virtually and in-person at our Meridian Wellness Clinic several times every week.

HeartMath 1 can also be scheduled as a private training session with a health coach.

Call our office at (208) 385-7711 to schedule a HeartMath 1 Training Session.

Billing Information

Many health insurance companies do not offer coverage for health coaching appointments. Because of our commitment to offer health coaching to our patients, this service is considered “cash pay” at Functional Medicine of Idaho. 

The cost for the HeartMath 1 training is as follows:

  • 1-on-1, in person or telemedicine – $60
  • Shared medical visit, in person or telemedicine– $30

You can purchase all 3 classes in this series for the following price: 

  • 1-on-1, in person or telemedicine – $165
  • Shared medical visit, in person or telemedicine– $75

Upon request, we can provide you with a detailed receipt to submit directly to your insurance for reimbursement.

HeartMath 2 Training Session

For those who have completed the HeartMath 1 Training Session and are interested in learning more about how to stimulate the healthy function of the vagus nerve, we offer a HeartMath 2 Training Session. 

This session is great for anyone experiencing the negative effects of stress, such as scattered thoughts, feeling overwhelmed, emotional distortion, fatigue, exhaustion, sleep disruption, anxiety and burnout.

The HeartMath 2 Training Session is part 2 of a 3-part training series. We suggest completing this session 2 weeks after completing the HeartMath 1 Training Session. 

What to Expect During This Shared Medical Visit

This hour-long class with a functional health coach will cover:

  • Depletion to Renewal Goal Mapping
  • Emotions and attitudes that create coherence – emotional energetics
  • How to to set a new baseline
  • Energetic sensitivity 

You will have the opportunity to practice:

  • Freeze Frame® Technique for decision making and clarity
  • Heart Lock-In® Technique for establishing new baseline, building energy, improving relationships
  • Bio-feedback with Inner Balance Trainer (in-person attendees)

Scheduling

The HeartMath 2 Shared Medical Visit is offered virtually and in-person at our Meridian Wellness Clinic several times every month.

HeartMath 2 can also be scheduled as a private training session with a health coach.

Call our office at (208) 385-7711 to schedule a HeartMath 2 Training Session.

Billing Information

Many health insurance companies do not offer coverage for health coaching appointments. Because of our commitment to offer health coaching to our patients, this service is considered “cash pay” at Functional Medicine of Idaho. 

The cost for the HeartMath 2 training is as follows:

  • 1-on-1, in person or telemedicine – $60
  • Shared medical visit, in person or telemedicine– $30

You can purchase all 3 classes in this series for the following price: 

  • 1-on-1, in person or telemedicine – $165
  • Shared medical visit, in person or telemedicine– $75

Upon request, we can provide you with a detailed receipt to submit directly to your insurance for reimbursement.

HeartMath 3 Training Session

For those who have completed the HeartMath 1 & 2 Training Sessions and are interested in learning more about how to stimulate the healthy function of the vagus nerve, we offer a HeartMath 3 Training Session. 

This session is great for anyone experiencing the negative effects of stress, such as scattered thoughts, feeling overwhelmed, emotional distortion, fatigue, exhaustion, sleep disruption, anxiety and burnout.

The HeartMath 3 Training Session is part 3 of a 3-part training series. We suggest taking this course 2 weeks after completing the HeartMath 2 Training Session.

What to Expect During This Shared Medical Visit

This hour-long class with a functional health coach will cover:

  • Personal energy management 
  • Social coherence
  • Replacement attitudes
  • Energetics of communication

You will have the opportunity to practice:

  • Attitude Breathing™ Technique for increased self control and attitude shifting
  • Coherent Communication™ Technique for more meaningful and effective communication
  • Bio-feedback with Inner Balance Trainer (in-person attendees)

Scheduling

The HeartMath 3 Shared Medical Visit is offered virtually and in-person at our Meridian Wellness Clinic several times every month.

HeartMath sessions can also be scheduled as a private session with a health coach.

Call our office at (208) 385-7711 to schedule a HeartMath 3 session.

Billing Information

Because many health insurance companies do not offer coverage for health coaching appointments, this service is also considered “cash pay” at Functional Medicine of Idaho, regardless of insurance coverage. Payment is due at the time of service.

The cost for the HeartMath 2 training is as follows:

  • 1-on-1, in person or telemedicine – $60
  • Shared medical visit, in person or telemedicine– $30

You can purchase all 3 classes in this series for the following price: 

  • 1-on-1, in person or telemedicine – $165
  • Shared medical visit, in person or telemedicine– $75

Upon request, we can provide you with a detailed receipt to submit directly to your insurance for reimbursement.

Shared Medical Visit FAQs

What is a shared medical visit?

Shared medical visits (SMVs) are hour-long sessions where patients are seen by a provider, nutritionist, or health coach in an educational, interactive, group setting. This improves patient access to care and educational resources, and has been linked to better patient outcomes. 

How many people will be in my shared medical visit?

Shared medical visits can vary in size, but no more than 10 patients will be in a session.

May I bring my spouse, kids, or friends to a shared medical visit?

Shared medical visits are group medical experiences designed specifically for functional medicine patients. All FMI patients are welcome to register for shared medical visits, but only patients who have registered will be admitted into the visit. Non-patients or patients who have not registered for this visit will not be allowed to attend.

Please do not share the Zoom link for any virtual shared medical visits. Every registered patient will receive an email directly with the Zoom link for the visit.

When will I be charged for a shared medical visit?

Because many health insurance companies do not offer coverage for health coaching appointments, this service is considered “cash pay” at Functional Medicine of Idaho, regardless of insurance coverage. Payment is due at the time of service. 

Upon request, we can provide you with a detailed receipt for all payments to submit directly to your insurance for reimbursement.

If you are a current patient and would like to sign-up for this Shared Medical Visit, please call our office at (208) 385-7711 or email us at patientcare@funmedidaho.com.

Call our office at 208-385-7711 with any questions!

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