Your Lifefire – Painted by Your Heart
What is the Lifefire Image?
Our autonomic nervous system (ANS), the vegetative system, coordinates, synchronises and directs all essential bodily functions. Analysing brainstem functions and ANS under everyday conditions with minimal measurement effort provides maximum diagnostic relevance. The clear graphical representation of measurement results sets new standards in terms of significance and comprehensibility. We utilised these scientific insights. Through years of research, we developed the AUTONOM HEALTH© LIFEFIRE.
Why did we choose the Lifefire for visualisation?
The cornerstone of modern HRV diagnostics is the intuitively comprehensible representation of the spectrogram as a graphic (Sammito et al., 2014; Task Force, 1996), as fire is the element of the (measured) heart.
In our other blogs, you’ve read about the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. While they function as opposing forces, they don’t work against each other but rather as perfectly coordinated partners (Task Force, 1996). This perfect economy is mirrored in HRV spectral analyses.
In moments of optimal performance – so-called FLOW states – the “life flame burns” – both in the sympathetic and vagus regions, across all frequency ranges, “blazing brightly”.
A HRV spectral image displays certain regularities and irregularities. A certain degree of order and chaos is desirable in terms of variability. A beautiful Lifefire image shows distinct transitions between day and night, between sleep and daily activities. Therefore, results must be evaluated differently depending on the respective activity.
What makes the Lifefire image so special?
The intensity of HRV is expressed through colour coding and is measured in milliseconds squared (ms²). Following the colour spectrum of a gas flame, it transitions from light blue, medium blue, dark blue, dark red, light red, orange, yellow, and white to grey. Light blue represents the highest intensity of at least 1,200 ms², red corresponds to 240 ms², and grey indicates 0 ms².
This results in the following frequency ranges:
- ULF (ultra low frequency): < 0.0033 Hz;
- VLF (very low frequency): 0.04 – 0.0033 Hz;
- LF (low frequency): 0.04 – 0.15 Hz;
- HF (high frequency): 0.15 – 0.40 Hz;
- TP (Total Frequency Power): 0 to 0.4 Hz;
(Learn more about the different frequency ranges in our blog post on HRV Fundamentals)
The day/night rhythm, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), basal rest/activity cycle (BRAC), and regeneration also provide insights into one’s health status.
When the Lifefire Image Changes
It’s entirely natural for HRV or the life flame to diminish with age. Additionally, reduced health conditions, (chronic) stress, psychological and physical illnesses lead to a “burnt-out” life flame. In such cases, HRV measurement and coaching with a certified HRV Professional can provide valuable insights for improving health.
Naturally, there is much more to explore about Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and the life flame. For a deeper understanding, we recommend the HRV Practice Handbook by Dr Alfred Lohninger (2021), and SIMPLY HEALTHY – A Guide to Species-Appropriate Human Care by Dr Alfred Lohninger (2016). Both books are in German and available for purchase in our Online Shop.
