Good heart health involves more than mechanics. It encompasses body, soul and mind. Our heart is not only a physical organ, but also the seat of our being, influencing our emotions, thoughts and overall wellness. To maintain good heart health, we must nourish ourselves with a variety of fuels, including physical, emotional and spiritual elements.

From ancient literature to indigenous wisdom, we can find myriad accounts and quotations about heart health, as well as in scripture. The Bible emphasizes moderation, self-control and a balanced lifestyle, as well as love, compassion, forgiveness and gratitude—qualities that contribute to a healthy heart. Proverbs 17:22 admonishes us that a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

It is no coincidence that we celebrate Valentine’s Day in February, which is also Heart Health Month. While the origins of the holiday aren’t clear—a number of legends and traditions have influenced its celebration—the connection to heart health is. On Valentine’s Day, we celebrate love—not only romantic love, but also platonic love and self-love. Love has the power to heal and strengthen our hearts, literally and figuratively. It brings us joy, connection and a sense of purpose—all of which strengthen that big muscle in the center of our bodies.

Valentine’s Day reminds us to care for our heart in all its dimensions. It’s a time to reflect on our relationships with others and ourselves, making intentional efforts to nurture and cultivate them. This includes showing appreciation to our loved ones and fostering the deep connections that bring physical, emotional and mental benefits. It also includes practicing self-care using a holistic approach that incorporates positive lifestyle choices, good nutrition, regular exercise, stress-management practices and routine health assessments. Thus a resilient, vibrant heart serves as the cornerstone of a healthy, fulfilling life.

There are many paths you can take to achieve better heart health. In line with our 2024 focus on holistic, integrative and functional wellness, this month’s edition of Natural Awakenings explores those modalities. We had the privilege of interviewing a number of North Texas specialists who gave us insight into the various modalities and techniques they use to address heart health holistically. From nutrition and exercise to stress management and mindfulness, they all emphasized the importance of using a well-rounded approach.

We also explore the relationship between oral health and heart health. You probably know by now that unhealthy teeth and gums have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which just goes to show the interconnectedness of our body systems. Several North Texas holistic dentists share their perspectives on this important dynamic and provide guidance on how to maintain good oral health in order to protect heart health.

What is obvious from listening to these experts is that taking care of the heart doesn’t require a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, tuning in to our individual needs and then making conscious choices that align with our mind, body and soul. By embracing a holistic perspective and understanding the interconnectedness of the factors at play, we can create a lifestyle centered around heart health.

To that end, we hope you find this month’s offerings are helpful, from mindfulness and meditation techniques to cardio-friendly exercises and heart-healthy recipes. As always, our ultimate goal is to help on your journey to living a healthier life on a healthy planet.

Blessings until next month,