Our Wondrous Heart and its Endocrine Function

Heart of the Matter.....Open Heart....Closed Heart....Learn by Heart.....Aching Heart

These are just a few of the common idioms related to the heart which we all know and use. These concepts develped from the traditional knowing of the true functions of the heart. This knowing gave our ancestors  a very different understanding of the heart. One not based on the pump but one based on life, emotions, feelings, and spirit. 

Join Phyllis D. Light as she delves into both the ancestral traditions and the latest mind-blowing research on the Heart as an Endocrine Gland. This is a groundbreaking view of the heart that has been researched for several years by independent scholars, such as Stephen Buhner, and research institutes, such as the Heart Math Institute, as well as major universities. In addition, we will also discuss the more common view of the heart as a pump and the blood it moves.

We are coming to a new understanding of the heart ’s role in our emotional, spiritual, and physical health. The heart is so much more than a just pump whose sole purpose is to move blood around the body. Join Phyllis as we discover the Heart as an Endocrine Gland, the hormones it makes, and herbs and techniques that help support this process.

Phyllis' bio: 

Phyllis D. Light, a fourth generation herbalist and healer, has studied and worked with herbs, foods, and other healing techniques for over 30 years. Her studies in Traditional Southern Folk Medicine began in the deep woods of North Alabama with lessons from her grandmother, whose herbal and healing knowledge had its roots in her Creek/Cherokee heritage. Phyllis’ studies continued as an apprentice with the late Tommie Bass, a nationally renowned folk herbalist from Sand Rock, Alabama, as well as other herbal elders throughout the Appalachians and the Deep South.

Phyllis has a master’s degree from the University of Alabama in Health Studies, education and promotion, nutrition and healthcare. She has taught continuing education classes for allied healthcare professionals including nurses, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, registered dietitians, occupational therapists, and social workers for Diversified Nursing Services. She is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild and served as vice-president and as a member of the admissions committee.

Currently, she is the director of the Appalachian Center for Natural Health in Arab, Alabama, which offers both online classes and in-person workshops. Phyllis continues to maintain an active private practice and consults with businesses, universities, physicians, and manufacturers. She is on the faculty of the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism. In addition, she is on the board of directors of the American Naturopathic Certification Board and sits as education director.

Phyllis is the author of Southern Folk Medicine, Healing Traditions from Appalachian Fields and Forests published by North Atlantic.