Since the dawn of time, the cycles of nature have directed
our internal biological clock called the circadian clock or circadian
oscillators. The circadian rhythm governs our body’s daily fluctuations of
temperature, blood pressure, muscular strength, levels of circulating hormones,
neurotransmitters and numerous other metabolic compounds and physiological
processes as well as sleep and wakefulness. These processes are influenced by
the natural patterns of day and night. When our circadian rhythm is in tune
with that of nature, we can maximize our health, mental capacity, immunity and
regenerative powers. Disrupting the timetable set by the master clock may speed
up the aging process.
Workers who did not follow the natural rhythm of nature such
as shift workers upset the body’s metabolic processes. Research showed that
frequent extended sleep deprivation (experienced by workers such as long
distance truckers and tour bus drivers) could have very detrimental long-term
effects physically and mentally. These people have a much higher chance of developing
chronic diseases and mental health problems that can shorten their lifespan.
Besides the daily rhythm, different cultures around the
world have also identified weekly, monthly, seasonal and yearly cycles that
influence birth, growth and death. Besides that, there are also the 7-year, 8-year cycles (notice the major
changes humans go through every 7 years (for female) and 8 years (for male)
physiologically and mentally) and the twelve-year cycle.
Some examples of aligning our daily activities with the
circadian rhythm are:
•Study or do mental activities when the mind is clearest,
most able to absorb and analyze information.
•Eat when the digestion is strongest.
•Sleep and wake at regular times. In the tropics, align the
sleep-wake cycle to nature because darkness and daylight trigger very different
hormones and bodily processes. As one moves towards the poles, this is not
easy, which is why having regular sleep-wake times will help the body to
release the necessary chemicals for different body processes.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) associates every two
hours of the day with an organ system when its energy (chi) flow is strongest
and it is functioning optimally. The TCM system shows the peripheral clocks,
most of which are in our organs.
In the Indian system, Ayurveda divides the day into four
hourly segments. Each segment has its own distinctive bodily functions.
Ayurveda uses the tridoshas, Vata, Kapha and Pitta to identify and describe
each time segment.
Think of the circadian rhythm as successive waves of
intelligent energy. A new wave is very small and steadily increases in size
until it peaks. It is biggest and strongest at its peak and then starts to
weaken and become smaller and weaker, followed by a new wave.
There is a transitional period with the first wave getting
increasingly weaker and the next wave getting stronger until the first wave
disappears completely. This process is repeated continuously.
TIME CHART OF THE BIOLOGICAL CLOCK
For a comparison between the two ancient Ayurveda and TCM systems
of the daily cyclical rhythms of the body go to:
Ayurveda uses its time chart to plan an ‘Ideal routine or
schedule’ for a healthy lifestyle. The Chinese uses theirs to aid diagnosis for
treating diseases or disharmony in the body.
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