Summary: Modern lifestyles can disrupt the body's natural rhythms, which can lead to several degenerative conditions. The recent study linking longer naps to a 90% increased risk of atrial fibrillation highlights the importance of understanding the body's natural rhythms.
In today's fast-paced world, where we are often bombarded with an overload of stimuli and stress, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. Recent research linking longer naps to a 90% increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) of the heart highlights the importance of understanding the body's natural rhythms and how they can be disrupted by modern lifestyles. But this is not a new concept, as several conditions have been directly linked to circadian desynchrony, including heart disease, cancer, depression, and seasonal affective disorder.
The circadian clock, innate to all multi-cellular systems on our planet, is an intricate timing mechanism for various physiological processes. Although it functions independently, it is entrained or synchronised each day by environmental stimuli such as light and gravitational changes. In humans, this sophisticated timer creates a symphony of physiological functions, each of which fluctuates subtly at different times in one day. For instance, the level of the neurohormone cortisol has its nadir late at night and then peaks sharply in the early hours of the morning. This rise in cortisol is one of the contributing factors spurring on the immune system to peak early in the day.
While there is no turning back the clock, the ancient practice of Qigong offers a solution to a modern problem. In Chinese medicine, the concept of chronobiology is rooted in the idea that all natural things are influenced by the natural cycles of heaven and earth rotation. Research has shown that our bodies rely on the Earth's electrical rhythm to regulate physiological patterns, and when this connection is disrupted, it can lead to abnormal and chaotic patterns that may set the stage for severe degenerative diseases.
Qigong, a practice that cultivates the connection back to nature, has the potential to help re-establish the body's natural rhythms and prevent circadian desynchrony. Qigong techniques, such as grounding through visualization allow the body to simultaneously discharge extraneous electrical energy and draw Earth energy up into the body. This connection helps maintain physiological order and prevents electrical surges or disharmony.
Further research is warranted into body rhythms and Qigong practice to determine whether Qigong can be a useful tool for re-establishing disrupted circadian rhythms. By engaging in the practice of Qigong, we can reconnect with the Earth and Heavenly Qi, and re-adapt to the modern world by aligning with the natural rhythms of the planet.
However, Qigong is not the only solution. There are several things individuals can do to regulate their body clock, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, exposure to natural light during the day, and avoiding bright artificial light at night. Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake and engaging in regular exercise can also help synchronize the body clock.
Relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can also help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can in turn help regulate the body clock.
Overall, the key to maintaining a healthy body clock is to establish regular habits and routines that are aligned with the natural cycles of light and dark. While modern lifestyles can make this challenging, small adjustments can go a long way in promoting better health and well-being. By incorporating practices such as Qigong, we can connect with the Earth and cosmos and find balance in an increasingly hectic world.