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 (Edery, 2000) and gravitational changes (Fuller, 1994). 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 (Foster, 2004).
American physicist, John Wheeler once said about time: “Time is what prevents everything from happening at once”. In this way, the body’s rhythms enable it to schedule repair, detoxification and regeneration of specific systems at specific times. In doing so, the physiology constantly changes, not randomly but according to time information that it continuously extracts from the earth.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), observation of these cyclic oscillations has lead to the development of the Horary clock. The theory of the Horary clock states that although Qi flows through all the meridians at all times, there is an ebb and flow, like the tides, which regulates the Qi flow through the different meridians at specific intervals. Physicians of the past would have advised patients to tune into the natural pulse of the earth and keep to its rhythm in order to maintain health.
Mankind, however, has not heeded the wisdom of traditional doctors and since the installation of artificial lighting in the 19th century we have pushed the boundaries of our body clocks. As a rule, we now rely on schedules, clocks, stimulants and sleeping tablets to manipulate our rhythms. More than 1 in 5 people in theUK work shifts outside the7am -7pm day (Harrington, 2001), and beyond that there is a compulsion to work or entertain late into the early hours of the morning.
In doing so, the internal clock receives mixed signals and subsequently desynchrony occurs, resulting in a physiological cacophony. Large scale disruptions occur on the biochemical level with grave consequences. Several conditions have been directly linked to circadian desynchrony including degenerative conditions such as cancer (Hrushesky, 2003), fibromyalgia (Klerman 2001), heart disease (Haus, 2006), seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and depression (Bunney, 2008).
There is no turning back the clock and survival in our modern world depends on adapting to life as best we can. If, however, we were able to give our patients tools to re-synchronise the clock, we give them a gift that could markedly reduce their risk of developing degenerative metabolic conditions. In this paper, I will describe how the ancient and evolving practice of Qigong may offer a solution to a modern problem.
With desynchrony being primarily a modern condition, would Qigong which has its roots in an ancient healing system, have any relevance at all? I believe that Qigong holds within its teachings several essential gems that enable resetting the circadian clock.
Reconnecting to Source through Qigong
The term Qigong roughly translates to the “practice or cultivation” of Qi. Daily practice leads to the fostering of Qi as well as controlling its smooth movement throughout the body. This no doubt makes Qigong a very powerful health enhancing tool, but there is another aspect of Qigong that makes it useful in resetting the circadian clock.
Because the practice of Qigong engenders one-ness with Cosmic or Source Qi, it is possible to re-align the body and mind[i] with nature’s timekeeping. Through actively connecting with Heaven and Earth Qi, the body receives subtle time information from the earth.
For modern humans the problem arises with the issue of separation. Mankind, once completely reliant and entirely dependant on nature for its survival surrendered itself to whole-ness with the forces of the universe. In doing so, its chances of survival increased. Man understood its relationship in the microcosmic-macrocosmic link and had a revered respect for co-dependence.
As humans we have ‘advanced’ ourselves to the level where we feel independent from the Earth’s pulse. With shift-schedules, sleeping tablets and stimulants, we appear to have outsmarted nature’s clock. But, like a cancer cell, who once functioned as part of a larger organism, but who then puts ahead its own interest and irresponsibly realizes its own freedom – a sense of separation from the host occurs.
Just like the cancer cell ruthlessly promotes its own survival at the expense of the host, so humankind has promoted its own survival by exploiting and sacrificing the natural rhythms and resources of the Earth. We disconnect from the source Qi. As a result of this dissociation, we continue to function, but in a less than optimal way. Thus illness occurs.
There are practices that transform the spirit and in doing so lead to a state of oneness with the cosmos. Once this connectivity between the self and the universe is created, it is possible to circulate Qi between elements of nature and the body, including mountains, trees, rivers etc (Cohen 1997). When this exchange happens, the body expands energetically into the cosmos, allowing universal energy to flow through it.
Heaven and Earth Qi
Life is the result of a continuous process of transformation. Through the ceaseless and rhythmic transformation of Qi, a constant metamorphosis occurs within the body in a graceful and harmonious, yet regular manner. As it courses through the meridians, Qi is the life-force that brings warmth, protection as well as movement to the system.
But Qi is more than just a propelling energy. It is the source of coherence that unites and connects us with the world that we live in and helps the body adjust to active changes in the environment (Mayor, 2009). Human life results from the Qi of Heaven and Earth (Macioca, 2005): the primal omnipresent energy of life (Cohen 1997). Heavenly Qi (Tian Qi), through what is called the Heavenly Order, is responsible for the organisation and regularity of the expression of life (Rochat de la Vallee, 2010). Although the Heavenly Qi enables spontaneous and natural change, the change is always constant and reliable. This Heavenly Qi spreads over the earth, tightly regulating daily, lunar and seasonal cycles.
On the macrocosmic level, Qi helps the planets maintain their orbits around the sun; it is the energy that shifts the moon phases and the tides. On the microcosmic level, it is the dynamic energy that organizes man on the cellular level and enables cellular direction in the embryo (Jahnke, 2002, Lipton, 2005). This vast web of energy provides the information needed to maintain the myriad intricacies of a complex system (Mayor 2009, Birch and Felt, 1999).
Through connecting to this Qi, a process of information exchange occurs that enables our bodies to naturally reflect the rhythms of the universe. It makes sense then that the internal clock takes its cues from this subtle energy exchange to keep us synchronised to the rhythm of Mother Nature. It is in recognition of this connection that physicians of the Tang dynasty mapped the rhythm of organ and meridian function, and as a result the horary clock emerged (Svenson, 2008).
Mankind is seen as living between Heaven and Earth (Firebrace, 1994) and has the inherent ability to absorb Qi from these sources (Cohen 1997). To keep in concordance with the Universe and the natural law is the ultimate, yet simple goal, of TCM practitioners.
Kenneth Cohen states: “tranquil meditation helps one tune into a source of power beyond the personal, which some practitioners identify as God or the Dao. Nature is also a source of original Qi. We can learn to harmonize with the great currents of Qi in Nature, sensing the healing power of pure mountain air, of trees, and of fertile ground.”
What is the nature of Qi?
But what is this Qi? The quality of Qi has been debated for many years and it has been described as correlating to electromagnetic, biochemical or as a yet immeasurable substance. By measuring correlates of the healing energy, we can directly measure correlates of Qi (Cohen, 1997). In this paper, I will focus only on the bioelectrical properties of Qi.
For years scientists have known that many functions in the body are directed by electrical charges, the heart and the brain being the best documented. We know for instance that nerve sheaths conduct bioelectricity for the purpose of repair and regeneration at the cellular level. The strength and polarity of this electrical flow will determine whether, and how much, healing takes place (Becker, 1985). Early experiments atYaleUniversity, more than 50 years ago, by Dr Harold Burr, showed that the bioelectric field of the body fluctuates according to the state of mind and health (Burr 1972). Subjects who were ill or anxious had a measurably weaker electrical field around the body. Fields of Life or L-fields, as Dr. Burr called them, were measured around all living things: from bacteria and seeds to birds and mammals.
But interestingly, the bioelectric field appeared to direct growth and development in the organism. When the L-field of a frog’s egg was determined, it would be possible for the researchers to determine the future location of the frog’s nervous system because the L-field is like a matrix that determines the form that the frog will take. Burr states:
“The Universe in which we find ourselves and from which we can not be separated is a place of Law and Order. It is not an accident, nor chaos. It is organized and maintained by an Electro-dynamic field capable of determining the position and movement of all charged particles.”
Burr showed that an electrical matrix exists around the body and that the electrical pattern of this matrix largely determines the physiological functioning, growth and development of the organism. It is possible then that this matrix with its continuous electrical flow correlates on some level to what we as acupuncturists feel as the flow of Qi within the body.
In fact there are studies that have confirmed a change in electrical conductivity of acupuncture points during Qigong practice. In one of these studies, microvibrations were measured at specific acupuncture points. By concentrating on a specific acupuncture point, experienced Qigong practitioners were able to lower the electrical resistance at that point relative to other points on the body (Song 1993 cited in Cohen 1997). It is thought that as this electrical energy flows through the body it passes through the acupoints, which act as amplifiers, enabling the electrical flow to keep its charge (Cohen, 1997).
The body’s electrical field is not an isolated entity. The Earth contains natural waves of energy caused by the motion of free electrons (Ober, 2010). The resulting Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) pervades all living tissue. Could this be what we call Earth Qi. The Earth’s natural EMF patterns change gradually with gravitational changes throughout the day (Fuller 1994) entraining the human body and keeping it synchronised with the earth’s heartbeat (Cohen 1997).
The human body, just like the earth, is mostly composed of water and minerals which are excellent conductors of electrons. Free electrons pulsate perpetually on the earth, fed through natural phenomena such as solar radiation and lightning strikes. These waves create a grid of energy on the earth which Geophysicists refer to as the “global electrical circuit”. This energy can be tapped into either when we come in direct skin contact with the earth or through cultivating practices such as Qigong (Ober, 2010).
All natural things grow and are influenced by the natural cycles of Heaven and Earth Qi. In the same way the electric potential on the earth’s surface rises and falls according to the position of the sun. During the day, the energy is more intense, supporting the body in its daily activities, and at night it becomes less positive enabling the body to rest (Ober, 2010). In fact, even slight gravitational changes that occur as a result of the earth’s rotation provide the circadian clock with a reference point from which it orchestrates its magnificent rhythm (Fuller 1994)[ii].
To demonstrate this, researchers at the Max Planck Institute in Germany isolated volunteers for months at a time in underground chambers that were electrically shielded from the Earth’s electrical rhythm. The patterns of body temperature, sleep and urinary excretion of neurohormones were carefully monitored. Within a very short period of time all participants developed abnormal and chaotic patterns in body regulation. This deregulation would set the stage for severe degenerative disease. When researchers then pulsed electrical rhythms, comparable to those measured at the Earth’s surface, back into the chambers, physiological patterns were almost immediately restored (Wever, 1970). This study showed just how significant connecting to Earth energy is for the normal regulation of biological function.
The concern has been that our modern lifestyles shield us from this earth energy. Many of us live in high rise buildings and insulate ourselves through non-conductive footwear which is primarily made of rubber and plastic. It may be that many of our patients who have deregulated circadian rhythms are simply just disconnected from the Earth.
Qigong provides us with multiple techniques to restore the connection to the Earth. Most forms of Qigong use techniques whereby the feet are “grounded” into the Earth, usually through visualization of a root extending from K1 Yongquan deep into the Earth. Although Yongquan is translated as Gushing Spring, the alternative name for this point is Dichong, which means “Earth Surge or thoroughfare”(Deadman, 1998).
It is through this point that the body simultaneously discharges extraneous electrical energy and draws Earth energy up into the body. To explain this further: To function properly electrical equipment are always grounded. In the same way, our ‘electrically charged’ bodies must be grounded and kept at the same electrical potential as the Earth’s surface. In this way, the body can either absorb or discharge electrons as required, so as to prevent electrical surges or disharmony. By keeping this connection we maintain physiological order.
Conclusion
It seems we cannot escape from the laws of nature. Our technology has progressed much faster than our physiological evolution can cope with. There’s no turning back and so we must find ways to re-adapt to the modern world.Through the practice of centering and mindfulness that Qigong cultivates, we engage with the core energy flow of the body and a connectedness with the Earth and Heavenly Qi. With regular practice it is possible to tap into the Earth Qi to draw on its temporal information.
Specific practices such as the “Cosmic Being” described by Cohen, enable the body to expand into the Universe allowing it to absorb healing Qi. Qi is the primordial substance from which all form, both material and non-material is derived and through its permeating web of energy, a subtle communication is manifested (Cumiskey 2010). It then follows that for self-regulation, it may be that we need to access the Heavenly Qi, in order to re-entrain to the Heavenly Order (Rochat de la Vallee 2010).
Qigong has the powerful ability to bring the body, mind and soul into harmony with nature’s rhythm. Qigong is a practice that cultivates Qi within the person, but also has a strong focus on connecting the individual to macrocosmic Qi (Cohen, 1997).
As we engage in the process of Qigong, forces flow up from the earth through the feet and then down through the crown to connect us with the energies of the Earth and Sky respectively. In doing so, the body aligns with the cosmos to harmonize mental, circulatory and biological functions (Lundberg, 2007).
I propose that the practice of Qigong may be useful in circadian desynchrony to re-entrain the body to the natural rhythm of the planet. More research is warranted into body rhythms and Qigong practice to determine whether Qigong practice would be beneficial for re-establishing disrupted circadian rhythms.
Charmaine Shepherd is an Acupuncturist, Director of the Centre for Holistic Health and Author of Is it all in your mind? 10 Steps to Resolving the Underlying Causes of Anxiety and Depression. Available on Kindle!
Charmaine has a sensitive and holistic approach to health-care. She is dedicated to helping individuals take control of their own health."I believe in supporting the innate healing ability of the body through the use of natural remedies, nutrition and lifestyle” Charmaine Shepherd.
Qigong Classes offered by Charmaine Shepherd, call 0131 556 8440 or check the web page for more information.
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Notes:
[i] Not only are our physical bodies desynchronized by artificial light, stimulants, sedatives and lack of contact with nature, many of us live each day in an altered mental “time zone”. At the pace in which our world runs, very few people are mentally synchronised to time. Most of us are mentally a little ahead, thoughts engrossed in that 2pm meeting or anticipation of an upcoming holiday. Events or situations from the past may capture our focus, or thoughts about the future may consume us. We think about what we could have or should have done or what we will do. How things were or could be. Perhaps we even dwell on what others did or will do. Very few of us mentally dwell in the present. This in itself is a type of desynchrony with dire consequences. Eckhart Tolle (2005) calls this continuous compulsive identification with the past or projection into the future “psychological time”. As more research surfaces, it now becomes clear that time-based thinking gives signals of future/past information to the system – body clock gets confused (Kabat, 1990).
It is not to say that we should not learn from the past, plan the future, or think ahead. We are constantly evolving beings and our past experience, as well as anticipating the future must direct our growth in this world. Like setting an alarm clock, we can head into the future briefly to set up a goal, but the hands on the clock continue to tick on current time, in the same way that our focus then must come back to the present.
Being fully engaged in the present moment creates an awareness of everything you are feeling, all of the time. In doing so, one can very quickly recognize desynchrony as soon as it occurs, enabling the body to connect to the universal pulse, and returning the body clock back to “earth time”.
This presence of mind is another one of Qigong’s strengths. By learning to become more aware of Qi within the body, the mind naturally becomes present. In the 1980’s Chinese researchers used Electroencephalogram (ECG) to map the brainwaves of Qigong practitioners. From this a very interesting pattern emerged showing very high alpha and theta waves, indicating the ability to visualize internal images as well as observing the working of the own mind (Cohen 1997). What all these practitioners were innately able to do was to focus on the present moment with great awareness.
[ii] Researchers at theUniversity ofCalifornia have shown that altering the gravitational environment does change the homeostatic parameters, and that the changes are time of day dependent. These studies clearly show that the micro changes in gravity that occur throughout the day as a result of the earth’s rotation provide the SCN with temporal information, making it more sensitive to changes within the environment such as light (Fuller, 1994).
It is not to say that we should not learn from the past, plan the future, or think ahead. We are constantly evolving beings and our past experience, as well as anticipating the future must direct our growth in this world. Like setting an alarm clock, we can head into the future briefly to set up a goal, but the hands on the clock continue to tick on current time, in the same way that our focus then must come back to the present.
Being fully engaged in the present moment creates an awareness of everything you are feeling, all of the time. In doing so, one can very quickly recognize desynchrony as soon as it occurs, enabling the body to connect to the universal pulse, and returning the body clock back to “earth time”.
This presence of mind is another one of Qigong’s strengths. By learning to become more aware of Qi within the body, the mind naturally becomes present. In the 1980’s Chinese researchers used Electroencephalogram (ECG) to map the brainwaves of Qigong practitioners. From this a very interesting pattern emerged showing very high alpha and theta waves, indicating the ability to visualize internal images as well as observing the working of the own mind (Cohen 1997). What all these practitioners were innately able to do was to focus on the present moment with great awareness.
[ii] Researchers at theUniversity ofCalifornia have shown that altering the gravitational environment does change the homeostatic parameters, and that the changes are time of day dependent. These studies clearly show that the micro changes in gravity that occur throughout the day as a result of the earth’s rotation provide the SCN with temporal information, making it more sensitive to changes within the environment such as light (Fuller, 1994).
