Cutting-edge research suggests that the moon's gravitational and magnetic pull can affect the human brain's biochemistry, leading to various psychological and physiological changes.
Shalmalee Gadgil
28-07-2024
Ever noticed changes in the mood, energy levels, or sleep patterns during certain phases of the moon? Many cultures throughout history have believed in the connection between lunar cycles and human behaviour. The word "lunatic" comes from the Latin word "lunaticus," which originally referred to epilepsy and madness as diseases thought to be caused by the moon. "Lunaticus" is derived from "luna," the Latin word for moon. Since ancient times, it has been noted that the moon has an influence on human behaviour and could cause mental disturbances.
The idea that lunar cycles affect human biology isn't as far-fetched as it may seem at first glance. Our bodies are composed of around 70% water, and it's well-known that the moon's gravitational pull affects the tides of the oceans. Given this, it's not unreasonable to think that the moon could also influence the water content within our bodies, including the fluids in our brains.
Does the moon affect our sleep cycle?
The research team at the University of Washington, led by professor of biology Horacio de la Iglesia, observed variations in both the time of sleep onset and the duration of sleep correlating with the lunar cycle. They found that the lunar cycle affected the electroencephalographic recordings of sleep.
The research states that every fifteen days, around the time of the full moon and new moon, ocean tides are maximally high and maximally low because the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth are aligned on the same axis on those days. The gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon are added, and you experience maximally high daily tides and emotional changes.
Neurological development is the most significant aspect of who we are. And how stimulated, active, and balanced our neurological system is, can be related to the phases of the Moon.
The human body has adapted to aeons of exposure to daylight and darkness. This has led to the development of circadian rhythms that affect many of your body’s systems — not just your sleep-wake cycle. Circadian rhythms affect your physical and mental health, too. However, the widespread use of electric light means the circadian rhythms wobble This can cause or increase symptoms of certain mental health disorders, including:
anxiety
bipolar disorder
depression
schizophrenia
How does the moon impact your Mental Health?
Another study in the journal Psychological Reports found an increase in aggressive behaviour among psychiatric patients during the full moon.
On full moon days, people tend to become more imbalanced, or those who have anxiety and manic depression may go out of control.
The Moon does not cause madness; it just pushes your energy in a certain way.
If your quality is joy, you will become more joyful. If your quality is content, you will become more contentful. If you are anxious, you will become more anxious by the enhanced negative thoughts. If you have a mental illness, that will also be augmented. Whatever your quality is, gets enhanced because of the full moon.Â
Lunar cycle and the menstrual cycle: Moon impacts on females
A synchronous relationship between the menstrual cycle and lunar rhythm was confirmed by investigative data, laboratory findings, and clinical experience. The body’s internal clock, known as the ‘circadian clock’, maintains the rhythm of women’s ovaries. A disturbance in the circadian rhythm can impact our thought process, moods, behaviour, sleep and even energy levels.
In other areas of human health including cancer, sleep disorders, and depression, scientists have taken chronobiological approaches (meaning relating to the body’s biological clock) like light therapy to find successful treatments. This new research opens up possibilities for similar and new medical treatments for ovulation disorders – which could even help to improve fertility.
If you look at it from the Vedic perspective,
one important arm of Yoga is called Hatha Yoga. Ha means the Sun, and Tha means the Moon. Hatha means to bring balance between these two forces. The Sun, the Moon, and the Earth have a significant influence on the making of life on this planet. The male population may be confused about it, but the female population has always been in sync with the cycles of the Moon.
We do not see the Moon as only having a gravitational impact on us. We see the Moon as the basic element that holds the Earth in its trajectory of revolution around the Sun. Today, modern sciences are confirming that the Moon as a satellite is moving away from the Earth every year. When it moves beyond a certain point, its impact on the life on this planet will recede. Human reproductive cycles will go off the normal cycle, and human beings will slowly go away. But above all, if the Moon goes away, which it is supposed to after a few billion years, the Earth cannot hold its track, and it will break into pieces.
So, why do we fast on Ekadashi and eat light on the 12th day of the moon cycle?
In Hinduism, Ekadashi is considered an auspicious day for fasting and spiritual practices. It is believed that fasting on this day helps purify the body and mind, allowing individuals to connect more deeply with their spiritual selves. Similarly, eating light on the 12th day may be seen as a way to harmonize with the natural rhythms of the lunar cycle, promoting physical and emotional balance.
While the scientific evidence for the influence of lunar cycles on human behaviour and health is still inconclusive, the cultural and spiritual significance of these practices cannot be denied. Whether or not one believes in the power of the moon, there's no harm in paying attention to the own rhythms and making adjustments to the lifestyle that promote well-being.
The solution to manage mood swings and impulsive behaviour :
Self-awareness and Mood Tracking - Note any patterns or triggers that occur consistently during specific moon phases. Reflect on your emotional state and behaviours regularly to understand underlying causes.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices - Maintain a balanced diet, consistent routine, exercise regularly, and ensure adequate sleep. Limit caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, as these can exacerbate mood swings.
Specific Techniques - Practice grounding techniques to stay present and develop strategies to manage impulsivity. Learn and practice emotional regulation techniques, such as identifying and labelling emotions, using positive self-talk, and finding healthy outlets for expressing emotions.
Professional Support - Consider seeking therapy from a professional who can help you develop coping strategies and address underlying issues; in some cases, medication may be necessary. Explore Mind Transformation Therapy, which involves a comprehensive approach to self-transformation through psychological assessment, personalized treatment planning, skill development, emotional management, and capacity building.
References:
Casiraghi, L., Spiousas, I., Dunster, G. P., McGlothlen, K., Fernández-Duque, E., Valeggia, C., & de la Iglesia, H. O. (2021). Science Advances, 7 (5). doi:10.1126/sciadv.abe0465
Sjödin, A., Hjorth, M. F., Damsgaard, C. T., Ritz, C., Astrup, A., & Michaelsen, K. F. (n.d.). Physical activity, sleep duration and metabolic health in children fluctuate with the lunar cycle: science behind the myth. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4672692/
Walker, W. H., Walton, J. C., DeVries, A. C., & Nelson, R. J. (2020). Circadian rhythm disruption and mental health. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7026420/
How Does The Moon Affect Human Beings? (2023). Retrieved from https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/wisdom/article/how-does-the-moon-affect-humans
Wehr, T. A. (n.d.). Bipolar mood cycles and lunar tidal cycles. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5524624/
M;, Z. (n.d.). The lunar cycle: effects on human and animal behavior and physiology. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16407788/
Gadgil, S. (2023). Depression Because Of Nighttime Exposure To Screen Light. Retrieved from https://www.shalmaleegadgil.com/post/nighttime-exposure-to-screen-light-causes-depression
SP;, L. (n.d.). The regulation of menstrual cycle and its relationship to the moon. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3716780/
Here’s how the Moon actually impacts your menstrual cycle - new study. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/menstrual-cycles-body-clock
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