At the bottom of this page we discuss some ways to utilize these teen
ultradian biorhythms. First we discuss these important biorhythms in
healing and health.
Biorhythms are biologically based regular cycles that help adapt
organisms to their environment. Some examples include:
Annual rhythms—follow the cycles of the
seasons, e.g. mating season in animals, hibernation during winter, etc.
The monthly menstrual cycle in women
Circadian—24-hour wake/sleep cycle
Ultradian—90-120 minute activity-resting cycles
menopause cycle
Biorhythms, are regulated by neuroendocrinal
systems in the brain, most
notably in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and pineal gland. This is true
for adults too.
The
Suprachiasmatic nuclei in hypothalamus function as biological clocks to
regulate cycles of the neuroendocrine systems. These same hormones may
be involved in regulating life and death cycles (Rossi, 1993, p 195).
These hormones are also involved in modulating state-dependent memory
and learning.
The Basic Ultradian Cycle
The basic ultradian cycle’s activity and resting phases over 90-120
minutes:
Figure 1. The basic ultradian cycle showing one activity peak bracketed
by two resting phases.
Wave nature of consciousness
Consciousness and its various modes occur in waves. There are waves
within waves. In a 24-hour period, a person would experience 8-10
ultradian cycles as shown in Fig. 2.
Figure
2. Idealized ultradian and circadian cycles showing dreams, selected
hormones, and sleep periods. (Adapted from Rossi 1993, Figure 9, p 197.)
Performance/Activity Peaks
These are the periods during the day when you have highest mental and
physical energy. During the waking phase (Fig 2) these are left-brain
dominant periods. During both waking and sleep modes of consciousness
there are several ultradian cycles. During sleep, performance peaks
represent the rapid eye movement (REM)/ dream mode of consciousness
periods.
Psychosomatic Problems from Disturbances of the
Ultradian Cycle
Behavioral disruptions of the ultradian rhythms that modulate both
autonomic and endocrine functioning (see nervous system) are thought to
be the underlying
psychophysiological basis for many psychosomatic problems.
Endocrine system regulation
Endocrine systems function on circadian and ultradian cycles. Many
hormones are released in approximately 20 minute pulses, or multiples
thereof. Behaviors that disrupt either of these cycles can disrupt the
normal functioning of the endocrine system. These hormones include
cortisol (stress), growth hormones, ß-endorphin, parathyroid
hormone (PTH), insulin, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
regulation
Autonomic and cerebral hemispheric dominance work in an integrated
fashion: i.e., right-brain activity is correlated with parasympathetic
activation, and left-brain activity with sympathetic. (from Rossi,
1993, PP 179-185)
Hemispheric dominance shifts during the ultradian cycle, so that during
the resting phase there is a shift from left-brain dominance to
right-brain dominance.
Nasal activity can shift hemispheric dominance: left nostril breathing
activates right hemisphere;
right nostril activates left hemisphere.
Yogi’s and Eastern adepts regulate ANS via nostril breathing (Rossi,
1990)
Self-Actualizing Individuals
In self-actualizing individuals (A.H. Maslow, A Theory of Human
Motivation, Psychological
Review 50 (1943):370-96) there is a significant positive
correlation
between self-actualizing individuals, low anxiety and stress related
symptom, and a regular nasal cycle.
Self-actualizing individuals in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs are
concerned with morality, creativity, problem solving,
justice, peak experiences, and realizing their full potential.
Correspondingly, non-self-actualizing individuals with high
levels of anxiety and stress-related symptoms show greater
irregularity in their nasal cycle. (Osowiec, 1992).
Altered states of consciousness
Highly
hypnotizable individuals have more regular nasal/ ultradian
cycles when they practice self-hypnosis, but low hypnotizable subjects
do not (Osowiec, personal communication reported in Rossi, 1993).
In experiences of enlightenment, samadhi, deep
meditative states, and sexual orgasm both nostrils are open
(Usharbudh, 1979).
Genetic processes at the molecular level are the ultimate source of
biorhythms as well as the wave nature of consciousness. (Rossi, 1993, p
201).
The homeostatic regulatory systems of the mind-body serve these
underlying genetic processes and are coordinated by these genetic
processes.
Chronic interference with these biorhythms results in stress and is a
major cause of psychosomatic problems.
Most holistic healing approaches unknowingly utilize the ultradian
healing response to normalize biorhythms to optimize health. These
healing approaches include meditation, body work, imagery, hypnosis,
biofeedback, and even ancient shamanic approaches.
Examples
Bulimia—disruption of ultradian cycles in rats
has been shown to result
in obesity-bulimia and neurodermatitis problems (Freidman, 1972, 1978;
and Friedman et al., 1978).
Depression—disruption of circadian
rhythm during depression is often characterized by early morning
awakening and diurnal changes in mood (sad in morning, happy just
before going to sleep).
Dissociative Identity Disorders: some
reports of DID with alternative personalities being associated with
switch in left and right brain dominance (Ischolondsky, 1955, p 8-9).
Ultradian resting phase--doorway to the
integrative mode of consciousness (IMC) and healing.
Figure
3. Relationship between ultradian cycle phases, the integrative mode of
consciousness, healing, and integrative altered states of
consciousness.
Ancient Healing Approaches
Mysterious rituals, touch, and massage have been used from ancient
times for mind-body healing. Many of these work by accessing
state-bound memories, learning, and
behaviors, e.g., affect bridge in hypnotherapy, body memory during
massage.
“Touch” does not necessarily have to involve actual touching,
e.g. Reiki therapy, energy medicine, healing touch, and shamanic
distance healing.
Similar “touch therapies” are seen in
animals, e.g. mutual grooming in mammals, especially primates; animal
“hypnotism” in alligators by rubbing the stomach.
Recognizing the resting phase in your self and
your teen
Indicators that you or your teen are entering a resting phase include:
Appears to move into a quiet moment of
reflectiveness.
Becomes still.
Eye blinking or swallowing may greatly diminish
or be absent.
A “far away” look in the eyes and may close
spontaneously for a moment
Heart rate and breathing slow.
Utilizing the Resting Phase with Your Teen
OK, here's the deal. In this state, a lot of the defense mechanisms and
left brain stuff is turned down. That is why when I am working in a
situation with an explosive teen, I will just sit quietly with him or
her. I am present, but do not engage (or minimize such), and wait for
that resting phase to kick in. When the teen is in the throes of anger
or meltdown, is not
the time to try to reach him/her. I wait patiently.
When I see signs of the teen going into a resting phase, then I can
guide the situation via suggestion or reframing to a better place. I
usually acknowledge and validate their feelings, e.g. "Billy, I know
that you are very angry about this. It is OK for you to be angry (or
whatever the emotion). How can we solve this problem or move
to a better place on this?" And, no parents, this does not mean giving
into your teen's demands.
As an aside, many of my fellow therapist will try to talk them down. I
have found this to be less effective. But then, they don't know about
Ultradian biorhythms.
