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Conquer Jet Lag Jet lag is the term given to several symptoms jet travelers experience as they cross multiple time zones. It occurs when our body's normal circadian rhythm cycle--the sleep-wake cycle--is disturbed. Symptoms ranging from extreme fatigue, nausea, headache, reduced memory, attention lapse, and disturbed sleep patterns result, though not necessarily all together. Scientific study suggests that our biological clocks are governed by many rhythms. Known examples include more babies being born at night, more heart attacks at 10am. Our hormonal secretory rates are linked to this cycle. In fact, almost every aspect of our life is timed. The pineal gland is called the timekeeper of the brain. Melatonin, produced in the dark by the pineal gland, shuts off when it is daylight. Crossing many time zones interrupts the sleep-wake cycle, and though melatonin is helpful, there are cautions about its use. Chinese medicine has studied the cycles for centuries and have developed acupuncture based on these observations. It is thought that energy circulates through the main acupuncture meridians in a very special order. On my first flight to Ireland a number of years ago, I was given a Horary Chart showing these energy pathways and some simple acupressure exercises to perform prior to, during, and after my flight. I did them faithfully, also following the standard advice of no alcohol, lots of water, exercise, sleeping aids (an inflatable pillow, blindfold, earplugs, and my personal favorite: a tape recorder with headset and soothing music). I did not experience jet lag on this trip or any subsequent trans-continental flight. It worked so well that I've recreated the charts on the following pages. Print a copy, tape the two sheets together like a book, and take it with you on your next trip. Let me know how it worked for you. Continue on page two for Horary Points.
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Suzanne Barrett's
