Circadian Rhythm

Nature’s circadian rhythms are governed by earth’s day/night cycle. Circadian rhythms are like an “internal clock” that regulates the 24- hour cycle of biological processes in humans, animals and plants. In humans there are patterns of brain wave activity, hormone production, cell regeneration, and other biological activities linked to this 24-hour cycle.
In order to bring our body, mind, emotions and spirit into balance, it is very important to be in tune with these rhythms. If we are out of sync with them, it is like trying to swim upstream.
Some steps to attain this harmony with nature’s rhythms are as follows:

1) The predominantly yang time of the cycle begins at sunrise.
If we stay in bed late in the morning our body will enter a yin

The appetite for food decreases and the body naturally cleanses itself of old food residue. It also cleanses itself emotionally from residue such as excessive desire and craving, dissatisfaction, impatience and anger. It is a time for self-awareness and self-expression.
The diet at this time should be the lightest of the year containing food that emphasizes the ascending and expansive qualities of spring, such as fresh greens, young plants, sprouts. Enjoy the sweetness of simple grains, such as short grain brown rice, quinoa and millet; and legumes such as fava beans, green split peas and lentils. Salty and heavy foods are to be avoided. Some ideal herbs are basil, fennel, rosemary, thyme, dill and bay leaf.
Mint, dandelion and milk thistle teas help to cleanse the blood at this time of the year. Smoothies made from greens such as collard, kale, chard or spinach and fruits such as apples, pears, berries or papaya are also cleansing and very beneficial at this time of the year
Lightly cooked young beets, carrots finely cut into thin pieces or matchstick strips, cabbage, asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, summer squash and zucchini are just some of the vegetable that are great in the spring. Also, include apples, apricots, nectarines and