Nature has its natural cycles, day and night, autumn, winter, spring, summer and late summer and so do we. Our bodies have a 24 hour cycle and also work with the seasonal rhythms too.
The Chinese 5 element theory, incorporated in the Functional Kinesiology sessions, is based on the philosophy of the interactions and relationship between the elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood. These correspond to different organs, muscles, emotions, times of the day, meridians, acupressure points, nutrition, colours, taste, seasons, areas of the body and more.
When the energy and flow cycle is in balance it supports the natural growth and lifecycle. Any imbalance in the flow or inter-relationship between the elements can be seen as symptoms
Cell Cycles
Our cells have their own cycles growth - part 1 (up to 8 hours) where the cells grow to maturity, once matured they go through a checking process - G1. The information contained in the cell will determine if it will proceed to the next cycle - the Synthesis phase - where the DNA chromosomes are replicated (6-8 hours).
Once replicated the cells then go into the second growth phase - G2 - where the cells prepare for dividing. During the 2-3 hours of this cycle, protein synthesis and final preparations to divide occur. There is 'check point' for DNA damage and irregularities in chromosome replication, and once the cells 'pass' this check point then they move onto the next stage, mitosis.
During this hour cycle the cells divide into two daughter cells and the growth cycle begins again. Our cells are constantly in communication 'checking-in' to see how they are progressing and growing, learning what nutrients they need, if they need repair or to be destroyed. It all happens without our conscious knowledge over about a 20 hour period - every day.
Ingredients for growth
Every cell has 6 main nutrient ingredients required for growth and to maintain health. These are: are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.
Protein is key in growth and repair but if we do not have enough carbohydrates our bodies will turn protein into carbohydrates to use it for energy. If we have enough carbohydrates and too much protein, the body will turn the excess protein to fat. It is therefore important to ensure you have a good balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates at every meal.
Magnesium is required by over 300 enzyme systems to regulate and co-ordination bodyside functions, for example - protein synthesis in cell growth, muscle and nerve function, regulation of blood sugars, blood pressure and muscle performance, strength and exercise endurance.
Potassium also supports nerves function, muscles contractions and heartbeat regularity. It transports nutrients into cells, waste products out of cells and offsets some of the effects of sodium imbalances.
Zinc is another essential mineral that supports cell growth, particularly DNA generation and the synthesis and mitosis processes in the cell cycle. Zinc is important for cell immunity, wound healing, repair and the breakdown of carbohydrates.
Supporting growth
Rest, sleep and taking time to calm the nervous system, ensuring that you are eating and absorbing sufficient nutrients are all ways to support cell growth. The environment that you create inside and out all play an important part of the body's ability to grow, repair and strengthen. During the seasonal cycles there is a time for growth, decay, death and then renewal again.