Destination Points: Acupuncture Treatment for Jet Lag.

By Anthony M. Giovanniello, MS. Ac., L.Ac.

Today we can travel to just about anywhere in the world in just a few hours. The most remote destination is less than 24 hours away and the potentials for personal growth made possible by international travel whether for business or pleasure are inexhaustible. The downside of traveling so far in such a short time is jet lag. Those who travel often to other time zones know the effects of jet lag: fatigue, confusion, irritability, dehydration, loss of appetite, and insomnia. These symptoms sometimes last a week or more. They can wreck a business meeting or ruin that dream vacation. While most travelers recognize the symptoms of jet lag, few of them know what causes it or are aware that acupuncture is an effective, non-invasive way to treat this lingering malady.

Circadian desynchronosis or jet lag occurs when our body’s 24-hour internal biological clock is out of balance. Under normal conditions our body maintains what is called a circadian rhythm (from the Latin circa dies, meaning “approximately one day”). This 24-hour cycle is essential to all living organisms. It is the biological mechanism that synchronizes cell divisions in our bodies which trigger the biological functions we need in order to live. The area of the brain called the hypothalamus, which links the nervous system to the endocrine system by synthesizing and secreting neurohormones that affect sleep, emotions, body temperature, hunger and thirst, is the mainspring of our circadian clock. The pineal gland, an endocrine gland located in the brain above the hypothalamus, helps to regulate the body clock. Most of the continuous biological changes in us are pre-adapted or hard wired to occur in accordance with the Earth’s rotation, or more simply, the passage from day to night. For example the secretion of melatonin, a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland, induces sleep. Levels of melatonin change over time. Low levels of melatonin are found during the day; the highest levels are detected during the night.

When we travel from one time zone to another, our circadian rhythm becomes out of balance. There are simple ways before and during a trip to help regulate this imbalance: getting a good nights sleep before the day of departure; exercising for several days before the flight; walking and stretching during the flight; and drinking plenty of fluids. And as exciting and well planned a trip can be, travel can be stressful. Reducing stress is very important too, because it triggers biological stress coping mechanisms that ultimately upsets the circadian rhythm. Acupuncture can help after the flight to reset our internal clock.

Acupuncture is a major component of the Traditional Asian Medical System. In this system, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: Yin and Yang. Health is achieved by maintaining the body in a “balanced state”. A major cause of imbalance is stress. It leads to blockage in the flow of QI (pronounced chee) or vital energy, along pathways known as meridians. There are hundreds of acupuncture points on the body that connect with them. A number of meridians flow through the brain and have a significant effect on its functions. Acupuncture unblocks the flow of QI which balances Yin and Yang and allows the body to begin to heal itself. In the case of jet lag, the acupuncturist selects points on the meridians that directly effect and rebalance the circadian rhythm, allowing for a normal and refreshing sleep cycle.

Researchers at the National Institute of Health are studying possible scientific explanations of how acupuncture works. One is that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system, your brain and spinal cord, to release neurotransmitters and neuro-hormones, like melatonin, that activate your body’s natural healing abilities. Another is that acupuncture alters how your blood pressure, blood flow and body temperature are regulated as changes occur in the central nervous system.

Many other conditions can be treated by acupuncture; the World Health Organization, for example, has listed more than 40 for which the technique may be indicated. For more information about acupuncture please go to the following websites:

World Health Organization / Acupuncture: review and analysis of controlled clinical trials objectives (page 29) www.who.int/medicines/library/trm/acupuncture/acupuncture_trials.pdf

Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com search: acupuncture

Psychology Today Magazine / Acupuncture and Depression

http://cms.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=PTO-19990901-000030

Anthony M. Giovanniello, MS. Ac., L.Ac. New York City, N.Y. holds a Masters Degree in Science and Acupuncture, is nationally board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and licensed by the State of New York. With a specialty in stress related illnesses and depression, he is also extensively trained in treating the more than 40 illnesses acknowledged by the World Health Organization treatable by Acupuncture. This includes treatments for facial and body rejuvenation.

To contact him please call: 917-836-1547 or write

eMail: amgiovanniello@earthlink.net