You might be surprised to learn that simply adjusting your clocks by an hour, and getting up earlier for daylight savings, can create a Mast Cell flareup.
Mast Cell disorders are currently one of the hottest topics in medicine. Mast cells are a primary stimulator of histamine release and allergenic reactions (plus so much more!).
Here’s an excerpt from one published study available in PubMed (one of the most respected resource libraries of medical and scientific research):
“Recent research clarified that mast cells are controlled by their internal clock—which is regulated by a specific set of clock genes—as well as external factors such as light sensed by the suprachiasmatic nuclei, hormonal status, or diet"
Another study in PubMed titled “The interplay between mast cells, pineal gland, and circadian rhythm: Links between histamine, melatonin, and inflammatory mediators”.
"Our daily rhythmicity is controlled by a circadian clock with a specific set of genes located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus. Mast cells (MCs) are major effector cells that play a protective role against pathogens and inflammation.”
Worse, the problem of altering our sleep and circadian rhythms is not just the effect on mast cell activation.There are many other studies that showcase a variety of other serious health risks.
A Swedish study found that the risk of having a heart attack increases in the first 3 weekdays after switching from Daylight Savings to Standard Time in autumn.
Monday, after autumn's Daylight Savings transition, there were more workplace injuries, and the injuries were of greater severity, compared to other Mondays.
Losing an hour of afternoon daylight, after setting the clocks back to standard time, can trigger mental illness including:
A Danish study found an 11% increase in depression cases after the time change. The cases dispersed gradually after 10 weeks.(hmmm.... curious that coincides with Springtime)
What can you do to support yourself during the time change this weekend?
The big key is to relax and support the healthy functioning of your pineal gland.
Your pineal gland is a small endocrine gland located near the center of the brain that has many important functions.
These functions include brain detoxification, proper timing of hormone release, healthy sleep patterns and very possibly our intuitive functioning.
Very importantly, it regulates your circadian rhythm, otherwise known as your natural sleep-wake pattern, and releases the sleep hormone, melatonin.
While sleep is very important, this gland is also a very vulnerable part of your brain.
The pineal gland is incredibly sensitive to toxins, stressors and chemicals, so much so that scientists have hypothesized that our pineal glands have shrunk significantly over time.
The pineal gland can also easily become calcified – meaning that the fluoride from your water and from pesticides accumulates around the organ and forms a hard shell over it, reducing its function.
Not surprisingly, this calcification also inhibits its performance.
When the pineal gland becomes impaired, one of the first and most persistent health issues you’ll experience is poor sleep.
How can you support your critically important pineal gland?
Get acupuncture!Acupuncture is a great way to activate and help to detox the pineal gland.
The only acupuncture point regularly requested by our patients is the point Yin Tang, which supports the function of the pineal gland.
In addition, Yin Tang (translated as the "Hall of Impressions") can also be stimulated through massage
According to Dr. Steven K.H. Aung, a pioneer in the integration of western, complementary and traditional Chinese Medicine, Yin Tang has physical, emotional and spiritual functions.In our clinic, we’ve seen it work instantaneously to quiet the mind, aid sleep, resolve headaches and help regulate the reproductive system.
Essential Oils are another great way to support the pineal gland.
The olfactory nerve (which is the key to the sense of smell) is the 1st cranial nerve, and has the most direct pathway to the brain.
Some Essential Oils to Support Pineal Gland health:
Essential oils are EXTREMELY powerful! Use tiny, or small amounts.If a negative reaction occurs with an essential oil, focus on digestion, liver and detox pathways
Heavy Metal ToxicityHeavy metal toxicity is clearly one of the most important environmental dangers we are facing and effects every aspect of our health. The pineal gland is very sensitive to exposure to heavy metals, especially fluoride.
Writen by Dr. John Nieters, DAOM, L.Ac, M.Sc. CFMP