Biological Rhythms
The natural rhythms of the human body — heartbeat, breathing, circadian cycles, and cellular oscillations.
The ~24-hour biological clock governing sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, body temperature, and metabolic processes. Driven by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus.
Basic rest-activity cycle (~90 minutes). Governs sleep stages (NREM-REM cycle) and daytime alertness fluctuations.
Claimed rhythmic motion of cerebrospinal fluid (~6-12 cycles/min). Central to craniosacral therapy. Scientific evidence for this as a distinct rhythm is debated.
Average resting breathing rate (~15 breaths/minute = 0.25 Hz). Conscious breath control (pranayama) can shift brainwave states.
Average resting heart rate (~70 BPM = 1.17 Hz). The fundamental rhythm of the human body. Heart rate variability (HRV) is an important health indicator.
Cell membranes exhibit oscillatory electrical behavior in the kHz range. These oscillations play roles in cell signaling and ion channel dynamics.