FAQ
In our FAQs, you will find answers to many of your questions.
Biorhythms According to Swoboda/Fließ
The biorhythm according to Wilhelm Fließ is a concept that suggests our lives are influenced by three biological rhythms: the physical (23 days), the emotional (28 days), and the intellectual cycle (33 days). These cycles follow a sinusoidal pattern and are believed to affect our energy, mood, and mental performance.
Over time, additional biorhythms have been introduced by Swoboda and other researchers.
Over time, additional biorhythms have been introduced by Swoboda and other researchers.
Today, we know a total of 13 different biorhythms: 3 primary biorhythms, 4 additional biorhythms, and 6 derived linked biorhythms. These relationships are explained in the Biorhythm Pyramid.
To calculate the biorhythm, you determine the number of days since birth and apply a sine function for each cycle. Our biorhythm calculator visually displays the current daily state for all 13 biorhythms – including critical days.
A critical day occurs when one of the three cycles crosses the zero line. According to the theory, such days may bring physical or emotional instability – for example, irritability, lack of concentration, or increased susceptibility to errors.
Some people use their biorhythm to plan sports, work, or important appointments. For example, they might schedule physically demanding activities on days with a strong physical cycle or do creative work on emotionally high days. Additionally, people (relatives or celebrities) can be compared with one another. This allows calculation of the Harmony Factor and the Matching Factor between two individuals.
Biological Rhythms in Chronobiology
Biological rhythms are recurring processes in the body that follow specific time patterns. These include sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, body temperature, and much more. They are often controlled by the “internal clock” in the brain – specifically by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).
The most important biological rhythms are:
- Circadian rhythms (approx. 24 hours, e.g., sleep-wake cycle)
- Ultradian rhythms (less than 24 hours, e.g., heartbeat, hunger cycles)
- Circannual rhythms (approx. 1 year, e.g., seasonal changes)
- Cyclical rhythms (e.g., menstrual cycle)
- Circadian rhythms (approx. 24 hours, e.g., sleep-wake cycle)
- Ultradian rhythms (less than 24 hours, e.g., heartbeat, hunger cycles)
- Circannual rhythms (approx. 1 year, e.g., seasonal changes)
- Cyclical rhythms (e.g., menstrual cycle)
Astronomical Rhythms
These arise from the movements of the Earth, Moon, and Sun and have a clear influence on humans:
- Day-night rhythm – caused by Earth’s rotation (every 24 hours)
- Monthly rhythm – caused by the Moon’s orbit around the Earth (approx. 29.5 days)
- Seasonal rhythm – caused by the Earth’s orbit around the Sun (365 days)
- Tidal rhythm – caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun (about every 12.5 hours)
- Duration of sunshine – influenced by the Earth’s orbit around the Sun and the tilt of the Earth’s axis
- Day-night rhythm – caused by Earth’s rotation (every 24 hours)
- Monthly rhythm – caused by the Moon’s orbit around the Earth (approx. 29.5 days)
- Seasonal rhythm – caused by the Earth’s orbit around the Sun (365 days)
- Tidal rhythm – caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun (about every 12.5 hours)
- Duration of sunshine – influenced by the Earth’s orbit around the Sun and the tilt of the Earth’s axis
Rhythms influenced by the Moon and the amount of daylight can play a role in biorhythms. Moon phases in particular are significant. From full moon, through waning phases to new moon and back through waxing phases to full moon, the moon phases – like biorhythms – follow a sinusoidal pattern and integrate seamlessly into biorhythmic theory.
- They structure life on Earth.
- Living beings have adapted to these rhythms.
- They influence behavior, health, and even mood (e.g., seasonal depression).
- Living beings have adapted to these rhythms.
- They influence behavior, health, and even mood (e.g., seasonal depression).
