Biorhythm

Theory of biochemical phasing, which claims that human beings experience three major biological cycles: (1) a 23-day cycle of physical strength, energy, and endurance, (2) a 28-day cycle of emotional sensibility, intuition, and creative ability; and (3) a 33-day cycle of mental activity, reasoning, and ambition. Charts of these cycles indicate periods of maximum or minimum potential in any of the three cycles, as well as critical dates of stress when two or three of the cycles intersect. By studying such advantageous or disadvantageous points of the cycles, it is claimed that an individual can be aware of the best and worst dates to maximize effort for success and confidence and avoid over-stress at dates of minimal confidence and energy. The theory has some attraction as it relates to other natural cycles such as the ebb and flow of the tides and the menstrual cycle in women.

Since body cycles relate to birth dates, the system of biorhythms is analagous with medical astrology. During the 1970s the system became a popular fad. Some physicians attempted to use biorhythm diagnostically, and some used biorhythms to predict football games. Billie Jean King is said to have won her famous match against Bobby Riggs when at a "high" in two of her cycles. Practitioners claimed that Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe committed suicide on their critical days. The Omi Railway in Japan credited biorhythms with their accident-free record of safety. Other Japanese firms and several European airlines tested the use of biorhythms.

The concept of biorhythms was first proposed by William Fliess, a German friend of Sigmund Freud. Fliess proposed two basic cycles, and Austrian engineer Alfed Teltscher added the idea of a third cycle. Herman Swoboda tied the cycles to the birth date. Other writers also explored the idea through the twentieth century, but in the early 1960s the writings of George S. Thommen succeeded in popularizing the idea. Thommen found a leading supporter in Bernard Gittelson. Apparatus designed to simplify charting of biorhythm cycles have been developed and include the biomate (a manual computer), and the biolater (a small electronic calculator with mathematical functions).

During the 1970s various trials attempted to verify the claims about biorhythm. The most notable were in the field of sports where, it was predicted, outstanding performances would tend to appear on days of biorhythmic highs. In fact, no such patterns emerged. No empirical data exists to support the biorhythm theory.