The LA musician’s life is one driven by a love for the muse.  As such, this calling requires many lifestyle sacrifices that have deep implications for overall health.  Accountants, engineers, hairdressers, and teachers all face risks unique to their professions.  Musicians, however, face work-related risks that resemble those of swing-shift workers.  Some of these problems are insomnia, fatigue, and hypertension.

 The body’s natural rhythms are naturally governed by the sun. These rhythms are called “circadian.”  The circadian rhythms control the release of hormones, regulating digestion, sleep, and metabolic functions of the entire body.  Unpredictable schedules disrupt the circadian rhythms as any exposure to light will disrupt melatonin production, the hormone that induces sleep and night-related metabolic processes.    

Interestingly enough, within the Chinese medicine system, there exists a strong understanding of circadian rhythms.  In fact, this understanding is integrated into the system of “energy circuits,” called meridians or channels.  There are 12 main channels which cover the body, in addition to two channels forming the anterior and posterior “seams.”  Each channel is dominant for two-hours during the day, equaling 24 hours, the same number of hours in a day.

Acupuncturists are specialists in interpreting and treating signs of circadian imbalance.  Whether the problem stems from jet lag, swing-shift work, or the jagged schedule of a musician, acupuncture can make a big difference by doing two things: addressing the branch expression of circadian imbalance and by providing tools to empower individuals to prevent further occurrences—all without drugs. 

Here’s once such tool that a person can try for himself to see how it works.  It involves massaging the ears.  Basically, two hours before the gig and then every-two hours afterward, the ears should be massaged.  Do a good job by massaging each ear for about 30 seconds, covering the whole ear.  There is absolutely no need to get inside the ear canal.  Attention need only be directed to the easily accessible aspects of the outer ear. 

The ears have unique qualities relative other organs and acupuncturists make good use of them.  Even though needling the ear may sometimes prove more effective, a regular ear-massage routine is essentially akin to acupressure and can be self-applied.  This can make a world of difference in terms of cost and convenience. 

It is difficult to imagine that one’s musical expression would not be affected by one’s physical and emotional state.   The demands of a musician’s life mean that having an established sleep routine that harmonizes with the cycles of the sun is unrealistic.  Fortunately, acupuncture and the system of Chinese medicine provides a natural solution that can make a real difference in terms of how you feel.  This difference occurs by stimulating points along the energy channels of the body, channels that are already understood to be under the influence of the sun.  Ear massage is an easy and near effortless way for the individual to balance the body to prevent some of the effects of circadian imbalance. 

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