How the Lunar Cycle Impacts Your Health

Throughout history, the Moon has been more than just a celestial body lighting up our nights. In ancient civilisations, it was a powerful symbol of connection— to our health, our emotions, and our deep relationship with nature. But could the Moon's phases really affect us more than we realise? Modern science is now uncovering fascinating evidence that shows the Moon's gravitational pull, especially during its full and new phases, can influence everything from our heart health to sleep patterns, and even our emotional well-being.

In Ancient civilisations, the Moon and the Moon's phases had a deep connection to our body, health and our relationship with nature, connections we still consider now. The effects of the Moon on the body, both physical and mental health, can be experienced through the lunar phases, with modern research finding scientific evidence to support this. The following studies support a biological connection to the Moon:

 - Researchers of the Central Hospital of Augsburg, Germany, studied 16,000 heart-attack victims, finding fewer heart attacks occurred in the three days after a new moon.

- In 2011, the Urology Journal published a study of nearly 1,500 patients with renal colic, the pain associated with kidney stones. Researchers found an increased experience of pain at the time of the full Moon.

- In 2008, The Royal Liverpool University Hospital urological admissions were affected by lunar phases. The research found emergency urological admissions to be higher on full moon days. In contrast, the new Moon had a calming effect.

- In 2011, researchers from Radboud University, Nijmegen, studied more than 5,400 patients indicating that emergency admissions of psychiatric patients rose during full moon periods. Suggesting the cause is due to the Moon's gravity affecting the flow of fluids in the brain, in brain cells, which may alter mood and behaviour.

- In a study published in the doctors' newspaper Pulse, Dr Peter Perkins, a GP, after interviewing 79 general practitioners, found that emergency calls for all conditions were increased by 3 per cent at full Moon and fell by 6 per cent during a new moon.

Researchers found scientific evidence through studies that emphasised data showing a health correlation to the circadian rhythms of the lunar cycles. Observing the gravitational pull when there is a full moon and at the new moon stage, as this is when the Sun and Moon are aligned. At this time, the gravitational pull of the Moon and the energy of the Sun are combined, creating the strongest gravitational effects. Modern research believes that this has the most health benefits affecting human circulation and just after full moons, due to the Moon's gravitational pull affecting the flow of fluid in the human body, even in our brain, indicating an influence on our mental health.

For centuries, the Moon has been a symbol of mystery, beauty, and connection. Ancient civilisations were in tune with the lunar phases, believing that the Moon influenced everything from our emotions to our health. But can the Moon's phases really have a tangible effect on our well-being? Surprisingly, modern science is now starting to back up these age-old beliefs. From sleep patterns to emotional fluctuations and even the physical rhythms of our body, the Moon may have more of an impact on us than we realise.

- New Moon: Traditionally seen as a time for new beginnings and setting intentions, this phase also has a calming effect on our health. Studies have shown fewer heart attacks and urological admissions during the New Moon. The alignment of the Sun and Moon creates a gravitational pull that can influence our body's fluids, improving circulation and promoting emotional balance.

- Waxing Crescent: As the Moon grows in the sky, we can feel an increase in energy and motivation. This is a great time for physical activity and goal-setting, as we often feel more driven and focused.

- First Quarter: The halfway point between the New Moon and the Full Moon, this phase is often a time of tension and challenge. It can bring stress, which might lead to headaches or emotional frustration. It's important to stay mindful of your emotional state during this phase.

- Waxing Gibbous: As the Moon approaches fullness, we may start to feel emotionally charged. Our bodies are preparing for the Full Moon, and we may notice changes in our sleep patterns or an increase in emotional sensitivity.

- Full Moon: The Full Moon is often associated with heightened emotions, sleep disturbances, and even physical discomfort. Studies have shown that psychiatric admissions and kidney pain increase during this phase. The gravitational pull of the Moon is at its strongest, affecting not only the tides but also the fluids in our bodies, including our brain and emotional state.

- Waning Gibbous: As the Full Moon starts to wane, we begin to release emotional tension and experience a sense of relief. This is a great time for self-care and emotional healing.

- Last Quarter: Like the First Quarter, the Last Quarter can bring a sense of challenge and emotional intensity. However, this phase is also a time for reflection and letting go of anything that no longer serves you.

- Waning Crescent: As the Moon completes its cycle, we may feel a sense of closure and peace. This is a time for rest, rejuvenation, and emotional healing.

In Ancient Chinese medicine and philosophy, the concept of duality, characterised as the yin and yang principle, observes the relationship we have with our opposites. In this relationship of polarities, the contrary forces interconnected, interdependent, and needing each other to strengthen the power that exists within them.

In Astrology, the Moon is Yin, and the Sun is Yang. The Sun radiates heat and light, linking to the projection of our outward personality, how we shine, all that we show of ourselves to others, our vital force. The glow we see of the Moon reflects the Sun's light, representing our inner personality and emotions. The Moon's reflection of the Sun links our vital force to how we feel within our private and intimate thoughts and feelings. When we have inner emotion, energy has a relationship with an expression that is projected, radiating through our vital force into our external environment. When our vital force has a quieter or darker expression, it can indicate a disconnection within our emotions. It is believed the Moon affects how we respond to all sorts of changes in life and on the body at a physiological level.

In Astrology, Moon Signs are very important as they indicate the intention of our emotions, how we feel about ourselves, and our private thoughts, our connection to our Mother, our relationship with the concept of nurture, and also the connection to our intuitive abilities.

The Moon sign placement in our birth chart represents the filter through which our emotions need to feel and express as they reflect our vital force, the energy of the Sun. Our emotional filter can be felt by people in our emotional space, home and even work.

The Moon Sign can be so prominent in its emotional needs that at times it is felt more potently than the position of the Zodiac Sun Sign, which represents our Conscious Self, connections to the intention of our ego and the persona we present in our environment. The Moon Sign can be found in the birth chart where the Moon crescent (☾) symbol is placed.

The Moon drives our actions from our emotional space, navigating the emotions in our conversations and interacting with our full being. The Moon determines how we are emotionally triggered, and those closest to us can sometimes see the reactions of the Moon within us as the most authentic version of who we are. It is the most intricate part of ourselves and probably the most misunderstood element of who we are.

A good relationship with female friends can likely indicate a good relationship with our Mother, leading to levels of shared openness and security in expressing our vulnerabilities to each other. Of course, there are alternative versions; sometimes, when we do not have a positive connection with our mothers, our friends can become our mothers or both, depending on our needs. We all like to be mothered at some point in our lives; it does feel good, so we may have friends like this. The connection is so strong it feels like a psychic and empathic connection; they know us so intricately that it feels like they have known us all our lives.

The Moon, viewed as a feminine planet with a water connection, has a pull the Earth's tides, and with the human body made up of 60% water, it is believed that the Moon and the lunar cycles' potential influence to be something that we feel. The length of the Moon phases, having a similarity to the menstrual cycle, has long been linked to fertility. In ancient civilisations, there was an awareness of the sacred purpose of women; at "Moon times", women would go through a process of restoration and rejuvenation.

Many sleep studies have observed the Moon's influence, findings by the that during the full Moon, it clinically signifies changes to sleep, including a prolonged time to get to sleep reduction of Delta waves brain activities. In the studies observed in Elsevier Sleep Medicine - Volume 15, Issue 11, of the 224 persons who had their sleep study done during moon phases, 82% of those studied during the full Moon were associated with lower sleep efficiency. Making the study results support the full moon phase association affecting our need for deep sleep.

In astrology, it is believed that when the Moon is full, it is the point that is set in front of the Sun, reflecting its light and where we can fully reflect back our emotions, meaning this can be a time when inner thoughts and feelings come out. During the New Moon stage, the Sun is not aligned with the Moon, so there is no reflection of the Sun's light during this period. This is when people may feel that their emotions are unable to be expressed and projected in the way they may want.

Many sleep studies have observed the Moon's influence, findings by the that during the full Moon, it clinically signifies changes to sleep, including a prolonged time to get to sleep reduction of Delta waves brain activities. In the studies observed in Elsevier Sleep Medicine - Volume 15, Issue 11, of the 224 persons who had their sleep study done during moon phases, 82% of those studied during the full Moon were associated with lower sleep efficiency. Making the study results support the full moon phase association affecting our need for deep sleep.

In Astrology, the Moon governs some of our bodily fluids due to the watery nature of how the Moon is viewed. It is believed that when the Moon is strongly dignified (positive influence) in our birth chart, it helps to keep our mucous membranes healthy. A lack of moisture within the body is linked to having a poorly dignified Moon, meaning dry mucous membrane may be present, indicating a negative influence on water-based bodily issues. The Moon is linked to:

In Astrology, the Moon governs some of our bodily fluids due to the watery nature of how the Moon is viewed. It is believed that when the Moon is strongly dignified (positive influence) in our birth chart, it helps to keep our mucous membranes healthy. A lack of moisture within the body is linked to having a poorly dignified Moon, meaning dry mucous membrane may be present, indicating a negative influence on water-based bodily issues. The Moon is linked to:

- The lungs

- The bladder

- The stomach

- The menstrual cycle

- Fertility and the balance of the uterus

- Childbirth

- The breast milk glands

- Illnesses during childhood

- Menstrual cycle issues

- Fibroids

- Endometriosis

- Polycystic ovaries

- Poor concentration

- Exhaustion

- Fatigue

- Depression

- Digestive issues

- Diarrhoea

- Chesty coughs

In Astrology, Moon Signs are very important as they indicate the intention of our emotions, connection to our Mother, our relationship to the concept of nurture, and also the connection to our intuitive abilities. The Moon sign placement in our birth chart represents the filter through which our emotions need to feel and express, they can be felt by people in our emotional space, home and even work. The Moon Sign can be so prominent in its emotional needs that at times it is felt more potently than the position of the Zodiac Sun Sign, which represents our Conscious Self, connections to the intention of our ego and the persona we present in our environment. The Moon Sign can be found in the birth chart where the Moon crescent (☾) symbol is placed.

In astrology, your Moon sign governs your emotions, instincts, and how you react to different situations, but it can also be connected to specific physical symptoms. Each Moon sign brings its own set of potential health issues that might arise due to emotional imbalances or responses to stress. Let’s explore the physical associations of each Moon sign in detail.

Moon in Aries - Fiery, intense energy, which can often result in physical symptoms of dryness and tension. People with this placement may experience dry mucous membranes, dry or itchy skin and scalp, and a sore throat or dry cough. Headaches and insomnia are common, along with potential menstrual irregularities, such as lack of periods or fertility challenges. Muscle spasms can also arise due to Aries’ tense, driven nature.

Moon in Taurus - The need for emotional comfort often leads to physical changes like weight gain, especially when food is used as a source of comfort. Addictive eating patterns are common. Taurus energy is also connected to the throat and sensory organs, so issues involving the ears, nose, and throat may arise.

Moon in Gemini - Restless and mentally active energy can cause symptoms related to the nervous system. People with this placement often experience anxiety, nervousness, and physical manifestations of stress, such as weakness in the shoulders and upper body. Digestive issues, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are also linked to Gemini’s overstimulated mind-body connection.

Moon in Cancer - Deeply emotional, with strong ties to the stomach and reproductive system. This can lead to digestive discomfort, particularly when emotions are out of balance or when external stress takes over. Those with Moon in Cancer may find that they become physically ill as an emotional response to their environment. They may also experience allergies, fibroids, or breast discomfort, especially during PMS.

Moon in Leo - Reflects pride and vitality, but emotional stress in this placement often affects the back, spine, and skin. Postural issues and musculoskeletal discomfort are common, and dry skin can be a sign of emotional suppression. Fertility concerns and digestive problems may also manifest when Leo energy is not fully expressed or when there’s an emotional imbalance.

Moon in Virgo - Highly analytical and prone to stress, often affecting digestion. Virgo moons frequently experience digestive problems such as IBS, especially when they are nervous or anxious. Allergies, particularly digestive sensitivities, can also arise from the emotional tension that builds up in Virgo.

Moon in Libra - Balance is everything. When emotional imbalance occurs, it often shows up as kidney problems or fluid retention. These individuals might also experience dizzy spells or headaches as their bodies attempt to recalibrate. Imbalances in the endocrine system can also develop, along with general fluid dysregulation within the body.

Moon in Scorpio - Emotional intensity often manifests in the bladder and reproductive organs. Scorpio moons may experience bladder infections, nasal congestion, or a watery nose when emotionally stressed. Excessive sweating and reproductive issues such as fibroids or haemorrhoids are also linked to this deeply transformative Moon sign.

Moon in Sagittarius - Lead to emotional instability when energy is scattered. This emotional restlessness often results in physical issues such as swelling in the hips or thighs, as Sagittarius rules these areas. Insomnia is common when the mind is overactive, preventing restful sleep.

Moon in Capricorn - The disciplined and reserved nature of this sign can lead to physical tension and dryness. Capricorn moons may experience excessively dry skin and menstrual irregularities, including fertility challenges and conditions like endometriosis. Joint inflammation and stiffness are common, along with poor nutrient absorption, which can lead to malnutrition and discomfort in the joints.

Moon in Aquarius - Associated with unpredictability and sudden shifts, which can result in mood swings and fluctuating physical energy levels. Those with this placement may experience low blood pressure, chronic fatigue, and poor circulation, particularly in their extremities.

Moon in Pisces - Deeply emotional and sensitive, often leading to fatigue and hormonal imbalances. Pisces moons might experience low moods, heavy or irregular periods, and respiratory issues. Weight gain is another physical manifestation that can occur due to emotional imbalances in this placement.

Understanding how the Moon impacts your body and emotions allows you to take charge of your health. By tracking the lunar phases and your Moon sign, you can better understand when you might be more prone to emotional or physical symptoms. Incorporate self-care practices such as meditation, journaling, or energy healing to align with the Moon’s natural rhythms.

Exploring your connection between your Moon sign and physical symptoms can help you maintain both emotional and physical wellness. By nurturing the emotional needs of your Moon sign, you may be able to alleviate some of the associated physical challenges.

Understanding how the Moon impacts your body and emotions allows you to take charge of your health. By tracking the lunar phases and your Moon sign, you can better understand when you might be more prone to emotional or physical symptoms. Incorporate self-care practices such as meditation, journaling, or energy healing to align with the Moon’s natural rhythms.

Exploring your connection between your Moon sign and physical symptoms can help you maintain both emotional and physical wellness. By nurturing the emotional needs of your Moon sign, you may be able to alleviate some of the associated physical challenges.

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