5 ways the moon is influencing our health

Since the human body is comprised 85% of water, it is not a far-fetched notion that our body's functions are also influenced by the wax and wane of the moon. But how, exactly, does the moon influence the human body and how many of our beliefs are soundly rooted in science and which are notions spurred on by myth and legend?

Emergency room statistics the world over regularly report heightened activity on the nights the moon reaches full illumination. This phenomenon is probably tied to the summation that the full moon alters mood: tempers flair and normally quiet people act out of character tempting danger at every turn. The concept has been disputed for eons, but early Latins believed so strongly in its validity that they coined the term "lunaticus" to explain the influence of the full moon on the psyche.

For every believer in the validity of the moon's influence on health there is at least one believer ready to argue the data. Some of the most popular arguments include:

Childbirth: Midwives report and increase in the number of childbirths on full moons, but many hospitals report inconsistent results.

Hair growth: The concept is based on the influence the moon's cycle has on the earth's gravity: gravity is increased under the full moon and decreased under the new moon. Therefore, the full moon retards hair growth and the new moon speeds it.

Weight: The "earth's gravity" argument plays out here, as well. Modern science argues that it is impossible to prove since body weight fluctuates slightly each day and constantly throughout the day.

Seizures: Many studies have been undertaken to prove or disprove the association between the moon's cycles and the frequency and intensity of seizures. The results are inconsistent, but indicate that there may be some validity to the association of non-epileptic seizures and the full moon.

Sleep: Many report difficulty sleeping on full moon nights. Many argue that the only valid reason would be the imposition of the lunar light on the darkened room, however, it is well known that full moon nights are prime hunting time for the wild animals of the forest. The brighter light improves the chances of hunting success. Does that same light stimulate some deep cellular memory of the Cro-Magnon hunter that still dwells in modern man?

There may never be a conclusive answer to the stimulating question of whether and how the moon influences human health and behavior, but if we look to the farmer's almanac for guidance we must acknowledge that those who provide our food believe in the influence of the moon on every aspect of food production from planting to fertilization to harvest.