Summary

The German physician Wilhelm Fliess claimed that biorhythms exist and follow cycles of 23 days, 28 days, and 33 days. He also asserted that certain events occur when the curves of these cycles reach specific values (zero or a peak).

The theory of biorhythms not only assumes that all people born on the same day share the same cycles but is also influenced by numerological mysticism. As a result, it is classified as a representative pseudoscience alongside the blood type personality theory. Nevertheless, since it is intriguing, let’s explore biorhythms further.

When the cycle’s curve is above zero, it is called a high phase, and when it is below zero, it is called a low phase. The moment when the phase transitions between high and low is said to cause instability in both mind and body, making it a “critical day.” It is claimed that mistakes are more likely on these days, so caution is advised. Among these, a triple critical day, when all three curves are at a critical point, is considered especially dangerous, and a double critical day, when two curves are critical, is also more dangerous than a single critical day. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid important tasks on critical days. Of course, there are also peak days when the curves reach their highest points, and even triple peak days exist.

Use of LCM(Least Common Multiple)

So, how often do triple peak days and triple critical days occur? To determine this, we can use the LCM of 23, 28, and 33.

The LCM of 23, 28, and 33 is 21,252, meaning that triple peak days and triple critical days follow a cycle of 21,252 days, which is more than 58 years. This means a person may experience it once in a lifetime, or twice if they live around 120 years. So, there’s really no need to worry about it too much.

Conclusion

As aforementioned, biorhythm is pseudoscience, so there’s no need to give too much attention to it.

Implication

Using the concept of LCM(Least Common Multiple), you can find out the period in which triple critical days and trible peak days occur within the Biorhythm theory. To note, though, is that Biorhythm is regarded as pseudoscience and that it should be regarded as no more than an amusement.

Underlying context – Background behind

No significant background knowledge needed

Notions – Key ideas

• Biorhythm: Three periods of body, emotion, and intelligence. One of the well-known pseudosciences.
  • Positive phase: when a curve of a period is above zero
  • Negative phase: when a curve of a period is below zero
  • Critical day: the day when it changes between positive and negative phases
    • Double critical day: when two critical days happen simultaneously
    • Triple critical day: when three critical days happen simultaneously
  • Peak day: the day when the curve is at its maximum
    • Triple peak day: when three peak days happen simultaneously

Index – Source(s)

How to Think Like Mathematicians / 피타고라스 생각 수업
13 Is Biorhythm a Scam? | LCM / 바이오리듬은 진짜일까? | 최소공배수

Trajectory – Where I’m headed now

None