Psychoneuroendocrinology, biorhythms, and Chinese medicine.

The discovery of an endogenously formed opioid substance in the body which is intimately related to corticotrophin and, thus, a major consideration in the body's response to stress already has demonstrated the impact that psychoneuroendocrinology can have on the practice of medicine. The psychoneuroendocrinologic system is characterized by a daily rhythm; because of this rhythmic variation, the body is in different physiologic states at different times of the day. This has raised some important questions for clinical practice. Western medical science and Chinese medicine are compared and suggestions are made on how to best utilize the knowledge currently being gained in psychoneuroendocrinology and biorhythms.