Traditional Chinese Medicine has provided insights into the functioning of our organs and their impact on our spirit and emotions. When an organ is imbalanced or not functioning properly, it can affect both our physical well-being and our emotional state. The human body, existing within the solar system, is influenced by the sun and moon, which gives rise to the concept of a ‘biological clock’. According to the Chinese Medicine Body Clock, there are twelve organs in our body’s meridian system, each with a designated two-hour time period during which it functions optimally. This clock can serve as a useful guide for understanding our energy cycle and aligning our daily activities with the qualities of each organ or time. By doing so, we can nurture our mind and body most optimally.
3am-5am: Lung
The clock starts at 3am, the energy flow starts from the Lung meridian because the Lungs are the organs first activated when we are born. This should be the last bit of sleep time before waking up. If you find yourself waking up between 3am- 5am, it means that there is disharmony in the Lung organ. If you have grief or deep sadness, they may also affect Lung function as they are emotions linked to the Lungs. People who suffer lung symptoms such as chronic cough usually find the symptoms quite prominent during this time.
5am-7am: Large Intestine
The energy enters the Large Intestine meridian during this time. The Large Intestine works to eliminate waste from our body. Ideally, you would wake up and start your morning routine with a cup of warm water, followed by some gentle stretching and breathing exercises, and then having bowel movements.
7am-9am: Stomach
The Stomach meridian is active, it is the best time to have an enjoyable and nourishing breakfast which kickstarts your digestive function and provides you the energy for the day. Choosing warm foods helps with digestion and absorption. Food such as congee, vegetable omelette, and avocado on toasted bread can be good choices.
9am-11am: Spleen
The Spleen transforms our food into the energy and nourishment we need for the body and also helps with metabolism. Its related emotion is thinking, thus it is good to have sufficient water intake and dedicate this time to work on tasks that require concentration and problem-solving.
11am-1pm: Heart
This is the time when the Sun shines the most and energy enters the Heart Meridian. Having the body at rest helps nourish the Heart. It’s good to have lunch by this period and take a break from your day, even a short nap can be beneficial. Avoid strenuous physical activities.
1pm-3pm: Small Intestine
The Small Intestine separates the usable energy from the waste. Body energy begins to slow down during this time. Make sure you have sufficient water intake to help with the absorption of nutrients.
3pm-5pm: Bladder
The Bladder helps to detox to maintain health. Some people may find a little ‘slump’ during this time if the body’s not hydrated. During this time, exercise, sweat and sufficient water intake are recommended.
5pm-7pm: Kidney
The Kidneys are very important as they purify our blood and support our body’s natural cleansing processes. People with Kidney weakness may experience feeling depressed or adrenal fatigue. This is the best time to have kidney tonic food such as black sesame porridge, black bean/lentil soup or yam congee.
7pm-9pm: Pericardium
The Pericardium supports our heart function. This period is all about ‘unwinding’, having a foot bath, listening to soft music or reading a book, helping to relax the mind and the body and prepare to sleep.
9pm-11pm: Triple Warmer
This is ideally the time we should be easing into sleep to keep your endocrine and metabolic systems regulated and all organs replenished and ready for the next day.
11pm-1am: Gallbladder
The Gallbladder works hard to repair damaged cells and berate new ones, regeneration occurs during these hours. If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep during this time, you might also have some problems with decision-making and self-esteem which are related to the Gallbladder.
1am-3am: Liver
The Live plays a vital role in detoxifying the body, cleansing our blood and processing our emotions when the body is in deep sleep. Waking up between these hours indicates that the Liver is overloaded with stress, unhealthy diet or excess alcohol consumption.