The 24hr Cycle of The Chinese Body Clock
The 24hr Cycle of The Natural Chinese Body Clock
According to Chinese medicine, we all have a 24-hour cycle comprised of two-hour periods, each of which corresponds to a particular aspect of the body and its energies.
What The Chinese Body Clock Can Tell You About Your Health
The 24-hour cycle begins with the lungs
3:00 AM to 5:00 AM
Represented by the Lung (taking in and letting go with ease)
According to the traditional Chinese organ body clock, your lungs are the first organs that start filling with chi by collecting oxygen and moving it to all the other systems in preparation for a new day.
Those who wake up at this time usually have other strong symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, or excess mucous.
On the emotional side, you can experience feelings of sadness and grief.
5:00 AM to 7:00 AM
Represented by the Colon (elimination and clearing out of waste)
It is the colon’s job to clear out the waste.
Having a healthy bowel movement during colon time or soon after rising can be a sign of excellent health.
Constipation, weight gain, or even premature aging are signs of large intestine issues.
On the emotional side, you may be experiencing emotional blockages, that feeling of being stuck and impatience.
7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Represented by the Stomach (digest and nurture)
The stomach energy is strongest between the hours of 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, which is why we are told to have our biggest meal of the day at breakfast.
The stomach is responsible for the digestion of food but on a mental and emotional level, this means taking in new ideas nurturing oneself, and connecting harmoniously with others.
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Represented by Spleen (assimilation and transformation)
According to Chinese philosophy, the role of the spleen is to assimilate and absorb what you have taken in and to transform it into being a part of you.
On a physical level, this means turning the food you eat into muscles flesh, and blood.
On other levels, the spleen is associated with thought, with caring for and having sympathy with others, and with productivity.
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Represented by the Heart (bathing you with warmth and joy)
Between 11:00 and 1:00 PM the heart energy is strongest.
The function of the heart is to bathe your mind, body, and spirit in total love, immense warmth, and joy, and to keep all the other organs in control and feeling safe.
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Coincides with Small Intestine (filtering what comes in)
Like all Yin organs, the heart has the support of its Yang partner, the small intestine.
The small intestine is known as the sorter of pure from impure in Chinese medicine.
Its role is to take in what is good for you and needed and leave the rest.
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Refers to the Bladder (support, strength, and creativity)
The bladder is about support, sexuality, and creativity.
It is the longest Meridian or channel in the body and travels up and down the back several times.
Bladder time is when your sexual energy is considered as being the strongest.
Women’s sexual hormones peak during this time.
The bladder is in the water element the Yang partner is the kidney.
If you have back problems or hormonal problems then this may be due to a weakness in the bladder and kidney energies.
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Represented by the Kidney (reflection and inner knowing)
The kidneys are about your essence, who you truly are, your true purpose, and your will and stamina.
The kidneys also govern reproduction.
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Coincides with the Pericardium (connecting with others and oneself)
On a physical level, the heart protector or pericardium is the tissue that surrounds and protects the heart.
On other levels, this organ represents how you protect yourself emotionally and guard against others in relationships, versus your ability to be open, connect, and bond.
9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
This refers to the Triple Heater (keeping the temperature just right)
The triple heater does not have a specific location like an organ in Chinese medicine.
It is a function and its job is to keep your body, mind, and spirit at just the right temperature.
If you find it difficult to fall asleep at this time it could mean that your immune system, thyroid, adrenal glands, or metabolism are out of sync.
It may also be a sign of excess stress and worry stored up during the day.
Practice meditation or relaxation exercises.
Try not to think about your work problems at home instead use these hours to relax take your mind off everything that’s going on and spend some quality time with yourself.
11:00 To 1:00 AM
Represents the Gallbladder (being decisive and clear)
On a physical level the gall bladder and its Yang partner, the liver, are concerned with cleansing and restoring the body.
It can signal that you might have gallstones or need to adjust your fat intake and start to eat more healthy oils.
Your gallbladder produces bile which is needed for digestion and absorption to break down all the fat consumed during the day.
Your sudden sleep disruptions means that there’s something interrupting this process.
Processing all the toxins and moving them to be eliminated so that clarity and good function are restored.
On a mental level, the gall bladder is concerned with making decisions, disappointment poor self-esteem bitterness, and resentment.
A healthy gall bladder will help give clarity to decision-making.
1:00 AM to 3:00 AM
Represented by the Liver (making plans for the future)
There is hope, growth, and vision in your lives.
When your liver is healthy and in balance.
Awakening between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM indicates that there are too many toxins in your body for your liver to deal with.
During this time of night, your body cleans itself out, removing waste materials from the blood and other tissues to make it easier for your liver to perform its functions properly.
On an emotional side, the liver also has to do with planning and organization, to help you achieve your goals.
This is such an important organ and its work is best done while you are asleep.
