Do you wake up at the same time in the middle of the night or feel ill at a particular time of the day?
Your body is speaking to you through these symptoms.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we have a “body clock” that follows a strict and detailed self-regulating, self-care routine to take care of our organs at specific times every day.
For two hours each day, each organ in our body is activated by Qi.
Blood and energy or Qi enters different organs in our body and moves through all the 12 meridians to energize them.
The entire cycle is completed over 24 hours and is repeated the next day.
Chinese Body Clock Explained
3 am – 5 am: Lung
The lungs collect oxygen, moving it to all the other systems in preparation for a new day. That’s also when toxins are removed. Waking up and coughing during this time could mean that you need to eat healthier food or breathe cleaner air.
Emotions associated: deep sadness
5 am – 7 am: Large Intestine
Morning is the best time to drink lots of water and the worst time to have coffee. Caffeine in coffee is a diuretic that takes water away from your colon to the kidneys and bladder for elimination. Water in the morning aids in the repair and maintenance of the large intestine and colon; keeps you from getting constipated, gaining weight, premature aging, and improve your overall health.
Emotions associated: being stuck, defensive, and impatience
7 am – 9 am: Stomach
Eating larger meals in the morning and afternoon delivers nourishment to the small intestine when it’s at its strongest; aiding absorption and assimilation.
Emotions associated: disgust and despair.
9am – 11am : Pancreas/Spleen
In TCM the “Spleen” is the most important digestive organ. This is also the time when allergies can show up the strongest because the “Spleen” is busy working with the Liver and your immune system.
Emotions associated: jealousy, worry, and self-esteem.
11 am – 1 pm: Heart
Research shows an increased occurrence of heart attacks that occur during this time frame. Avoid overly taxing the body—you want your heart to work at its best.
Emotions associated: Rejection, pessimism, abandonment, grudges, and heartbreak
1 pm – 3 pm: Small Intestine
The body’s processing to separate usable energy from waste, putting things into perspective. It’s more common to deal with indigestion or bloating at this time.
Emotions associated: forgetfulness, vulnerability, deprivation, and denial
3 pm – 5 pm: Bladder
Your energy takes a nosedive, preparing to settle into the evening. Salt strengthens the bladder. The bladder is also associated with skin irritation.
Emotions associated: irritation and timidity
5 pm – 7 pm: Kidney
Being tired and wanting a nap could continue into this time frame. But when the Kidneys are healthy and working properly, you will feel energetic at this time. The kidneys are aligned with the adrenals, glands that produce cortisol to help us spring out of bed in the morning. 5-7 am, is when kidney energy is weakest. People with depleted kidney energy have trouble waking up in the morning.
Emotion associated: fear
7 pm – 9 pm: Pericardium
The Pericardium is responsible for the reproductive organs, circulation, and brain, including the pituitary and hypothalamus. This is the best time to conceive.
Emotions associated: excessive euphoria and compassion
9 pm – 11 pm: Triple Warmer
The blood vessels go into repair mode. The Triple Warmer is associated with the Thyroid and Adrenals. If you have headaches or feel deficient in general, you need hydration for better metabolism and repair and support for the blood. To keep the body healthy, sleeping and relaxing during this time is important
Emotions associated: hopelessness, confusion, and paranoia
11 pm – 1 am: Gall Bladder
Body regeneration and healing happen in this window. Waking up during this time could mean that you need to switch to a diet with healthier fats.
Emotions associated: indecisiveness and resentment
1 am – 3 am: Liver
The Liver and Gallbladder spring into action between 11 pm to 3 am. When you can’t sleep at this time, your liver is unable to process waste, causing insomnia and frayed nerves.
Emotions associated: unaddressed anger, anxiety, and frustration
Emotions Resolved
Understanding that every organ has a repair or maintenance schedule to keep daily allows you to identify which organ system or emotion needs strengthening or resolving.
Addressing the emotions strengthens the organ and improves physical health.