The Traditional Chinese Medicine circadian clock is an organic operating system, mapping the course of our vital life force, called Qi, as it pulsates throughout our bodies. Qi courses along in a natural, predictable rhythm. Time is essential in establishing the efficacy and understanding the workings of this body clock. This includes the time of day, which is the theme of this article, but also the seasons, as Qi regulates itself according to the time of year as well.
Deep inside all our cells resides a unique timepiece, constantly synchronizing with the cycles of the sun. Sunset and sunrise, and the varying shades of light and dark occurring in between, heavily regulate the human circadian clock. The full cycle lasts 24 hours, approximately one day. The word circadian derives from the Latin expression, circa diem, meaning ‘about a day.
Circa diem refers to an amount of time roughly equivalent to 24 hours. It can also indicate a specific description, or instructional quality to the day because the word about means regarding, concerning and pertaining to the matter of. There’s an intelligence to each hour of the day, supplying direction and wisdom.
The premise is that every two hours a specific internal organ reaches the height of its power, receiving the full attention and force from the body internally, and from the sun, or lack of it, externally. Each organ enjoys unique character traits, furnished with specific mental, physical, emotional and spiritual qualities which ripen and culminate during certain hours. Consequently these same qualities undergo a process of retreat, becoming less potent at other times.
Knowing when each organ thrives, you can organize your daily routine to make best use of this precious energy. It makes it possible to match your internal environment to your outer environment. Activities under regulation include our energy levels, hunger, mood, body temperature, sleep, concentration, emotional temperament and levels of spiritual awareness.
Beginning the cycle, very early in the morning, the Lungs showcase their energy from 3am to 5am. At the darkest hour of the night, when sleep is thickest, the lungs undergo a period of regeneration. At this time, memories from the previous day consolidate in the brain. This allows dreams to flourish, allowing the spotlight to highlight buried knowledge, welling up fromthe deep subconscious. Pulse rates and breathing ebb to their lowest levels, and body temperature drops.
Many people die between 3 and 5am, they simply cease breathing. Their lungs, when they should be in their full power, lack the force to take in air. On a metaphysical note, the veil between the material and spirit world is at its weakest in these dark hours. Those closest to death effortlessly coast to the other side.
The Large Intestine reigns from 5am to 7am. Although not everyone rises this early in the morning, shortly after awakening, is the optimum time to empty your bowels. If you need to nudge your large intestine in order to evacuate, try stretching your arms and legs while still under the covers, massaging your feet, and gently pulling your ears. All these easy motions help stimulate your system. A glass of warm water, sprinkled with fresh lemon, also urges the colon to empty itself. At this time you can dispose of your fears or unnecessary, superfluous thoughts, unburdening your spirit as well as your bowels. Every morning is an opportunity to start afresh, take a few moments to let yourself consciously feel the power of a new day.
The Stomach rules from 7am to 9am. This timing makes breakfast the most important meal of the day since the energy of the stomach is raring to go. Edibles are well received as they slide down the tube-like esophagus into the stomach, an organ which resembles a crumpled, brown bag. Inside this bag, stomach acids mix with food, churning and turning solids into liquids. Mental concentration starts waxing, in sync with the rising sun, so a hearty, nutritious breakfast supports this natural wave of mental precision and focus. A brisk walk, even 15 minutes, helps spur on the digestive fire.
The Spleen dominates from 9am to 11am. This active organ of digestion extracts the nutrients from food after it leaves the stomach. Energy production soars as food transforms into a viable power source. A healthy spleen means a clear head so mental concentration maintains its strong and steady streak. The aspect of the mind connected with the Spleen, called Yi, manages our capacity to think, use logic and apply our minds. Yi executes our intellectual capabilities so we can distinguish rational thoughts from emotional ones. Worry is the enemy of the Spleen, as its vibrational pattern interferes with the proper assimilation of food, and thus leading to a malnourishment of the Yi. When this happens the imagination dulls, cognitive functions falter and the ability to focus fails.
The Heart expresses its joy from 11am to 1pm. The heart is now busy pumping and distributing nutrients throughout the body so energy levels reach their zenith. This corresponds to the sun having reached its own zenith at the noon hour. Yang energy is in its glory, as noon represents the full expression of the sun, when its rays are strongest. This warm, moving energy boosts digestion, making it a great time for a good-sized lunch. The heart is our capacity to love and connect. Sharing a meal with others, or simply enjoying the beating of your own heart are ways to experience joy. Anxiety, loneliness and sadness may transpire when there is a deficiency in the spirit of the heart.
The Small Intestine takes over from 1pm to 3pm. After ingesting a meal this organ is working hard at absorbing life-sustaining nutrients from food and then flooding your bloodstream with them. To do this, it must be able to distinguish the valuable substances needed for life, from the useless or even toxic substances. Every useful morsel offering nutrition and value remains, and the rest discarded, sent onto the large intestine for elimination. On a mental level, the small intestine also separates useful thoughts from the useless ones, helping to prioritize your day. This is a time to sort things out, untangle webs and determine what tasks demand your attention.
The Bladder reigns supreme from 3pm to 5pm. This is a time when metabolic wastes from the kidneys are excreted via the bladder. This internal house cleaning releases energy that would otherwise remain stuck, increasing vitality and vigor, making it a good time to do anything that requires a boost in energy. This is a time to sparkle, to delight in your robustness.
The bladder is a hollow, triangular shaped organ located in the lower abdomen, roughly the size of a pear. It collects urine from the kidneys from tubes called the ureters. The walls are very flexible, they relax to open up and store urine, and then tighten and contract to release urine from the body through the urethra. At this time of day it is wise to choose an activity that supports your energy level- physical exertion, a good snooze or something in between?
The Kidneys are in control from 5pm to 7pm. Vast amounts of power reside in the kidneys, they are the batteries, the original power pack for the entire body. Willpower, called Zhi, lives in the kidneys and directly determines our strength of will and character. Strong kidneys produce strong minds and able bodies. When other organs weaken, the kidneys generously donate healing energy to revive them.
The kidneys refortify the marrow which fill up the brain and spinal cord. One way to enhance this process on a psycho-spiritual level is to let your imagination soar. Creativity and inspiration thrive in this organ, it’s even the root of procreation. All forms of growth, development, sexual maturation, reproduction and immunity fall under the kidneys.
The evening meal ideally is the smallest meal of the day. This way kidney energy can throw its full power into supporting willpower, immunity and vitality, instead of having to support digestive processes.
The Pericardium takes command from 7pm to 9pm. This is a very sensuous, loving part of the day, as the pericardium relates to the heart. It is the tough, fibrous organ which protects the heart. Energetically it helps the heart express joy and mitigates the damage from negative emotions. Reading, massage, lovemaking, and socializing do well at this time. A generous time of day, your job is just to be easy on yourself, don’t strain your body or mind. However you choose to spend your time at this hour should be enjoyable. This is an optimum time to conceive a child.
The Triple Burner takes its turn from 9pm to 11pm. The triple burner is unique and alone in its comportment, as it is not an actual organ but a process. One which faithfully engages the different energies of the body to fulfill their purpose, keeping all physiological processes running smoothly. It allows your organism to interact with the outside world and then to recede back into your own private world.
It is important how you ease yourself into sleep, whatever mindframe you’re in follows you into the dreamworld. This is a time for calm, quiet and darkness. Engaging in nightly bedtime rituals can make the transition from the waking world to the one of sleeping a smooth process. Turn off artificial light and electronics, in favor of candles or dim lighting, and let silence settle in. Right before going to sleep is an ideal time to ask for guidance, new knowledge or to meditate. This way you can receive messages from your dreams or night time meditation.
The Gall Bladder controls things from 11pm to 1am. This organ stores and releases bile, which is produced in the liver. Bile performs an uncanny trick, it emulsifies fat by combining it with water. Water and oil are immiscible, when mixed together they do not become a homogeneous substance. It takes the special abilities of the gallbladder for the metabolization of fats.
Energetically the gallbladder governs our decision making. Indecisiveness, weak will and lack of courage all indicate a deficit in this organ. Have you ever heard the expression What gall! Gall implying impudence or boldness, refers to a strong-willed person, not afraid to express themself. The gall bladder nurtures this inner strength and self-confidence needed to make a decision and stick to it. Going to bed, or better yet, being asleep by these hours is the best thing for your gallbladder to fortify itself.
The Liver has its turn from 1am to 3am. This is an intense time of detoxification, blood cleansing and waste removal. It is an organ of purification. At this hour, the spirit and the subconscious part of our psyche also undergo a decontamination process, correcting imbalances and even planning for the next day. On the psycho-emotional level the liver purifies by removing toxicity from negative, destructive thoughts.
The liver is the General for the entire body, commanding the flow of energy throughout. This takes planning, authority and a coordinated effort to make it happen. It is a powerful, forceful organ that is susceptible to anger. The right amount of anger causes us to spur into action, but too much overexcites the liver, interfering with its efficaciousness. Frustration, anger and irritation can all upset the delicate balance needed to ensure a good sleep. If you are up at this hour, beware of out of control emotions, as they may exhaust you more than usual. The best use of this hour is to be asleep, meditating or calmly observing yourself.
Hopefully this piece helped answer questions such as why do you wake up at certain hours, feel ill or energized at certain times? Why are certain times of the day better for thinking, and others for action? This clock has long been a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, being used as a diagnostic and treatment tool by practitioners.
It’s there as a guide, not something that needs to be strictly adhered to in order to receive benefits. Not everyone gets up between 5 and 7am, and probably many don’t eat their meals corresponding to the TCM circadian clock, yet live perfectly healthy lives. So observe your own body, you are the final judge as always, and take out of it what works. As alway, enjoy!
