What is the Chinese Clock?

The Chinese Clock shows which organ system is at its peak function. The opposite time is the organ’s time of rest. The clock goes through organs in the same cycle in which Qi “Chee” flows throughout the body. It starts with 3AM-5AM with the Lungs and moves to a different organ system every two hours. It ends with the Liver from 1AM-3AM. In Chinese Medicine the organs are related to a specific acupuncture channel, emotion, and function.

The clock may provide an explanation as to which organ or acupuncture meridian is in need of nourishment. According to the clock  energy flows through the organs and meridians at the following times:

3AM-5AM LUNG

If one is waking every night at 4AM this may indicate they are going through unresolved grief which is the emotion of the lung. Or think of when you are sick with a cough how 3AM-5AM is usually the time that the cough is the most productive.

5AM-7AM LARGE INTESTINE

This is the optimal time for having a bowel movement. The Large Intestine is associated with letting go. Not having a bowel movement may indicate holding on to things that need to be let go of. This is also a good time for working out.

7AM-9AM STOMACH

The stomach is at its peak at this time indicating it is the best time to have a large breakfast. 7PM-9PM would be worst time to eat a large meal according to the Chinese clock. Which is why it is recommended to eat dinner around 6PM and finish by 7PM.

9AM-11AM SPLEEN

The spleen helps make nutrients be utilized in the body for energy so this is a great time for working out or doing tasks with difficult thought processes. This is also a good time for studying or holding meetings since concentration and brain power is best. 9PM-11PM would be the least ideal time since the spleen is at its lowest energy.

11AM-1PM HEART

The heart is pumping strongly at this time which means it is a good time to have another meal. It’s also a time where one’s spirit tends to to be lighter and brighter. Taking a brisk walk after a light meal during this time may be extra invigorating. This is a good time for creativity, brainstorming, and doing activities you love.

1PM-3PM SMALL INTESTINE

A good time to have your food continue to digest from lunch. The small intestine energy separates the clear from the turbid in digestion and also in life. It helps us determine what is truth from what is not. Journaling and meditation may be great if you have 10-15 min after lunch. Also a great time for napping. If you notice you become extra fatigued at this time you may be having trouble assimilating nutrients.

3PM-5PM BLADDER

You may find yourself extra thirsty at this hour with the bladder at its peak. At the opposite time, 3AM-5AM, a weak bladder or UTI may make the bladder overactive at this hour.

5PM-7PM KIDNEY

Kidneys filter and balance fluids. Stress hormones are also a part of kidney function.  This is a time of good digestion with a light walk after. Stretching can help the flow of the water and fluid along the acupuncture meridians at this hour as well. This is not the best time to exercise because it may tax your adrenals during kidney time. Although many want to do a strenuous work out at this time after work it is not optimal according to Chinese Medicine. This is a great time for Yin yoga. Having a hard time waking at 5AM-7AM may indicate kidneys are not functioning at an optimal level.

7PM-9PM PERICARDIUM

The pericardium protects the heart and surrounds it. Laying on your back with your legs rested on the wall to help the blood flow back to your heart may be helpful at this hour. Get in so comfy clothes, take a shower and let resting begin. The weakest time of this organ system is between 7AM and 9AM and it has been shown that heart attacks are more likely to occur at that hour.

9PM-11PM Triple Burner

This refers to the three secrions in the abdomen where energy is transformed. It is related to metabolism as well as circulation. 9PM is the time to practice gratitude and get ready for bed. Chinese Medicine believes you should be asleep by 10PM to allow the triple burner to metabolize everything from the day.

11PM-1PM Gallbladder

In Chinese Medicine the Gallbladder organ is related to decision making, so if you’re having difficulty making decisions you may struggle to sleep during this time. This is an important time for sleep since the gallbladder is responsible for storing and excreting bile which is used to break down fat. Resting at the gallbladder’s peak time promotes this function. If you ate a fatty meal, you might find yourself waking up and feeling restless or uncomfortable during this time. Aches and pains may be felt in the morning if proper sleep is not obtained at this hour also because the gallbladder helps nourish the muscles in TCM.

1AM-3AM Liver

Often people who drink alcohol wake up 1AM-3AM which is interestingly Liver time. In Chinese Medicine this is the peak hours of the liver function which we believe helps store, cleanse, and detoxify the blood. Holding onto stress, anger or resentment may affect the ability to sleep at this hour.

To be the healthiest version of you, stay as close to this schedule as you comfortably can. Stay healthy and well.

❤️Chelsie

Sources:

https://www.havenbytheocean.com/the-chinese-organ-body-clock/

https://www.endeavour.edu.au/about-us/blog/how-make-every-day-work-you-using-ancient-chinese-body-clock/