Throughout the day, there are twelve distinct periods during which different health practices can be applied. Adapting to these natural rhythms can enhance overall well-being and vitality. Let's explore how to adjust your lifestyle according to the time of day to achieve optimal health.
Zi Hour: Gallbladder Meridian – Time to Sleep
The Zi hour runs from 11 PM to 1 AM, corresponding to the dominance of the gallbladder meridian. During this period, yin energy is at its peak, promoting sleep. Additionally, this is when yang energy begins to rise, making it ideal for entering a state of rest to support the generation of yang energy.
Chou Hour: Liver Meridian – Nourish Liver Blood
The Chou hour spans from 1 AM to 3 AM, and should ideally be spent in deep sleep. To maintain liver health, quality sleep is essential, as the liver repairs itself by eliminating waste blood and toxins and replenishing fresh blood.
Yin Hour: Lung Meridian – Deep Sleep Benefits Lungs
The Yin hour lasts from 3 AM to 5 AM, when lung activity is at its highest. The lungs distribute vital energy and blood throughout the body, ensuring a rosy complexion and ample energy upon waking. It's best to be in a deep sleep during this time to ensure even distribution of vital energy.
Mao Hour: Large Intestine Meridian – Ideal for Bowel Movement
The Mao hour ranges from 5 AM to 7 AM, when the large intestine is most active. This is an excellent time for eliminating waste from the body. Drinking warm water upon waking up can help facilitate bowel movement.
Chen Hour: Stomach Meridian – Breakfast Time
The Chen hour covers 7 AM to 9 AM, during which the body's yang energy increases and metabolism accelerates. Waking up with an empty stomach makes breakfast essential for replenishing nutrients. Breakfast should consist of warm, easily digestible foods that provide sufficient energy without overburdening the stomach.
Si Hour: Spleen Meridian – Aids Digestion
The Si hour extends from 9 AM to 11 AM, when the spleen meridian is dominant. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the spleen is crucial for digestion and the production of qi and blood. An uncomfortable spleen can affect the entire body.
Wu Hour: Heart Meridian – Nap Time
The Wu hour is from 11 AM to 1 PM, when the heart meridian is active. Taking a nap after lunch during this period, when yang energy is at its peak, helps balance yin and yang energies, nourishes yang energy, and supports heart health. This also ensures greater alertness in the afternoon.
Wei Hour: Small Intestine Meridian – Separating Clear and Turbid
The Wei hour is between 1 PM and 3 PM, when the small intestine meridian is active. The small intestine separates clear fluids from waste, directs fluids to the bladder, waste to the large intestine, and nutrients to the spleen for further processing. Lunch should be consumed before 1 PM to allow for proper nutrient absorption.
Shen Hour: Bladder Meridian – Urination
The Shen hour runs from 3 PM to 5 PM, when the bladder meridian is most active. Drinking plenty of warm water during this time aids the bladder in urination and promotes metabolic processes.
You Hour: Kidney Meridian – Massage Yongquan Point
The You hour spans from 5 PM to 7 PM, when the kidney meridian is dominant. According to TCM, the kidneys store the essence of the five organs and six腑. Massaging the Yongquan point (Kidney 1) during this period can help conserve the day's accumulated essence and support kidney health.
Xu Hour: Pericardium Meridian – Nourish the Heart and Calm the Spirit
The Xu hour lasts from 7 PM to 9 PM, when the pericardium meridian is active. Maintaining a calm and cheerful mood during this time benefits heart health. Those with cardiovascular or psychological issues can take advantage of the meridian's activity by massaging relevant acupoints.
Hai Hour: Triple Burner Meridian – Begin Resting
The Hai hour extends from 9 PM to 11 PM, when the triple burner meridian is dominant. It's important to enter a state of rest during this period, allowing the triple burner meridian to regulate the qi of the five organs and six腑.