Qi is a vital force flowing through the organ systems.
TCM utilizes a 24-hour Chinese medicine clock, with each time corresponding to different organ systems.
Understanding this clock helps people adjust their lifestyles for better health.
Movement of Qi Throughout the Day:
Qi moves through the organ systems every two hours.
This movement follows a specific pattern throughout the day and night.
Restoration During Sleep:
During sleep, Qi recedes to restore the body.
Quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being.
Identifying Health Issues:
TCM practitioners and medical Qigong enthusiasts use the Qi organ clock to identify potential imbalances or diseases.
Issues with specific organ systems during particular time frames can lead to health problems.
Examples of Organ-Related Issues:
Waking up consistently between 3 am and 5 am may indicate a need to release sadness or grief, or lung issues.
Feeling angry or resentful between 1 am and 3 am might suggest liver problems.
Experiencing back pain between 5 pm and 7 pm could be kidney issues or suppressed fearful emotions.
Chinese medicine clock – Qi organ clock
Qi Organ Clock Overview:
Represents the periodic rising and flowing of energy in TCM.
Each organ system has specific active times during the day and night.
Liver Activity (1 am – 3 am):
Liver is most active during this time.
Performs functions like purifying the blood and setting the foundation for Qi movement.
Daytime Organ Activities (3 am – 3 pm):
Energy cycles through organ activities related to daily functions, digestion, and elimination.
Different organs are active at specific times during this period.
Inward Energy Movement (3 pm):
Around 3 pm, energy moves inward to support recovery and maintenance of internal organs.
Ideal Training Time (5 am – 7 am):
Corresponds to the large intestine’s activity time.
Optimal for bowel movements and eliminating toxins from the previous day.
Best time for practicing Rabbit Spring Qigong and other cleansing practices.
Recommendations to adjust organ clock
7 am to 9 am
Stomach’s Time (7 am – 9 am):
Optimal for having the most substantial meal of the day.
Aids in optimizing digestion and absorption.
Pancreas and Spleen’s Time (9 am – 11 am):
Body secretes enzymes to aid digestion and release energy.
Ideal for tackling demanding tasks and exercise.
Recommended Practices:
Movements like Separating Heaven and Earth, Pouring Tea Cup, and Dragon Ball.
These practices can massage the spleen and enhance overall digestion.
11 am to 1 pm
Heart’s Time (11 am – 1 pm):
Heart is active, pumping blood and nutrients.
Ideal for having lunch and taking a short nap or relaxing with tea.
Emotional States:
May experience intense feelings of joy, despair, or sadness.
Recommended Qigong Exercises:
Separating Heaven and Earth and Rotating Palms.
These exercises help relax the heart and balance emotional states.
1 pm to 3 pm
Small Intestine’s Time (1 pm – 3 pm):
Working time for the small intestine, completing digestion and assimilation.
Ideal for daily tasks or Qigong practice.
Emotional States:
Subconscious feelings of vulnerability or abandonment may arise.
Recommended Qigong Exercises:
Movements that aid digestion, such as Wave and Dragon Tail.
These exercises support the small intestine’s functions and balance emotional states.
3 pm to 5 pm
Bladder’s Time (3 pm – 5 pm):
Working time for the bladder, metabolizing waste entering the kidney filtration system.
Optimal for learning or tackling mental challenges.
Health Recommendations:
Adequate water intake to aid detoxification.
Emotional States:
Feelings of irritation or timidity may arise during this period.
Activities:
Engage in activities that stimulate mental agility and focus.
Stay hydrated to support the body’s detoxification processes.
5 pm to 7 pm
Kidney’s Time (5 pm – 7 pm):
Working time for the kidneys, actively maintaining chemical balance and filtering blood.
Ideal time for dinner and activating blood circulation.
Health Recommendations:
Engage in activities that promote blood circulation, such as walking, practicing Qigong, or stretching exercises.
Emotional States:
Thoughts of fear or traumatic fears may arise during this period.
Activities:
Have a balanced dinner to support the kidneys’ functions.
Perform exercises or activities that promote blood flow and relaxation.
7 pm to 9 pm
Capillary Activation Time (7 pm – 9 pm):
Nutrients in the blood are transported to capillaries, aiding in body healing and recovery.
Health Recommendations:
Engage in activities that promote relaxation and healing.
Emotional States:
Expressing personal emotions may be challenging during this time.
Activities:
Consider activities that promote relaxation and enhance blood circulation.
This time is considered optimal for sexual activity or conception, although individual preferences may vary.
9 pm to 11 pm
It is the most active time for the endocrine system, with hormone secretion regulating normal body functions. The body is in a state of internal balance.
Conclusion
In following the 24-hour organ Qi clock, it’s essential to pay attention to one’s emotions and bodily cues. For example, if you feel tired during the kidney’s active period, some fearful emotions may strengthen the organ and improve overall health. Additionally, taking a good nap and practicing kidney massage exercises between 5 pm and 7 pm is a good choice based on individual circumstances.
Finally, understanding the 24-hour organ Qi clock and living and practicing by its rhythm can help balance the body and emotions, enhancing overall health. It’s also crucial to pay attention to personal symptoms, emotions, and bodily cues for better adjustments in lifestyle and practice.
Literatures
Huangdi, N., & Lu, G. (1999). The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine: A New Translation of the Neijing Suwen with Commentary. Shambhala Publications.
Zhang, Z., Unschuld, P. U., & Tessenow, H. (2010). Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders. University of California Press.
Li, S., Lu, G., & Needham, J. (1999). Li Shizhen’s Compendium of Materia Medica: Bencao Gangmu. Foreign Languages Press.
Wang, Y., & Chen, J. (2002). Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Channels. People’s Medical Publishing House.
Xinnong, C. (2015). Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Foreign Languages Press.
Maciocia, G. (2015). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text. Churchill Livingstone.
Deadman, P., & Al-Khafaji, M. (2007). A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.