The Body's Biological Clock

In Chinese medicine, each period of the day corresponds to particular organs. The rhythm of nature is synchronized with the energy inside our body. Each day follows a specific rhythm. We have the morning, the afternoon, the first half of the night, and the second half of the night.​​​​​​​​​ There are ways in which we can follow the rhythms of this cycle to enhance our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Below is an exploration of these times and energetics.

We can also use this clock as a diagnostic tool to help us understand which organ system might be affecting sleep or digestion.

The Lungs
3 a.m. – 5 a.m. 
Sleep and Regroup (Boundaries) 
The lungs receive the most energetic support at this time. so it is good for the body to sleep. The Lungs system is connected to healthy boundaries. This system protects the body during the day, the skin, sinuses, and nose. If you find yourself waking during this time try to meditate, and feel the breath move through the nose, down the throat into the lungs. Turn gentle awareness to the skin, the temperature of the air, the sheets gentle touch.

The Large Intestine
5 a.m. – 7 a.m. 
Wake Up
The large intestine receives most of the body’s energetic flow at this time. It’s the best time to get up, drink warm water with some lemon or apple cider vinegar, go to the bathroom 💩, and get ready for the day. This is a great time to take your favorite fiber supplement.

The Stomach
7 a.m. – 9 a.m. 
Breakfast (Nourish)
The stomach receives the most energy. It’s time to eat because the stomach is at its peak for digestion during this period. One of my favorites is poached eggs (we want the yolk runny). The egg yolk is actually the part that’s an herb in Chinese medicine. In pinyin, egg yolk is ji zi huang. From a Chinese medicine perspective, it is sweet in taste and balanced. Not only does it help resolve heat, it also moisturizes and nourishes.

For some, egg yolk can be too rich which can cause nausea after eating. To counteract this, try drinking a cup of ginger tea with your meal.

Eggs in general, due to their moisturizing properties, are damp. If you tend to have nasal congestion, ear congestion, a heavy feeling in the limbs and/or edema, you may tend towards dampness, which means eggs would not be your best choice.

The Spleen​​​​​​​​​
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. 
Productivity (Rising Energy)
The spleen receives the best energetic support. The body is most efficient in transforming food into energy. The brain is at its peak for thinking and creativity. This can be a great time to schedule exercise to work with the body's natural rising of yang.

The Heart​​​​​​​​​
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
Lunch (Connection)
The heart receives concentrated energy support. A delightful and healthy lunch is warranted. The heart is connected to fire and outward expression, connecting with people can feel really nurturing. A short nap can also do wonders to refresh the mind. Take a break, get some lunch, and have a nap if possible.

The Small Intestine​​​​​​​​​
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 
Productivity (Discernment)
The small intestine receives the most energetic support. The body further absorbs nutrients and energy from lunch. The Small Intestine system is said to be in charge of separating the clear from the turbid. The brain performs at its peak of clarity in this time.

The Bladder​​​​​​​​​
3 p.m. – 5 p.m. 
Productivity and Hydration
The bladder receives the most abundant energy. The bladder meridians support the entire body and the brain’s functions. These are another two good hours for productivity. Make sure to drink lots of water to hydrate yourself and flush out your system.

The Kidneys​​​​​​​​​
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. 
Exercise and Dinner
The kidneys receive the best energetic support. This is a great time to exercise and train yourself to become better coordinated. 

A kidney-nourishing dinner is a good idea at this point. This includes kidney beans, mushrooms, sesame seeds, celery, barley, and seaweed. On the flip side, foods that are best avoided are those that are raw, cold, or excessively sweet or rich, plus dairy foods, bread, yeast, and beer, all of which are traditionally thought to promote dampness in TCM.

The Pericardium​​​​​​​​​
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. 
Friendship and Family Time
The pericardium receives the best energy flow. This is the time to have some fun and be lighthearted. Enjoy family time and friendships in the evening.

The Triple Burner
9 p.m. – 11 p.m. 
Wind Down
The Triple Burner (chest, abdomen and pelvic cavities) receives an abundant flow of energy, reorganizing and recharging the entire body. This is when you should start winding down. Stop expending energy and start storing it up for the next day.

The Gall Bladder
11 p.m. – 1 a.m. 
Go to sleep
The gallbladder receives greater flow of energy. The gallbladder meridian supports digestion, vision, decision-making, and sleep. It’s the best time to go to sleep.

The Liver​​​​​​​​​
1 a.m. – 3 a.m. 
Sleep
The liver receives concentrated energy flow. Since the liver has to do all the heavy lifting work during the day, such as regulating digestion, energy and blood circulation, detoxification, and executive brain function, it’s critical we let the liver rest during this time.