TCM Circadian Clock
What Are Circadian Rhythms?
According to the National Institute of General Medical Services, “circadian rhythms are the physical, mental, and behavioral changes an organism experiences over a 24-hour cycle.” Day and night have a great influence on them as well as meals, stress, physical activity, socialization, the environment and temperature. Most living things operate on circadian rhythms. In the human body, almost every tissue and organ system has its own circadian rhythm and are affected by the cycles of day and night. (NIH)
Important functions that influence circadian rhythms are sleep patterns, hormones, appetite and digestion and temperature.
In Chinese Medicine, circadian rhythms are important. You can optimize organ functioning by according your daily activities to the circadian clock. In the Chinese circadian clock, each organ cycles through its peak functioning time of two hours, throughout the day.
Following the Chinese Circadian Clock
Photo by Julian Jagtenberg via PEXELS
5-7am The Large Intestine’s job is to get rid of wastes. This is the time we often wake up for the day and the best time to have a bowel movement. This allows you to get rid of any toxins your body cleared during its repair and rest period so you can start your day fresh.
7-9am The Stomach is important for the beginning stages of digestion. It is thought of as the digestive fire the begins the break down of foods and drink. This is why it is best to have your breakfast at this time.
9-11am The Spleen: Your body is continuing the digestive process, but at this stage it is extracting nutrients and turning it into energy and blood. The qi is sent upward so that you can feel energized and move about your day. You can support your digestion by drinking warm tea.
Photo by Burcufilms via PEXELS
11am-1pm The Heart is in charge of the all the organs and the center of consciousness. It is important to keep calm and reduce stress during this time. Pause and take your lunch. Reducing stress also allows the heart to do its job in governing the blood and blood vessels, maintaining the heart rate and blood pressure.
1-3pm The Small Intestine’s job is to separate fluids from the clear and turbid. This is a great time to remind yourself to hydrate in order to help this process along.
3-5pm The Urinary Bladder: After the Small Intestines complete their job it is time to release the fluids you don’t need through the bladder!
5-7pm The Kidneys hold your jing, your vital essence. This is a good time to have dinner. It is important your meal at this time is nourishing as the Kidneys are in charge of your source energy and your reproductive (creative) capabilities. This is a good time to be social and build relationships.
7-9pm The Pericardium: During this time you should be ending your more social activities and begin winding down and turning inward. This is a time for self-love and self-care.
9-11pm The San Jiao: If you have not already started your bed time rituals, San Jiao time is the best time to do so!
11pm-1am The Gallbladder: During this time you begin your sleep, the Gallbladder’s job is to dredge the blood for unwanted substances to hand over to the Liver.
1-3am The Liver: The Liver’s job is to help your body get rid of toxins and in order to do so, you should be in a deep sleep state.
3-5am The Lungs: It is important to continue to be in a sleep state during this time as your Lungs maintain your immune system.
Technology and modern lifestyles cause us to be less connected to the changes in light, environment and seasons to some extent, however we can still find ways to align to our circadian rhythms. Here are some things that might help: dim the lights when the sun goes down, eat meals at regular times, wake up at a set time and create a set bed time. Following a structure day-to-day can set a rhythm for your body’s internal clock to support each organ’s routine to prevent sleep issues, digestive problems and your overall stress response.
By Dr. Emily Siy, DACM, 3/4/24
Use the code ‘BLOG’ for $25 off on an initial acupuncture visit
You might also be interested in reading: The San Bao, Balancing the 5 Spirits and 7 Emotions, 5 Elements, 5 Tips for Restful Sleep
Sources:
Circadian Rhythms, National Institute of General Medicine Sciences https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms.aspx
Healthline, All About The Chinese Body Clock https://www.healthline.com/health/chinese-body-clock