The Chinese medicine body clock is a highly beneficial tool for practitioners and patients. It is used as a way to understand symptomatic presentations at different times of the day.
The body clock can seem quite simple upon observation, but the art of Chinese Medicine can be the Doctor playing detective to see what system is the root cause creating other organs to require ‘more’.
Some patients think that because they wake up between 3-5 am (Lung time), that their Lung organ is not ok. But in reality, their Liver may be imbalanced and ‘attacking’ or influencing the Lung Qi, causing disruption to the organ. As a result, symptomatically it seems the Lung is the main issue.
The human body is very complex.
What is the Chinese Medicine body clock?
The body clock is a circular diagram that is cut up into 12 pieces, like a pie. Each section of the body clock indicates an hour and the associated organ. The 12 hour intervals of the Qi (energy) all indicate the responsible organ that is manifesting imbalance or perhaps great health at that time.
The QI flows in two hour intervals throughout the organ systems. For example, having night sweats between the hours of 1-3 am may indicate an imbalance in the Liver function as the Liver time is between 1-3 am.
In saying this, just because the body clock indicates an organ functions best at a particular time, does not mean a symptom at that hour directly correlates to that organ.
How is the Chinese Medicine clock beneficial to your health?
The concept of the body clock is for all of us to understand how to maximize the use of our organs and bodily functions when they are at their peak.
Another example of this is the Large Intestine functions best between 5-7 am. This means this is the best time to wake up, release the bowels (poop) and let go emotionally (meditate or gentle exercise).
How does the tcm body clock relate to research and modern medicine?
The fact that there is very little clinical evidence at this point in time behind the body clock can bring hesitancy toward acknowledging it’s clinical benefits. However, we all have biological body clocks that directly impact our emotions, glucose levels, sleep desires and physical performance.
We also have what is called circadian rhythms which help with body temperature regulation, appetite desires and bodily functions.
The final differentiating factor between the Eastern and Western perspective on body clocks, is the Eastern theories add an extra level of ‘Qi’ flow into their consideration.
Is the body clock accurate with showing what organs I personally need help with?
The best way to answer this question is to seek a personalized consultation with your Chinese Medicine Doctor. It is crucial for a qualified TCM Doctor to individually assess your specific clinical needs.
Your TCM Doctor must study your pulse, tongue, dietary lifestyle and all symptoms before they can accurately assess and form a diagnosis. The Chinese body clock is once again as conjunctive tool for Doctors to use and guide their patients.
What can I do in the mean time while I wait to be assessed by a TCM Doctor?
Firstly ensure you are making the most of the Stomach Qi being strongest between the hours of 9-11 am by having a good sized balanced meal at this hour (breakfast).
Secondly ensure you are asleep by 11pm as much of the Gall Bladder and Liver repair happens between 11pm – 3 am. The Liver is critical in process of blood detoxification, therefore we best support the organ with early rest so it may focus on repairing not doing tasks.
It is also important to eat dinner before 7pm to avoid burdening the digestive system.
And finally, another important section of the clock is the pericardium through the hours of 7- 9pm. This means it is great to experience pleasure through these hours such as intimacy, reading, hobbies or socializing.
It is not ideal to stress the heart through these hours with study, work or emotional stress. We are extra sensitive through these hours, so please avoid stimulants and upset. Read about our services.
It is not always possible to follow the traditional Chinese body clock, but the clock surely helps guide us toward good health, self-love and honor for our incredible machines we call the human body.
