According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, energy is highest in the different organs at specific times of the day. The organ clock shows the circulation of energy throughout the body during the day – and can be used as a tool to understand the body's needs and energy. By observing and listening to how we feel at certain times, we can begin to see patterns and understand the body's energy.
THE ENERGY CYCLE
Energy circulates throughout the body in a constant flow. It moves from organ to organ and thus from meridian to meridian. The energy is strongest in the different organs at different times of the day. Since there are 12 meridians and 24 hours in a day, the energy is strongest in each organ for a period of 2 hours. This energetic circulation in the body's organs throughout the day is called the organ clock.
Energy is strongest in the lungs between 3-5 AM, the large intestine from 5-7 AM, the stomach from 7-9 AM, the spleen from 9-11 AM, the heart from 11 AM-1 PM, the small intestine from 1-3 PM, the bladder from 3-5 PM, the kidneys from 5-7 PM, the gallbladder from 11 PM-1 AM, and the liver from 1-3 AM.
Perhaps you noticed a gap between 7 PM and 11 PM, where we actually have another important pair of meridian channels; namely our circulatory meridian (pericardium) and hormone meridian (triple warmer/sanjiao), which I will also briefly touch upon below.
THE ORGAN CLOCK - THE BODY'S ENERGY FLOW THROUGHOUT THE DAY
3-5 AM: Energy is strongest in the lungs between 3-5 AM. If you wake up at this time, it may be due to grief or an imbalance in the lungs. If you wake up with a cough, it is a sign that the lungs are overloaded and are detoxifying. This can be caused by infections, bacteria, or viruses.
5-7 AM: The large intestine works best from 5-7 AM, when the bowel should be emptied, meaning it is recommended to start the day by going to the toilet.
7-9 AM: Energy in the stomach is highest from 7-9 AM, meaning the stomach best absorbs nutrients from breakfast during this period.
9-11 AM: The spleen then converts the energy from breakfast into energy for body and mind, giving us good physical and mental energy to work from 9-11 AM. Most people experience that energy is highest at this time of day. The spleen is also associated with mental strength and concentration, so this is where we get mental energy for the day.
11 AM-1 PM: Energy is highest in the heart from 11 AM-1 PM, where we should be careful not to overload it, and instead focus on rest and tranquility. So, eating lunch, socializing, relaxing, and perhaps taking a short nap is the best we can do for ourselves at this time of day. It is said that this is the time when most heart attacks occur.
1-3 PM: After this, the small intestine absorbs nutrients from lunch between 1-3 PM. If you experience a lack of energy or a craving for sweets, it may be because your lunch is not nourishing you well enough. Perhaps it doesn't contain the right nutrients, healthy fats, protein, etc., or maybe you skip lunch or postpone it for too long.
3-5 PM: Energy is highest in the bladder, which cleanses best from 3-5 PM, when we should drink plenty of tea and warm water to support the natural cleansing process. The English are onto something with their afternoon tea time, so feel free to drink tea.
5-7 PM: From 5-7 PM, energy is highest in the kidneys. Here, we can eat a light dinner. It is said that muscle strength peaks at 5 PM, so it's also a good time to exercise.
7-9 PM: Energy peaks in our circulatory meridians from 7-9 PM. Very briefly, this is about circulation, relationships, and sexuality. Sexual desire can therefore be higher here.
9-11 PM: Energy in our hormone meridians is highest. The hormone meridians regulate and distribute heat and energy in the body's three cavities: the chest cavity, the abdominal cavity, and the pelvic cavity.
11 PM-1 AM: Energy is strongest in the gallbladder between 11 PM and 1 AM. If the gallbladder is overloaded, for example due to too much fatty food, we may experience nausea, discomfort, and perhaps even vomiting during this period. A good example is Christmas Eve, when many people experience discomfort after rich Christmas food and feel worst at this time.
1-3 AM: The liver works best from 1-3 AM, when we should be in a deep sleep. If we wake up during this time, the liver is likely overloaded due to alcohol, medication, or an unhealthy diet.
By understanding the body's energy flow, we can better work with the body's natural needs and energy throughout the day.
POSTER WITH THE ORGAN CLOCK - NEW!
As a new item, you can now order the organ clock as a beautiful poster for your wall, so you can better follow the energy throughout the day. I have had the organ clock designed as a beautiful visual poster in collaboration with illustrator Louise Livskraft.
You can find the poster in the webshop HERE.
In the book The Energy of the 5 Seasons you can read more about the organ clock, the emotions associated with the organs, and learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine. You can find the book in the webshop HERE.