The Circadian Rhythm is a 24-hour internal clock that regulates the biological functions of all living things, from bacteria to mammals.
It regulates the cycles between your energy levels, feeding times, hormone production, and brain wave activity.
The Body Organ Clock is a concept from the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), that is based off the Circadian Rhythm.
TCM focuses on a holistic approach. Good health is considered to be the effect of a harmonious relationship with the outside environment. TCM includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, acupressure massage, and exercise.
According to the ancient theory of meridians, and the principles of yin and yang in TCM, each organ is most active during a specific time of the day — resulting in the body organ clock below.
Morning: Wake Up, Hydrate, Fuel, and Be Active
5AM – 7AM
Organ: Large Intestine
Optimize: Wake up and drink 500 + milliliters of water. Your body needs water for a healthy colon, so avoid caffeine.
7AM – 9AM
Organ: Stomach
Optimize:
Eat breakfast. Fruit, protein, healthy fats, and low GI (glycemic
index) carbs are a good choice. If you take vitamins, now’s the time.
9AM – 11AM
Organ: Spleen
Optimize:
The spleen supports metabolism and converts nutrients into energy. This
is a great time for mental alertness, work, and physical activity.
11AM – 1PM
Organ: Heart
Optimize:
Eat a nutrient-balanced lunch that isn’t too filling. This is a great
time to socialize with people, offer to be of service, and cooperate
with others.
Afternoon: Get Organized and Detox“
1PM – 3PM
Organ: Small Intestine
Optimize: The body is digesting, so this is a good time to “mull things over” like solving problems or getting organized.
3PM – 5PM
Organ: Bladder
Optimize: This is the best time for efficient afternoon work and studying. Drinks liquids (especially tea) to detox.
5PM – 7PM
Organ: Kidneys
Optimize: Kidneys are your energy reserves. This is a time to eat dinner and restore you energy.
Evening: Restore and Relax
7PM – 9PM
Organ: Pericardium (the membrane around your heart)
Optimize:
This is a good time for intimacy and socializing. Now is also the best
time to get a massage or do light stretching (both have to do with
circulation).
9PM – 11PM
Organ: Thyroid and Adrenals
Optimize:
This is a time for energy transfer and temperature regulation. Avoid
eating, instead do a relaxing activity like reading.
Night: Time of Deep Rest
11PM – 1AM
Organ: Gallbladder
Optimize: Sleep and regenerate. If you have gallstones, they may start to act up and cause pain during this time.
1AM – 3AM
Organ: Liver
Optimize:
This is a time for deep resting and dreaming while your liver is
detoxing. If you wake up during this time, your liver is taxed by a
poor diet, alcohol, or drugs.
3AM – 5AM
Organ: Lungs
Optimize:
You should be in deep sleep while your lungs are expelling toxins. If
you wake up congested, or cough at this time, your lungs are
overburdened.
Of course the demands of modern life don’t always make it possible to follow this clock. But, it’s a great way to check in with your body and perhaps gain a little more insight into how it functions.