As we discussed in previous blogs, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) maintains that the body, mind, and emotions are inseparable. Disharmony or imbalances in your body are usually tied to your emotional state. The Horary (body) clock shows that each organ is associated with peak performance time, a function, effects of imbalances, and related emotional symptoms.

Keep in mind that in most cases TCM does not look at the organs in the same way as Western medicine. To better understand the differences and similarities, let’s take a look at some organ peak times, functions, imbalances, and related emotions according to TCM. We will start with the Lungs (note: TCM organs are capitalized), which according to TCM move the Qi throughout the body starting at 3 am:

3 am-5 am Lung (Yin):

Function: moves Qi through the body and meridians, governs the respiratory and immune system, regulates your sweat glands and keeps your skin moist.
Mucus and waste builds up during this time and in the morning the lungs try to expel the waste.
Waking up during this time consistently could be related to an imbalance associated with the emotions of grief and sorrow that needs to be dealt with.
If your lungs are imbalanced, you may suffer from asthma, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, weak voice, shallow breathing, runny nose, allergies, dry skin, sore throat, and more.
Try breathing exercises such as Tai Chi, Qigong, meditation, Yoga. Journaling and/or counseling may help.
Emotions of grief, sadness, crying, depression, inadequate immune function, and tiredness.

5 am-7 am Large Intestine (Yang):

Function: associated with “letting go” both literally and figuratively.
Best time for water, worse for caffeine (a diuretic). Water is needed to continue the repair and maintenance cycle. Good time to bathe and wash and comb your hair which is believed to clear mind energy.
Imbalance results in constipation, a skin rash, hard or dry stools, weight gain, and feeling like you are emotionally stuck.
Feelings of defensiveness, guilt, or being stuck.

7am-9 am Stomach (Yang):

Function: stimulates hunger, breakdown and digest food.
Healthy breakfast nourishes the small intestine, aiding absorption and assimilation. Cold foods lead to “low digestive fire”. Warm foods and drink recommended.
An imbalance in the Stomach leads to abdominal pain, distension, edema, vomiting, nose bleeds, and more.
Feeling very hypersensitive to your surroundings, as well as despair and/or disgust.

9 am-11 am Spleen (Yin):

Function: key organ of digestive process, takes the nutrients from food and turns them into energy to be transported to all the organs.
Time to have tea (especially Ginger), cinnamon, some dates and/or sweet potatoes.
Great time to do the most taxing work and exercise
Imbalance results in illness, abdominal distension, sluggishness, jaundice, pancreas problems, and more.
Low self esteem issues, jealousy, and worry.

11 am-1 pm Heart (Yin):

Function: pumps blood throughout the body to provide both nutrition and energy.

Best time to have lunch, relax, and perhaps take a nap.
Time when most Heart attacks occur.
Don’t do anything heat inducing because the Heart has an aversion to heat.
Do not stress or overtax your Heart, particularly now. Avoid anything stressful, limit caffeine, and intense exercise.
Imbalance leads to being short of breath, hands and feet will be cold, and palpitations will appear; all of which weaken the Heart. Dry throat and jaundice.
Significant sadness or joy.

1 pm-3 pm Small Intestines (Yang):

Function: separate fluids from the Stomach and transports them. Digestion is taking place at this time.
This is a good time to carry out tasks or exercise.
Imbalance shows up as gas, bloating, nausea, indigestion, or vomiting, sore throat, deafness, and more.
Feelings of insecurity, vulnerability, and abandonment.

3 pm-5 pm Urinary Bladder (Yang):

Function: moves metabolic waste into the Kidneys to be filtrated.
Good time to challenge your brain and/or study.
If you are not hydrated, this is when you may be looking for a pick-me-up or a nap. A cup of tea or water would be beneficial.
Salty foods or liquids strengthen the bladder.
Imbalance can cause a yeast infection, burning upon urination, and/or urinary incontinence.
Feeling timid or irritable.

5-7 pm Kidneys (Yin):

Filters blood and maintains proper chemical balance.
Houses our “life force” which makes it very important to your general health, growth, development and reproduction.
A small healthy meal aids a healthy Kidney in feeling energetic.
Good time for walking, stretching, getting a massage.
Imbalance leads to constipation, diarrhea, edema, low back pain, premature graying, and more.
Fear or terror, low libido.

7 pm-9 pm Pericardium (Yin):

Function: accessory system, carries nutrients to capillaries and cells.
Fluid filled sac around your heart, associated with your brain which prepares you to sleep.
A good time for Tai Chi, meditation, stretching, or yoga or reading.
You may crave sweets or processed carbohydrates which could lead to low back pain.
Imbalance may lead to poor circulation, angina, palpitations, diseases of the sexual organs and glands, and more.
Extreme hurt or joy, irritability, inability to express emotions.

9 pm-11 pm Triple Burner (San Jiao) (Yang):

Function: an accessory system consisting of the upper, middle, and lower parts of the body. Helps adjust body’s homeostatis.
Controls metabolism, transfers energy, regulates temperature, governs blood vessels and arteries. Related to our endocrine and lymphatic system.
Time for blood vessel and artery repairs.
Time to go to bed. In the winter, earlier is better and in the summer, go a bit later. Avoid artificial light, establish a calm bedtime routine.
Imbalance leads to headaches, abnormal tiredness or weakness (while vessels are being repaired), mania, guilt, fibromyalgia, thyroid disorder, chills and/or fever, swollen lymph nodes, edema, cheek swelling, and more.
Feelings of hopelessness, confusion, paranoia, joy or lack of joy, depression.

11 pm-1 am Gallbladder (Yang):

Function: stores and excretes bile; the center for decision making and self-esteem.
Yin energy is fading and Yang is beginning to grow in order to keep you active during the day.
Best to avoid alcohol and spicy foods and snacks before bed.
Imbalance: staying up until the Gallbladders’ time leads to difficulties with digestion, migraines, hip problems, dizziness, high cholesterol, and tendonitis or weak tendons.
Feelings of indecisiveness, resentment, shyness, low self-esteem, poor judgment, bitterness.

1 am-3 am Liver (Yin):

The Liver’s job is to detoxify our body and process emotions. It governs the Qi and makes and stores fresh blood.
Waking up during this time consistently, means the Liver is overloaded, waste is not being processed and is acting as an irritant. You may have issues with insomnia, frayed nerves, repressed anger or resentment.
Waking up at this time (when the liver is peaking) could also be related to an unhealthy diet, too much alcohol, stress, or feelings feelings of anger.
Imbalance can lead to anemia, headaches, fatigue, irregular menstruation, high blood pressure, dizziness, red face, tendonitis, breast tenderness, blurred vision, hernia, urination problems, lower abdominal pain, and more.
Find healthy ways (including exercise during the day) to deal with your anger and frustrations.
Feelings of anger, frustration, irritability, explosive outbursts, bottled up emotions.

There are many ways to balance your Qi and emotions, as well as to improve your sleep and energy. Acupuncture, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, meditation, physical activity, as well as a healthy diet may be beneficial. When it comes to sleep, both TCM practitioners and Western sleep specialists strongly encourage having a consistent bedtime and wake-up time.

The Horary (Body) Clock is a fascinating, interesting philosophy of TCM. As we read through the functions, imbalances, and emotions, it is fairly easy to see why Western medicine is just starting to have more appreciation and understanding of the mind-body connection and how they are interrelated.

As you read through the above list, you can appreciate the wisdom behind many of the philosophies. Some of the ideas regarding the organ imbalances remind us of things that we were told by our parents and/or grandparents as we were growing up, such as eating and/or staying up late. Some of the other effects of organ imbalances may leave us a bit skeptical. Now that you have a bit more understanding of what lies behind these theories, what is your conclusion?

Certainly food for thought!

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