Can This 2,000 Year Old Healing Modality Help You Find Balance?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Organ Clock represents a 24-hour cycle where each organ system has peak energy for 2 hours. Aligning with this rhythm can support better health, digestion, and emotional balance.

The mirror time of each organ’s interval (i.e. 3-5AM and 3-5PM) is when that organ is at its weakest energetic point. This opposite strength and weakness illustrates one of the core principles in TCM: balance.

Lungs (3-5AM)

This is the time of peak energy for deep breathing and oxygenation. The body should be fast asleep. If you do wake up, deep breathing exercises can best help calm you back to sleep. The body should be kept warm during this time so that the lungs are best able to help replenish the body with oxygen.

Large Intestine (5-7AM)

This is the ideal time for bowel movements, to hydrate, to ground yourself on the Earth, and to meditate. This is the best time to let go of physical (and emotional) toxins/waste, while 5-7PM is a great time to nourish yourself.

Stomach (7-9AM)

Optimal digestion begins at this time. This is why breakfast is the most important meal of the day according to TCM. Stomach acid is at its highest and your system is primed to receive and utilize nutrients. 7-9PM is when the stomach is at its weakest, so it’s best to eat dinner before 7PM. Large late-night meals can negatively impact sleep.

Pancreas and Spleen (9-11AM) 

Energy is highest for mental focus and physical activity. Pancreatic enzymes are released to help digest food optimally. It is best to have already eaten breakfast by now. A healthy spleen is crucial for optimal physical energy to carry you through the day.

Heart (11AM-1PM)

There is a focus on circulation and emotions. The heart pumps nutrients throughout the body, so this is a good time to have your next meal. This can be a time of heightened emotions, whether joy or sadness. This is a great time to be around people and connect.

Small Intestine (1-3PM) 

This is the time to sort and absorb food from lunch. Energy is lower as the digestive system is working hard. Many cultures have a built-in rest time during these hours (i.e. siesta). Digestive discomfort could indicate difficulty processing food and/or emotions.

Bladder (3-5PM) 

This is the time when waste moves through the kidney’s filtration system. This is a great time to do taxing, mind-intensive work. It’s important to drink water/fluids during this time to support filtration and elimination.

Kidney (5-7PM) 

Blood is filtered through the kidneys. This is the best time to have your last meal of the day and go on a walk or other gentle movement to keep circulation active. At 5-7AM, if your kidneys are deficient, you may have trouble getting out of bed.

Pericardium (7-9PM) 

The pericardium is the protector of the heart and mind. Nutrients from the day are carried to each cell in the body. This is a great time to focus on relationships and physical touch. In TCM, we are connected to the Ming Men (Gate of Vitality) during these hours.

San Jiao (Triple Burner) (9-11PM)

The Triple Burner is essentially the endocrine system in Western medicine. Body temperature and metabolism are balanced during this time. Body repair begins, and it is best to go to sleep during this time window. Turn down the lights, calm the body and mind, and unplug.

Gallbladder (11PM-1AM)

In TCM, this is when yin energy fades and yang energy grows. Yang energy helps you to be active during the day and is stored while you are asleep. You should be fast asleep at this time for optimal energy the following day.

Liver (1-3AM)

Detox and blood cleansing occur at this time. The liver has a lot of important functions; perhaps most importantly, it is in charge of storing and cleansing your blood. This is an important time to be sleeping so that your body can repair and recover. The liver, and in effect your sleep, are easily affected by things like stress, anger, frustration, resentment, and drinking too much alcohol during the day or too late at night.