It is easy to see how the time of the day affects us. If you pay attention to it you will see the pattern. During a 24-hour period, our body, energy and emotions change. Knowing this pattern makes daily life much easier. This pattern is known as the Horary Cycle or Circadian Rhythm.

Harmonizing our habits with this cycle would look something like this… From 5-7am, the large intestine is most active. This is the time of the sharpest rise in blood pressure. It’s best to take a few deep breaths before rising out of bed. Once out of bed, evacuate our bowels and sit to meditate. From 7-9am, the stomach is most active. The melatonin secretion stops. This is a good time to eat breakfast, take a walk and digest the morning’s meal. From 9-11am, the spleen is most active. Highest testosterone secretion of the day. This is the best time for concentration and planning. By starting our day with this schedule we would maximize both our time and productivity.

Between the hours of 11am and 1pm, the heart is most active. The body is at its most coordinated by noon. This is the best time to exercise, work and to eat our main meal. From 1-3pm, the small intestine is active. This is a low energy time of the day. Absorbing nutrients, short nap and work is best. From 3-5pm, the bladder is most active. This is the fasted reaction time of the day. Walking, working and studying are most beneficial. The kidneys are most active between 5-7pm. This is when we enjoy the greatest cardiovascular efficiency and muscle strength, highest blood temperature and highest body temperature. Exercise, outdoor activities and a light meal is best. This schedule would regulate the energy throughout the day.

The evening should be reserved for rejuvenation and recovery from the day’s activities. From 7-9pm, the pericardium or ‘master of the heart’ is active. Light reading, massaging the feet and body. The Triple Burner or Triple Heater is at high tide from 9-11pm. The body begins to release melatonin and suppresses bowel movement. Calm socializing and relaxing with friends and family is best.

It is best to be fast asleep by 11pm. From 11pm to 1am, the gall bladder is most active. Releasing bile, cellular repair and blood cell renewal. From 1-3 am, the liver is most active. Deep sleep and liver/blood detox begins. From 3-5 am the lungs are most active. Deep sleep, dreams and lung detox. This is when most people tend to snore the most. Keeping to this schedule would ensure optimal health of the mind, body and spirit.

The Horary Clock (Circadian Rhythm) – 24 Hour Qi Flow Though the Meridians

Understanding how the human body works and interacts within nature, along with self-awareness are the basis of Traditional Chinese medicine.

The graphic shows what is known as the Horary cycle or the Circadian Clock. As Qi (energy) makes its way through the meridians, each meridian in turn with its associated organ, has a two-hour period during which it is at maximum energy. The Horary Effect is recognizable by measurable increases of Qi within an organ system and meridian during its time of maximum energy.

Harmonizing Habits:
5-7am – Wake Up, Move Bowels, Meditate
7-9am – Sex, Breakfast, Walk, Digest
9-11am – Work, Best Concentration
11am-1pm – Eat Main Meal of Day, Walk
1-3pm – Absorb Food, Short Nap, Work
3-5pm – Work or Study

5-7pm – Exercise, Light Dinner
7-9pm – Light Reading, Massage Feet
9-11pm – Calm Socializing, Flirting, Sex
11pm-1am – Go to Sleep, Cellular Repair
1-3am – Deep Sleep, Detox Liver & Blood
3-5am – Deep Sleep, Detox Lungs

References:

Reddy, S. (2022, March 23). Why Permanent Daylight-Saving Time Is Bad for Your Health, Sleep Scientists Say. WSJ. https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-permanent-daylight-saving-time-is-bad-for-your-health-sleep-scientists-say-11648002326?mod=Searchresults_pos2&page=1

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcommons.wikimedia.org%2Fwiki%2FFile%3AThe_master_circadian_clock_in_the_human_brain.jpg&psig=AOvVaw3TSBGxCBA6-sRuo0ptw5Nv&ust=1649364016576000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAoQjRxqFwoTCMio_falgPcCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAr

Leone, M., Campbell, J., & Moltzan, J. (2022, July 26). Journey Around the Sun-2nd Edition (Health and Wellness Study Guides Using Eastern Practices From Martial Arts, Yoga and Qigong). CAD Graphics.

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com

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Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are probably the two oldest systems of healthcare practiced throughout the world. Ayurveda has its origins in the Hindu religion within India from 5000 years ago. Traditional Chinese Medicine also has origins from thousands of years ago (475–221 BC) but in China. Both systems have been practiced widely throughout the world, with seemingly very little interest in the US when compared to Western allopathic or biomedicine practices. However, TCM has seemed to have gained more popularity in recent years in the US, maybe starting when President Nixon visited China back 1972.

Ayurveda and TCM philosophies believe that all things alive or not, are interconnected and have relationships on various levels with one another. When these relationships become out of balance disease can occur.

Ayurveda is based upon the 5 fundamental elements of space, air, fire, water and earth. Both of these systems use this understanding of the elements as a way to diagnose and treat disease and illness. Ayurveda uses the physical and well-being constitutions of vata, piita and kapha. Similarly, TCM has 5 constitutions of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The human life force or breath is expressed as prana in Ayurveda and as qi in TCM. Both prana or qi flow within the body, are a key component in maintaining balance of the elements and an individual’s health in regard to their mind, body and spirit.

Both systems have components that include herbs, massage, and exercise in order to balance harmony of the mind, body and spirit.

I have and will continue to use TCM treatments and methods to help treat ailments as well as maintain better health and wellness. Less invasive methods as well as more natural ingredients are my main reasons for pursuing TCM methods. I am not opposed to Ayurveda if I had a condition that could be better treated through those methods.

Having a strong background in Korean and Chinese martial arts, which are deeply connected with TCM, I have been exposed to an education that has deep roots in thousands of years in Asian culture, science and practical practice. While some people may look at TCM as an alternative or new age approach to maintaining health, I see a time-proven system that has been practiced by probably millions of people over a very long period of time. When studied and researched thoroughly, I find the methods from TCM of acupuncture, cupping, tuina, qigong, auriculotherapy, herbology and others to make logical sense as to why these options are so beneficial. When looked at from a physiological perspective, I have found the following:

Acupuncture & Auriculotherapy – stimulates the healing response through regulation of the nervous system.

Cupping – increases blood and lymph circulation in localized areas.

Tuina – increases blood, lymph circulation and disperses adhesions in the fascia.

Qigong – regulates the autonomic nervous system through deliberate deep breathing patterns, as well as some styles offering flexibility, strengthening and vestibular balance exercises.

Herbology – helps to manage systemic organ function through naturally occur plants without use of pharmaceuticals.

Be well!

References:

“What is Ayurvedic Medicine?” National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2007). 30 August 2021.

Diamond, M.D., J. W. (2001). The Clinical Practice of Complementary, Alternative, and Western Medicine [E-book]. CRC Press.

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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lecture about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.

For more info, contact Jim Moltzan at info@mindandbodyexercises.com, 407-234-0119 or through my site at http://www.mindandbodyexercises.com