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
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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