You’ve probably heard about biological clocks—one of the body’s essential systems, just like the immune or cardiovascular system. These clocks are necessary for all living beings to synchronize with nature’s rhythms, adapting to the cycle of day and night or the changing seasons.
Many bodily functions are governed by these internal clocks, including temperature regulation, blood pressure, and hormone production.
Circadian Rhythm in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Over 5,000 years ago, Traditional Chinese Medicine already recognized the concept of circadian rhythms. According to this system, each organ has a specific two-hour period of peak activity. During this time, the organ’s energy is at its highest, and following this natural schedule helps maintain balance in the body.
Chronobiology: Modern Science Confirms Ancient Wisdom
The field of chronobiology, founded 300 years ago, rediscovered what ancient Chinese practitioners already knew. Our body’s internal clocks function on three levels:
- Cellular Level – The Molecular Clock
Each cell has a tiny internal clock. In 2017, scientists Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael Young won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering how these cellular clocks operate.
Special proteins called clock proteins regulate metabolism:
- Some are produced in the morning, activating metabolism.
- Others form in the evening, slowing down metabolic processes.
If the genes responsible for producing clock proteins mutate, it can disrupt sleep cycles, digestion, movement, and overall bodily rhythms. Chronic disruption—such as staying up late frequently—can lead to insomnia, depression, diabetes, and even cancer.
- Hormonal Level – Pineal Gland & Sleep-Wake Cycle
The pineal gland plays a key role in synchronizing the body’s rhythms by producing melatonin and serotonin:
☀️ During daylight → The gland produces serotonin, the “happiness hormone.”
🌙 At night → Serotonin converts into melatonin, the “sleep hormone,” which enhances deep, restorative sleep.
🔹 How to optimize melatonin production?
- Sleep in complete darkness – Even dim light reduces melatonin production, so turn off all lamps and cover windows.
- Get sunlight during the day – More light exposure improves serotonin levels, boosting mood and energy.
- Hypothalamus – The Master Regulator
The hypothalamus acts as the central control center for all bodily rhythms. It receives direct signals from the retina about whether it is day or night and adjusts bodily functions accordingly. This small brain region controls circadian rhythms by regulating melatonin secretion and other processes.
Circadian Clock According to Traditional Chinese Medicine
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Pericardium Adjustment)
- Blood pressure begins to drop.
- Eating late (after 6 PM) can contribute to hypertension.
- Hypertensive individuals should avoid eating after 6 PM.
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM (San Jiao Meridian Adjustment)
- The body undergoes a complete reset and restoration.
- Going to bed after 11 PM causes serious imbalances.
- The San Jiao meridian governs energy flow, hormone balance, emotions, and temperature regulation.
- Melatonin production begins.
- Ideally, you should be asleep by 9–10 PM.
11:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Gallbladder Adjustment)
- Peak secretion of growth hormone (somatotropin), essential for youth and regeneration.
- Cellular repair occurs.
- Staying awake during this period disrupts fat metabolism.
- Waking up between 11 PM and 1 AM may indicate emotional distress or gallbladder issues.
1:00 AM – 3:00 AM (Liver Detoxification)
- Deep sleep is crucial for the liver to remove toxins.
- Skipping sleep at this time leads to fatigue and toxin buildup.
- Waking up between 1–3 AM? You might have toxin overload, stress, or suppressed anger.
- In TCM, unresolved emotions accumulate in the liver.
3:00 AM – 5:00 AM (Lung Detoxification)
- Waking up between 3–5 AM may signal lung issues.
- This period is linked to grief, sadness, and respiratory problems (e.g., asthma, shortness of breath).
5:00 AM – 7:00 AM (Large Intestine Detoxification & Testosterone Peak)
- The body naturally wakes up and prepares for the day.
- Best time for a morning bowel movement.
- If you wake up at 5 AM without needing to, it may indicate intestinal imbalances.
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Stomach Activation)
- Optimal digestion time.
- Breakfast is crucial – it should be warm and nourishing to fuel the day.
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Spleen Activation – Peak Focus & Memory)
- The spleen, responsible for short-term memory, is at peak function.
- Best time for mental work or exercise.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Heart Activation)
- Best time for a light lunch.
- Energy concentrates in the heart, so this is a great time for meditation or relaxation practices.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Small Intestine Activation – Energy Boost)
- Ideal for productivity, tasks, and errands.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Bladder Detox & Hydration Reminder)
- Time to drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins.
- Best time for a salty snack or electrolyte-rich drink.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Kidney Activation – Peak Physical Strength)
- Exercise, walking, or intimacy are highly beneficial.
- Kidneys filter and purify bodily fluids.
Final Thoughts
By aligning your daily routine with these natural rhythms, you can enhance your health, boost energy, and prevent illness. Incorporating TCM wisdom and chronobiology into modern life can support longevity, balance, and well-being.
Would you like to adjust your schedule for better health? Start by making small changes, such as going to bed earlier, eating meals at the right times, and managing stress naturally.
