Traditional Chinese Medicine body clock

Tick tock, it’s your body clock.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attributes a time and a task to each of our organs. Read on to find out how you can get the most out of every day, naturally.

11am-1pm Heart to heart.
Studies have shown that the highest incidence of heart-related problems and deaths occur between the hours of 11am and 1pm and 11pm and 1am. Cheery stuff!

Weaknesses or imbalances in the heart area will often be exacerbated in the middle of the day, with palpitations being a key symptom of heart imbalance. So how can you strengthen your heart? Reach out, connect with others, be of service and find your passion.

Lunchtime is the perfect time to connect with others and enjoy your friendships. Go get yourself some joy; it expands the heart both physically and psychologically and it feels sooo good.

1pm -3pm Small Intestines.
Love your guts – some more. Is this the time that you crash, burn and find yourself with your hand in the biscuit barrel? It’s a surefire sign that your small intestine is screaming out for some energy. This may because you skipped breakfast or didn’t choose wisely about what you popped in your gob this morning. Or, maybe you have a fabulous diet and aren’t absorbing nutrients too well (detox anyone?).

TOP TIP – reach for a quality protein snack if you are lagging – I like a piece of fruit with some nuts. I get the sugar hit and the protein sustains the high, a bit like getting on a Ferris Wheel (as opposed to an energy roller coaster).

This is a good time of the day to sort stuff out and do a bit of problem solving – hmm, now I know why I am better at Sudoko in the arvo!

3pm-5pm Bladder. 5pm-7pm Kidneys.
Your kidneys store your energy reserves – they call it Qi (pronounced ‘chi’) in China. This is the time we should be feeling energised, alert and ready to ‘rock ‘n’ roll’. This is not the case for many of us though. Our often stressful lives can cause the overproduction of adrenaline (produced by the adrenal glands that sit atop the kidneys). The result, a big resounding YAAAAWN and maybe a little hint of overwhelm.

HERBS TO HELP – there are so many great herbs that can address fatigue and stress issues and the best thing about it is, that I, Marnie Downer, can mix you up a remedy specific to your stress and fatigue symptoms. They don’t taste so great, but they work a treat.

Clues that there may be an imbalance in the bladder or kidneys can include an aversion to cold weather, a strong dislike of the winter and frequent urination.

BUT WAIT…THERE’S MORE!

I do find this subject quite fascinating. The Chinese have been ‘all over it’ for a looooong time.
Along with having a time of the day, the organs also have an emotion, an element and other organs related to them. They are also coupled with another organ. For example the lung is coupled with the large intestine. I’ve coupled them together below.

  • Lung – grief, guilt, regret. Opens to the nose. Governs the skin, pores and body hair. Element = Metal.
  • Large intestine
  • Stomach
  • Spleen – empathy, sympathy, worry, stress. Opens to the mouth and lips. Governs soft tissue (flesh). Element = Earth.
  • Heart – joy, love, hate. Opens to the tongue.  Governs the blood vessels and the brain. Element = Fire
  • Small intestine
  • Urinary bladder
  • Kidneys – fear, anxiety, willpower. Opens to the ears and governs bones, cartilage, teeth, nails and head hair. Element = Water
  • Gall bladder
  • Liver – anger, resentment (often involved in depression), courage. Opens to the eyes. Governs metabolism, muscles and tendons. Element = wood.

Did you notice that the Chinese don’t mention the brain as an organ? This is because the heart is considered to house the mind. Having trouble sleeping or dreaming lots? Poke your tongue out – is the tip red? The heart is involved.

How then is this relevant to you? Well if you are having problems with an emotion or a particular body part, the corresponding organ may need some support. Leigh Milne, our  clinical hypno-psychotherapist, bodyworker and mind body medicine coach is trained to help with our ‘road-blocks’. Remember we have a January special of $50 off your first consult with Leigh. Book today and make 2017 your best yet.

In health,

Marnie