Welcome to Meridian Organ Clock: A Natural Insomnia Remedy – A Chinese Medicine Secret!
At first look, this may appear a bit complicated, but hold tight because after you understand how this works, you will never think of your insomnia the same way again!
A good night’s sleep is truly a luxurious feeling to awaken in the morning feeling well-rested and in a peaceful mood.
If you are not sleeping well at night; struggling to fall asleep; finding yourself awake most of the night, or awake at really odd hours, you may find a remedy for your insomnia with this enlightening information based on the meridian organ clock.
You will also understand why you may not be feeling your best during the day.
How I Learned About This Ancient Chinese Secret
My mother is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM) and a Doctor of Acupuncture.
Several years ago, I mentioned to her about how I was waking up every single night at 2:30 a.m. on the minute and I explained with irritation how I was not very pleased with this nightly interruption.
“Ahh” she said, “the liver.” “Are you drinking any alcohol in the evening, particularly wine?” she asked.
“Yes…” I said reluctantly as it appeared she knew my secret.
She then explained how the liver is most active from 1-3 a.m. and how the wine I was drinking was, in addition to being the chemical of alcohol, probably contained sulfites (sulfur dioxide, a preservative) and how the liver was only doing her job – full force – awakening me at night attempting to rid my body of the chemicals of alcohol and sulfites.
Wow, everything suddenly made sense about my interrupted sleep and insomnia.
This experience began my eye-opening education of the uber-interesting Chinese Meridian Organ Clock.
We’ve all experienced waking up out of a dead sleep, eyes wide open, heart and body active, ears hearing everything in odd hours of the night.
Sometimes, asking “Why am I awake?”
The Chinese Meridian Organ Clock just may be the answer to both your sleep AND daytime ups and downs.
The Chinese Medicine Meridian System
In the 2,500-year-old study of Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is an “organ” clock which represents the time of the day when each organ is functioning optimally and has the most activity.
The clock is based on the 12 Principal Meridians or organ systems explaining when the body has High Energy Points and Low Energy Points in a 24 hour period.
Two hours for each organ.
When an organ is working overtime, something is out of balance.
How to Use The Meridian Organ Clock
Consider a time of night you are awakening or consider a time of day you are not feeling your best (tired, nappy, sluggish).
Consider the following time, the symptoms, and actions to try.
3-5 a.m. Lungs
The function of the lungs is to extract air from the environment and transfer it into the bloodstream.
In Chinese Medicine, the lungs are said to move the qi (energy) through the meridians and to the entire body plus protect the immune system.
Physical Imbalances May Be: wheezing, coughing, asthma, getting sick easily – especially respiratory
Emotional Imbalances May Be: grief or sorrow
Think of your lungs as expelling toxins both emotionally and physically.
This time of night should be a time of deep sleep, dreams, and memories.
Emotionally, if you are waking up at this time, ask yourself if you have unresolved grief or sorrow you need to work on.
Physically, consider if you are smoking or are living with environmental toxins in your home, car or work such as fragrances (scented laundry soap, scented candles), irritants (pollutants, particles) or allergens (outdoor, animal).
Remedies:
- Quit Smoking
- Rid your environment(s) of fragrances and allergies
- Ask yourself if you are feeling any unresolved grief or sorrow and take loving steps to heal your grief pain
- Consider if you need to get unstuck with something in your life and make a decision to move forward
- Find activities and things that give you joy
When you cannot sleep at this time, smile to yourself, breathe in and out and say to yourself:
Breathe In Joy, Breathe Out Sorrow and Grief
5-7 a.m. Large Intestine
The large intestine absorbs water and excretes the indigestible food matter from the body.
This area of the body represents “letting go” physically and emotionally.
5-7 a.m. is a great time for meditation and the best time to have a bowel movement/remove toxins from the previous day.
Here’s a fun one: brush your hair during this time to rid your mind of the previous days’ thoughts.
Physical Imbalances May Be: constipation, dry stools, skin rash.
Emotional Imbalances May Be: feelings of sadness, defensiveness, stubbornness or feeling stuck.
Remedies:
- Ask yourself if there is something you are holding onto emotionally that you need to release
- Drink more water, eat more vegetables
- Drink 1-2 glasses of warm water upon rising to get the bowels moving
- Chew your food well
- Try Yoga poses that help with digestion such as Cat-Cow, Bridge Pose, and Supine Twist
- Meditate to clear the mind
- Let go of what is not needed
Breathe In Love, Breathe Out Fear
7-9 a.m. Stomach
The stomach digests and breaks down foods.
During this time is the best time to eat a healthy and hearty breakfast.
Warm meals are best, take a walk and walk more during this time.
Physical Imbalances May Be: acid reflux, stomach ulcers, bad breath, stomach aches, unsatisfied hunger.
Emotional Imbalances May Be: disappointment and/or emptiness. The stomach emotionally represents disgust and despair = feeling sick to your stomach about something.
Remedies:
- Ask yourself if you are feeling disappointed, dissatisfied or disgusted by something in your life and make a resolution to change
- Adjust your diet to include more root vegetables and solid supportive foods – quit the junk
- Be aware of your thoughts in the morning and switch them to good positive thoughts – You are in charge of your thoughts as you know
Breathe In Openness, Breathe Out Disappointment
9-11 a.m. Pancreas and Spleen
The pancreas and spleen extract nutrients from food, transform it into energy and transport this energy to other organ systems.
Physical Imbalances May Be: loose stools, bloating after meals, craving sweets, muscle weakness, muscle pain, and low energy.
Emotional Imbalances May Be: feelings of low self-esteem, worry, foreboding and not feeling safe and secure.
Remedies:
- During these hours of the morning (9-11), have a cup of tea or a light snack. Consider foods that support the spleen such as cinnamon, yams, dates, and lentils.
- Be active. Take a walk, get up from your desk. The spleen is associated with mental powers, supports metabolism and is responsible for converting nutrients into energy.
- This is an ideal time of the morning to be active at work and to remind yourself of what you are good at. Make a mental list of all the things you excel at this time (professionally and personally).
- Ask yourself if you are doubting yourself.
Breathe In Confidence, Breathe Out Doubt
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Heart (known as the “King” of the organs)
The heart pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system, removes carbon dioxide and other wastes.
Physical Imbalances May Be: palpitations, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, restlessness and overall insomnia at night.
Emotional Imbalances May Be: unhappiness, lack of self-expression, not feeling loved, emotions out of control (a.k.a. the King is not in command)
Remedies:
- Relax, take a nap or a short meditation time if you can during these hours
- Sit quietly or with kind friends and really enjoy a healthy lunch
- The heart dislikes heat, so avoid caffeine, stress, intense exercise, or anything that raises your blood pressure during this time
- Reach out to people, be of service, be kind and loving to yourself and others. Consider Mr. Rogers.
- Ask yourself how you are not expressing yourself emotionally or creatively
- Stretch and strengthen the arms and chest muscles.
- Make a list of all you are grateful for and for all the love you are receiving from people, yourself or from above
Breathe In Happiness and Love, Breathe Out Sadness
1-3 p.m. Small Intestine
The small intestine absorbs nutrients and minerals from foods then separates the clear fluids from the solids, and moves these to the urinary bladder and large intestine, respectively.
Physical Imbalances May Include: dehydration, ulcers, bloating with vomiting or gas, IBS, low energy, sleepiness and wanting to take a nap.
Emotional Imbalances May Include: feeling unorganized and confused, forgetful, indecisive.
Remedies
- During this time of the day it is a good time to solve problems, organize, drink water, eat high-water fruits and vegetables
- Ask yourself if you have any food allergies or intestinal intolerance such as gluten intolerance, food allergies, toxin exposure to molds or if taking any medications, consider their side effects on your intestines
- Consider a Dietician or Acupuncturist.
- Change your diet. You probably already know what needs to be changed
- Organize your workspace or living area(s)
- Think of creative solutions. Make a decision if needed
Breathe In Vitality and Clarity, Breathe Out Confusion
3-5 p.m. Urinary Bladder
The urinary bladder stores and secretes urine (should be clear fluid if well-hydrated).
Physical Imbalances May Be: a dip in energy level during this time of day, especially if you are not well-hydrated, urinary infections, incontinence, dry skin, dry eyes.
Emotional Imbalances May Be: lack of energy, being inflexible and fearful. Resisting change.
Remedies:
- Eat salty foods this time of day such as a bowl of broth soup, miso or veggie broth
- Drink afternoon tea
- Drink more water to detox your bladder – try a gallon a day
- Ask yourself what you may be afraid of and take actions to remedy this feeling
Breathe In Hopefulness, Breathe Out Fear
5-7 p.m. Kidneys
The kidneys are in charge of health reproduction, development, growth and overall fluid balance.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys are the powerhouse of the body, supplying reserve energy to any organ running low on Qi (energy). Its partner organ is the Bladder.
Physical Imbalances May Be: low back pain, abdominal pain, hernia, irregular menstruation, premature graying of hair.
Emotional Imbalances May Be: fear, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, loneliness, insecurity, paranoia, hysteria.
Remedies:
- Eat a healthy meal before 7 pm and stop eating after 7 pm at night
- Avoid caffeine if feeling anxious
- Keep your meals small with minimal sodium and spices
- If tired during this time, consider what you spent your energy on during the day
- Massage your ears to release the tension. This feels Wonderful – learn how ear massage can relieve stress, anxiety and improve concentration
- Go to bed earlier in the Winter
- Imagine the color blue for water surrounding your kidneys
Breathe In Courage, Breathe Out Fear
7-9 p.m. Pericardium (accessory organ)
The Pericardium is a membrane that surrounds the heart, protects against heart infections and provides lubrication for the heart.
Also known as the “King’s bodyguard”.
The Pericardium protects the heart from other emotions such as anger from the liver, fear from the kidneys and grief from the lungs.
Physical Imbalances May Be: heart palpitations, heart pain, chest pain, inflammation around the heart.
Emotional Imbalances May Be: feeling up and down during the day. Feeling irritable. If your pericardium is unable to do her job, she will be irritated.
Remedies:
- Do something gentle to you ease into sleep, such as meditation, light stretching, reading, or cuddling
- Avoid the TV in the bedroom
- Stretch and/or do yoga poses before bed. Standing with arms low, hands open and facing forward, pull arms back, turn head from side to side. Opens th heart area. Feels Great!
- Consider emotions that may be showing up in other organs such as anger from the liver, fear from the kidneys, grief from the lungs
- This time of day is the best time to conceive, have sex, get a massage
Breathe In Protection, Breathe Out Irritation
9-11 p.m. San Jiao (a.k.a. Triple Burner) (second accessory organ)
The function of the Triple Burner is to metabolize incoming food.
Endocrine and metabolic balancing.
Triple Burner Includes:
- Upper Burner – intake
- Middle Burner – transformation
- Lower Burner – elimination
Physical Imbalances May Be: tinnitus, loss of voice, sore throat, deafness, hot flashes, night sweats.
Emotional Imbalances May Be: lack of emotional intimacy, inability to express warmth, up and down emotions (elated/despondent).
Remedies:
- Go to sleep during the hours of 9-11 pm – having an earlier bedtime in the winter, and staying up a little later in summer
- Consider if your hormones need testing and balancing (naturally)
- No lights or TV in the bedroom
- Avoid eating late
- Relax, read a regular book or if reading an ebook, read with blue light
- Hug yourself, love yourself
Breathe In Balance, Breathe Out Unpredictability
11 p.m. – 1 a.m. Gallbladder
The gallbladder stores and excretes bile.
The gallbladder is very closely related to the liver (1-3 am). Consider both organs if you are awake most of the night.
Physical Imbalances May Be: unable to fall asleep, depletion of energy, difficulty digesting fats.
Emotional Imbalances May Be: not being assertive, lacking passion, feeling uninspired and a bit down, anger, frustration.
Remedies:
- Ask yourself if you are feeling unusually stressed, had a major life trauma and/or are eating greasy, fatty, rich or spicy foods
- Reduce or eliminate drinking alcohol
- Take actions to reduce your stress and heal your trauma
- Change your diet even for a week to see if this helps
- Drink more water for cleaning – well-hydrated urine will be clear
- Sleep and regenerate
- Express your emotions, exercise, avoid greasy, fatty, rich and spicy foods
Breathe In Presence, Breathe Out Frustration
1-3 a.m. Liver
The liver stores blood, detoxifies chemicals, metabolizes drugs.
The liver’s main job is to filter the blood coming from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body.
The liver also makes proteins that are important for blood clotting and other functions. Your liver systems are overwhelmed if you are waking up at this time.
Physical Imbalances May Be: migraines, eye and sinus problems, brittle nails, bloating, gas, anemia, chronic fatigue, headaches, craving sour foods. For women imbalances may include PMS, painful periods, heavy bleeding, uterine fibroids.
It is important for women to sleep during 1-3 a.m. for regeneration of the blood.
Emotional Imbalances May Be: anger, irritability, excess of emotions, resentment, anger. The liver is in charge of planning and strategy. The gallbladder is in charge of decision making.
Remedies:
- Avoid excess exercise
- Drink Apple Cider Vinegar if craving sweet foods
- Use dry brushing to move the energy. See my post on dry brushing.
- Avoid alcohol, chemicals, drugs
- Improve your diet to assist your liver in detoxifying
- Consider your diet – what you are eating/drinking that may be too much for your liver?
- Take lots of walks and pace your exercise
- Before bed, write down and brainstorm all problems you need solutions for. Write the problem and an action you can take (in the morning) to get this off your mind at night.
- Practice kindness, compassion, generosity towards yourself and others
Breathe In Kindness, Breathe Out Anger
Nothing like an Ancient Chinese Secret
The above information was compiled by me from numerous sources.
I am not a doctor and please, see a professional with any serious health concerns.
The Meridian Organ Clock is a place to begin for obtaining balance for you physically and emotionally and is in no way considered medical advice from me.
For more on Traditional Chinese Medicine, I’ve found the information from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health helpful.
I hope you found this information eye-opening and as interesting as I do
Summary for the Meridian Organ Clock
Refer to the Chinese Medicine Meridian organ clock to see when you are:
- Having trouble sleeping
- Not feeling great during the day
Consider the Physical Imbalances and the Emotional Imbalances given by the clock.
Use the Remedies as Suggested if they seem relevant.
Enjoy improved sleep and feeling better during the day.
For more health tips, check out my ebook – Over 30 Plus Ways to Enhance Your Beauty Naturally from Head to Toe