The Chinese Organ Clock – Glastonbury Acupuncture (2025)

The Chinese Organ Clock

Have you ever had a particular ailment that seemed to crop up at the same time every day? For example have you had a headache that starts at 5pm every evening? Or do you always wake up at exactly one in the morning and can’t get back to sleep? If there is no obvious reason as to why these things are occurring, then it may be a good idea to consult the Chinese medical organ clock.

According to this ancient theory, each two hour section of the day pertains to a different organ. This means that at specific times of the day, a certain organ will function at a higher metabolic rate, or as the Chinese say – have more Qi.

Circadian rhythms are a well-recognised phenomenon even in Western science and we are keenly attuned to the sun and the moon. However in this fast-paced world of ours, one governed by artificial light, we often lose touch with these natural rhythms that can affect our body and mind. This may lead to problems that manifest in a clear pattern that happens at the same time every day.

These cycles of Qi that flow through the organs, were mapped out as follows:

• 3am-5am – Lungs. This is the time of day when the energy of the Lungs is in its ascendency. This is the perfect time to wake up, meditate, and breathe in the Qi. On an emotional level we maybe processing grief at this time.
• 5am-7am – Large Intestine. This is the optimal time for elimination and letting go. Our bowel movements should ideally be happening now.
• 7am-9am – Stomach. At this point our gastric juices should be flowing and therefore is the perfect time for breakfast – this should preferably be the largest meal of the day.
• 9am-11am – Spleen. As the Spleen is converting our food in to Qi we should be feeling energised. As the Spleen is said to house our intellect, this is a good time to reason, ruminate and problem solve.
• 11am-1pm – Heart. The Heart governs the blood and it circulates nutrition and warmth throughout the body. It also houses our Shen or higher spirit. The emotion associated is joy but when out of balance a kind of manic behaviour can ensue. Palpitations at this time can indicate Heart issues.
• 1pm-3pm – Small Intestine. Here the focus is on sorting out that which is needed and that which is not. This is true on a physical, energetic and spiritual level. The Spanish have it right in that this is a good time for a siesta.
• 3pm- 5pm – Bladder. The bladder which is responsible for the storage and elimination of fluids is particularly active at this time. Signs of imbalance would include burning, incontinence and yeast infections. Tiredness here may indicate dehydration.
• 5pm-7pm – The Kidneys in Chinese medicine are seen as our batteries. A lower back pain that happens every day after work can indicate a depletion of our Kidney energy. Also associated with the adrenal fight or flight mechanism and fear. Use this time to for regeneration.
• 7pm to 9pm – This is the muscle that surrounds the heart and it is closely linked with the emotions of love and compassion. Support the pericardium function by spending this time with loved ones. A good time for romance and intimacy.
• 9pm-11pm – San Jiao – Otherwise known as the triple burner this is an energetic organ that doesn’t manifest physically. It is involved in the transportation of energy around the body. A good time for relaxing and rebalancing. Signs of imbalance may include excessive heat.
• 11pm-1am – Gall Bladder – Ideally we should be asleep at this point to aid the Gall Bladder with its functions of processing fats on a physical level and making decisions on the mental. Imbalances may present as insomnia or indecisiveness. Or both.
• 1am-3pm – Liver. The time when the Liver is busy cleaning and storing the energy of the blood. This is a classic time to wake up when we are emotionally stressed as the Liver becomes over-stimulated. Ideally we should be asleep so that the Hun, or the ethereal souls are free to wander out in to the dream world.

In an ideal world our lives would be in tune with this energetic clock system, but the pressures and stresses of the modern lifestyle means that we are often out of sync with it. It does however, pay to bear it in mind when we are seeking the cause of an imbalance.