The ancient Chinese divided one day into 12 Chinese hours, and the human body has 12 meridians, each running for one hour. By arranging your work and rest according to the main characteristics of the corresponding meridian, you can harmonize yin and yang and stay in the optimum state of health.
What are the 12 Chinese hours?
1. Zi hour (23:00-01:00): The biliary meridian
During the Zi hour, it is vital to get enough rest and nourish the biliary meridian, which is responsible for the health of the head. The first of the 12 Chinese hours, Zi hour, is the most yin time of the day. Yin refers to disappearance and restraint, so it is appropriate to go to sleep at this hour to rest. The biliary meridian is responsible for the health of the head. Anyone who sleeps well during the Zhi hour will wake up with a refreshed mind and a rosy complexion.
2. Chou hour (01:00-03:00): The liver meridian
During the Chou hour, it is essential to sleep and nourish the liver so that the blood can be rejuvenated and the toxins be discharged smoothly. At this hour, everything becomes clear from dusk, and dawn begins to appear. At this time, you should sleep and nourish the liver so that the blood can be rejuvenated and the toxins be discharged smoothly. If you do not sleep at this hour, your face will be haggard, react to things slowly and restlessly, and you will be prone to liver disease.
3. Yin hour (03:00-05:00): The lung meridian
During the Yin hour, it is crucial to get enough sleep to ensure the even distribution of energy and nutrients in the body. In the human body, only the lungs are positioned higher than the heart, and the energy in the human body also starts from the lung meridian. The lung meridian is most vigorous at this time; the more sleep you get, the better, which ensures the even distribution of energy and nutrients in the body. People who sleep well at this hour will have a lustrous complexion and remain energetic.
4. Mao hour (05:00-07:00): The large intestine meridian
During the Mao hour, getting up and drinking a cup of warm water to clear the intestines (a form of detoxification) and start a great day is appropriate. The sun rises from the east at this hour, and everything comes to life.
5. Chen hour (07:00-09:00): The stomach meridian
During the Chen hour, eating a mild and nourishing breakfast, such as thin porridge, eggs, milk, etc., is essential. Avoid eating spicy, greasy, or icy food. The sun has fully risen, and the body’s energy (yang) has been fully developed, so the body needs food to replenish. Breakfast is most easily digested and absorbed during this time.
6. Si hour (09:00-11:00): The spleen meridian
During the Si hour, it is important to exercise the body to promote blood circulation and help digestion in the stomach and intestines. The spleen is responsible for the transportation of nutrients in the body. The food eaten in the morning begins to digest at this time. It is appropriate to exercise the body to promote blood circulation and help digestion in the stomach and intestines. Avoid being sedentary for a long time.
7. Wu hour (11:00-13:00): The heart meridian
During the Wu hour, it is crucial to take a proper nap, which helps to nourish the heart and makes you energetic during the afternoon and evening. The sun reaches its highest position at noon, and the sunlight is most intense while the yang reaches its limit. A proper nap is vital as it benefits the heart, which is the master of the blood vessels.
8. Wei hour (13:00-15:00): The small intestine meridian
During the Wei hour, it is essential to drink more water, which facilitates detoxification of the small intestine. The sun moves to the west after midday, and you wake up from your nap and do your afternoon work with energy.
9. Shen hour (15:00-17:00): The bladder meridian
During the Shen hour, it is vital to take advantage of the best time for learning. This time of day is the best time for learning, as it is easy for the energy and nutrients in the body to be transferred to the brain along the bladder meridian at this hour.
10. You hour (17:00-19:00): The kidney meridian
During the You hour, it is important to replenish the kidney by working at sunrise and resting at sunset. The ancient Chinese believed that the most beautiful way of life was to work at dawn and relax in the evening. The kidneys are the main reservoir of the human essence and support the activities of the human body, so special attention should be paid to replenishing the kidneys.
11. Hsu hour (19:00-21:00): The pericardial meridian
During the Hsu hour, it is crucial to keep your mood relaxed. At this hour, the sun is sinking, and everything is hazy. It is advisable to keep your perspective calm.
12. Hai hour (21:00-23:00): The san-jiao meridian
During the Hai hour, it is important to get adequate rest, which benefits health and even achieves cosmetic effects. It is late at night, and people have already stopped their activities and fallen asleep. It is good to sleep at this time so that the body and mind can get adequate rest.
Final words
By following the principles of the 12 Chinese hours, you can ensure that your body is in balance and getting the rest and nourishment you need. This ancient system of health and wellness has been used for centuries to promote physical and mental well-being, and it can be a great way to ensure that you are taking care of your body and mind.
Translated by Audrey Wang
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