tune into qi: understanding the 24-hour qi clock
summary
In this interview for Spirit & Destiny Magazine, David James Lees explains the importance of Qi (chi) energy flow in traditional Chinese medicine and how you can harmonise your mind and body with the 24-hour cycle of Qi for greater health and wellbeing.
“…In Chinese medicine, the organs of your body and their Qi energy harmonise with the rhythm of the 24-hour clock… For optimum wellbeing, you should create a self-care regime that attunes to each organ throughout the day…”
your qi (chi) flow and balance
What is Qi and why is it so important?
Qi (chi) is a Chinese word that describes the concept of an eternal healing life-force or energy. The ancient Taoists believed that everything in the Universe is made up of Qi, including you.
Your Qi energy is like a river or stream of energy moving around your body, through the important energy channels or ‘meridians’ that connect all your vital organs. When your Qi is flowing smoothly and steadily this leads to good health but if the flow is too fast, too slow or is blocked, this leads to ill-health.
What happens when Qi is out of balance – and why might Qi become unbalanced?
You are a natural healer. If your Qi energy is temporarily disrupted because of a life or health challenge, it will normally rebalance itself to restore good health.
Problems arise, however, when any unhealthy lifestyle habits or negative patterns of thinking (critical self-talk etc.) cause your flow of Qi to become disrupted, stagnated or blocked.
This can lead to a wide range of physical and emotional health problems, ranging from muscular pain and tension, digestive problems, headaches and insomnia, to stress, anxiety and depression.
the 24-hour qi cycle
In Chinese medicine, the organs of your body and their Qi energy harmonise with the rhythm of the 24-hour clock. For every organ, there is a period of time when its Qi flow is strongest. For optimum wellbeing, you should create a self-care regime that attunes to each organ throughout the day…
3.00am-5.00am: Lungs
Start your day with some lung expanding breathing exercises, qigong meditation or yoga. Lung energy is associated with the emotions of grief and sadness, so if you ever wake with a cough, shortage of breath or feeling blue, you should consider if you have any unresolved emotional issues to address.
5.00am-7.00am: Large Intestine
Time to do a bathroom cleanse and let go of waste products from your body. An early morning mindful meditation will also help release unhelpful, ‘stagnant’ and rigid ways of thinking that are blocking your energy and create space within for fresh and positive Qi to enter your life.
7.00am-9.00am: Stomach
There is a Chinese proverb that says: ‘breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper’. Nurture yourself with a hearty, well-balanced breakfast and allow the Stomach to work its magic while its energy is strongest.
9.00am-11.00am: Spleen
The Spleen is connected to mental processing so this is a wonderful time to answer emails, do your financial budgeting, tackle a challenging project and get on with the general nitty-gritty administration of daily life.
11.00am-1.00pm: Heart
Boost your Heart energy when it is at its most buoyant – have some lunchtime fun and laughter with friends, practise a short loving-kindness meditation or do something joyful and fulfilling that connects to your authentic passion and purpose.
1.00pm-3.00pm: Small Intestine
Allow the Small Intestine to fully absorb the nourishment and goodness of your lunch by taking a short rest after lunch. This organ is all about filtering and discernment, so it’s time to review challenging issues at work or home and make any important decisions that you have been putting off.
3.00pm-5.00pm: Bladder
Support your Bladder by ensuring that you are drinking and releasing enough fluids. This organ is connected to the emotion of fear, so work on releasing negative self-talk or beliefs that you are holding you back. Visualise a healing flow of water washing these unwanted thoughts away.
5.00pm-7.00pm: Kidney
The Kidney is all about inner-wisdom, strength and grounding. Time to pause, recharge yourself physically and mentally, and reconnect to the authentic ‘source’ of who you really are. If you can, get outside and stand quietly in nature (a garden or park) to help you get earthed.
7.00pm-9.00pm: Pericardium
This organ is known as the ‘heart-protector’ and it supports your love for yourself and others. This is the perfect time to tell those close to you that you love them, get intimate with your partner, or simply focus on some nurturing and pampering for you!
9.00pm-11.00pm: Triple Burner (San Jiao)
It’s a big world out there and the Triple Burner all about establishing a connection with others and the wider Universe. Make the most of this time by meeting up with friends, or go for a stroll and connect to the sights and sounds of the night.
11.00pm–1.00am: Gall Bladder
Time to relax, switch off and allow the body to regenerate and repair itself. The Gall Bladder is associated with the emotion of resentment, so provide a healthy counterbalance by writing out a gratitude list before bedtime that focusses on the positive highlights of your day.
1.00am-3.00am: Liver
This Liver is associated with mental strategising and the emotions of anger and frustration. If you awake in the night with your mind in turmoil, know that this is not the time for overthinking. Make a promise to yourself to deal with any issues fresh in the morning and calm your thoughts with a simple mindful breathing exercise.
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