Finding balance with the natural rhythm

I would like to take more care of my well-being, but I have no time or money or patience …

How many times have we said this phrase? However the environment that surrounds us and the frenetic rhythms do not help us to put our decision into practice, to stop and finally take care of ourselves.

Often we don’t know that in order to take care of us, all we have to do is only balance in nutrition, air, water, exercise and a few other basic knowledge.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), becoming aware of the natural rhythms of our body and the environment around us can make a difference in improving our lifestyle and our well-being in general.

One distinction we can make for rhythms is definitely day / night. Our body is programmed to rest in the dark and be active during the day. So the first tip is to avoid, as far as possible, being exposed to screens and intense artificial light until late in the evening.

Rest should be prepared with a gradual slowing down of activity and exposure to stimuli in the evening hours.

The morning hours, on the other hand, are those in which you have the greatest physical and mental energy and therefore should be used to devote yourself to activities that require a lot of them.

For TCM, there are also meridians that are more active than others at certain times of the day and night, which alternate at the rate of about 2 hours.

The meridians are energy channels that flow along our body, pass through the main organs in depth and in some places reach the surface. Ki (or Qi), the vital energy, flows in these channels, but if there is no balance, disturbances can arise after long time.

Each pair of Meridians is associated with elements, colors, seasons, emotions, etc.

Beneficial effects can be obtained by stimulating certain points of the body through acupuncture, heating of these points (Moxibustion), pressure (Shiatsu and other massage techniques) and targeted physical exercises.

Now let’s see how the activities of the meridians alternate during the 24 hours:

METAL ELEMENT, AUTUMN SEASON, SADNESS EMOTION

From 3AM to 5AM

The most active meridian is the LUNG, important for the elimination of waste. It withholds what is needed and lets go of what is no longer needed. The best way to help this meridian during these hours is to SLEEP.

From 5AM to 7AM

The most active meridian is LARGE INTESTINE. The best way to help this meridian is to get out of bed, drink water, evacuate, and do some physical exercise. Yoga, Tai Chi Chuan, Qi Gong and walks are excellent. The 5 Tibetan rites are also excellent, preferably in the open air or at home by ventilating the room. The duration depends on the time available and on our physical condition. Even 10 minutes can be enough if done properly, with awareness and every day. Costancy is more important than duration.

EARTH ELEMENT, CORRESPONDS TO THE LAST 18 DAYS EVERY SEASON, REACHES ITS TOP AT THE END OF SUMMER, WORRYING EMOTION

From 7AM to 9AM

The most active meridian is the STOMACH. It transforms nutrients into energy and determines the correct flow of mental processes. In this time slot the best thing to do is a good breakfast, sit quietly, keep your mind clear of worries and then get ready for the day.

From 9AM to 11AM

The meridian of the SPLEEN is the most active. The Spleen for TCM is the organ that also presides over the shape of the body, which is important for maintaining a low weight. During these hours it is ideal to work hard whether you are doing physical or mental work. It would be good to allocate the most demanding duties to these hours.

FIRE ELEMENT, SUMMER SEASON, JOY EMOTION

From 11AM to 1PM

The most active meridian is the HEART. It allows you to be more creative and to devote yourself enthusiastically to what you love doing. It is still a good time slot to engage in work.

From 1PM to 3PM

Meridian of SMALL INTESTINE is the most active. This time is ideal for lunch and to start slowing things down a bit. During the lunch is ideal to eat seated, quietly and with a clear and calm mind.

WATER ELEMENT, WINTER SEASON, FEAR EMOTION

From 3PM to 5PM

The day has entered the Yin phase and the most active meridian is the BLADDER. At this time it is ideal to slow down and engage in routine and not so demanding activities such as planning the next day. Meditation is excellent. Also for meditation as for physical exercises the rule of regularity applies, better 10 minutes but every day, rather than one hour once a week. Try to always meditate at the same time and avoid doing it too late in the evening, when excessive fatigue can make us fall asleep.

From 5PM to 7PM

The most active meridian is the KIDNEY. The energy of the kidney is the only one that is never dispersed but can only be toned up. Right time to get away from lights and screens, preferring quiet activities and starting to mentally detach from the activities of the day. For energy balance it would be better to have a light dinner and eat early enough, perhaps by candlelight.

FIRE ELEMENT, SUMMER SEASON, JOY EMOTION

From 7PM to 9PM

The most active meridian is the PERICARDIUM (HEART PROTECTOR). These hours should be dedicated to relaxation, recreational activities that you love the most, dedicating yourself to hobbies, reading, listening to music, relationships with loved ones or activities that help you relax, regenerate and have fun. Prepare for a peaceful sleep, considering that a good number of hours of sleep is considered essential for well-being, especially in autumn and winter.

From 9PM to 11PM

The meridian of the TRIPLE HEATER is the most active. It is a meridian that affects the main organs related to metabolism. This is the best time to get ready to sleep.

WOOD ELEMENT, SPRING SEASON, ANGER EMOTION

From 11PM to 1AM

The most active meridian is the GALL BLADDER. It prepares the liver meridian peak activity which will occur from 1AM to 3AM. The best thing to do at this time is sleeping.

From 1AM to 3AM

The most active meridian is the LIVER, an important organ for the elimination of waste and for the repair of the organism. The best way to help its function during these hours is sleeping.

Now that we know how our meridians work, we can consistently learn to follow the natural flow of our energy to help our well-being. This is already a first step towards achieving our balance.