Basic health knowledge
Four essential elements of health: 1. Sufficient sleep. Each hour corresponds to the detoxification and recovery of a specific organ in the body. Let's start with the evening: Hai Hour (9 PM to 11 PM): The Triple Burner Meridian
is in charge. This is the time for the immune system (lymphatic system) to detoxify. During this time, it 's best to be quiet or listen to music.
The Triple Burner refers to the membranous area connecting the five internal organs. The Triple Burner must be unobstructed; obstruction leads
to illness. Zi Hour (11 PM to 1 AM): The Gallbladder Meridian is in charge. Gallbladder detoxification requires deep sleep.
A strange phenomenon exists: after dinner, we feel drowsy around 8 or 9 PM, but become wide awake around 11 PM. This is why many people habitually start work after 11 PM. Some people also feel the urge to eat something around 11 PM and search for food in the house. Why is this? This is because this is precisely when Yang energy begins to rise, so a very important principle is to go to sleep before 11 pm . This allows the body to slowly nurture this vital energy. Sleep is closely related to lifespan, so sleeping is about nourishing Yang energy . The Zi hour (11 am to 1 pm) is the darkest time of day, when Yang energy begins to rise. The *Huangdi Neijing* states, "All eleven organs depend on the gallbladder." The rise of gallbladder energy is crucial for the overall health of the body . Nourishing the body during the Zi hour is vital for the entire day. The Chou hour (1 am to 3 am): The liver meridian is
dominant during this time. Liver detoxification requires deep sleep.
Good sleep during this time is essential; otherwise, the liver cannot be nourished. Yang energy rises during this time, and this is called the Chou hour. What is the Chou hour like? The character "丑" (chou) is like the head of a typing needle , or the hand being restrained. Similarly, while Yang energy rises, it must be restrained and controlled ; there must be a decline within the rise. Therefore, to nourish liver blood, one should sleep well between 1 AM and 3 AM. Yin Shi (
3 AM to 5 AM): The Lung Meridian is at its peak, and this is the time for lung detoxification. This is why people with coughs cough most severely during this period, as the detoxification process has reached the lungs; cough suppressants should not be used to avoid inhibiting the elimination of waste.
This time marks the beginning of the transformation from stillness to activity, a process requiring deep sleep. The deepest sleep is between 3 AM and 5 AM, precisely when the body's Qi and blood are transitioning from stillness to activity, accomplished through deep sleep. Elderly people with poor heart function are not advised to exercise early in the morning; those with heart disease must get up later and slowly, and morning exercise is also discouraged. The evening is a time of gloom and darkness, so you can be more active then. Morning is the time when Yang energy rises, so you should follow this natural rise. The hour of Mao (
5-7 AM ): The Large Intestine
Meridian is at its peak. During this time, the large intestine detoxifies, so you should go to the toilet to defecate. At this time, it's basically light outside, the "heavenly gate" is open, so waking up at 5 AM is normal. We should defecate normally at this time to expel waste and toxins. This represents the opening of the "earthly gate," meaning the anus should be open, so you should develop the habit of defecating in the morning. If you have difficulty defecating, you should hold your breath, not clench your fist. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the lungs and large intestine are internally and externally related; sufficient lung Qi is necessary for defecation. Okay, that's all for sleep. I won't talk about daytime. Second: An optimistic attitude. A smile makes you ten years younger. There's an old saying that anger damages the liver and kidneys. No matter what happens, treat it with a calm mind. Third: Moderate exercise. Health lies in activity, and life lies in movement. Exercise can increase physical health, enhance immunity, and strengthen organ vitality. Fourth: A balanced diet. This is more complex and involves a wide range of aspects. Let's talk about the seven essential nutrients for humans: 1. Protein. Fish, meat, beans, eggs, and milk are rich in protein. 2. Carbohydrates. Also called sugars, rice, wheat flour, millet, corn, sweet potatoes, etc. are all sugars. 3. Fat. Carbohydrates that are not used up by the body can be converted into fat. In addition, meat is the best source of fat. 4. Vitamins. As the name suggests, these are elements that maintain human life. All foods contain various vitamins. Vitamins include: Vitamin A, the B vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, etc. 5. Minerals. These are what everyone knows. Calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, chromium, etc. 6. Cellulose. There are two types: 1. Water-soluble cellulose and 2. Lignocellulose. Water-soluble cellulose plays an important role in cleaning impurities in blood vessels; lignincellulose plays an important role in cleaning the large intestine. 7. Water. Water is the source of life. Plain boiled water is best, and it should be consumed in small, frequent sips. The 12 two-hour periods correspond to the body's organ functions
: Hai Hour
(9 PM to 11 PM): The Triple Burner Meridian is dominant. This is the time for the immune system (lymphatic system) to detoxify. During this time, one should be quiet or listen to music. The Triple Burner refers to the membranous area connecting the five internal organs. The Triple Burner must be unobstructed; obstruction leads to illness. The character "Hai" in ancient Chinese means the rebirth of life, so to give your body a good start, you must begin with good sleep at this time. Older adults may have difficulty sleeping, but regardless of the method, try to fall asleep before 10:30 PM.
Zi Hour (11 PM to 1 AM): The Gallbladder Meridian
is dominant. This is the time for the gallbladder to detoxify, which requires deep sleep.
There's a strange phenomenon in life: after dinner, we feel drowsy around 8 or 9 PM, but become awake around 11 PM. Therefore, many people are now accustomed to starting work after 11 PM. Some people feel the urge to eat something around 11 PM and search for food in the house. Why is this? It's because this is precisely when Yang energy begins to rise. Therefore, a crucial principle is to sleep before 11 PM to gradually nurture this vital energy. Sleep is closely related to lifespan, so sleeping nourishes Yang energy. The period from midnight (11 PM to 1 AM) is the darkest time of day, when Yang energy begins to rise. The *Huangdi Neijing* states, "All eleven organs depend on the gallbladder." The rise of gallbladder energy is essential for the overall flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. Maintaining good sleep during midnight is crucial for the entire day. The Chou Hour
(1-3 AM) : The Liver Meridian is dominant during this time. Liver detoxification requires deep sleep.
Good sleep during this period is crucial; otherwise, your liver won't be nourished. Yang energy rises during this time, and the character "Chou" resembles a hand being restrained. This symbolizes that while Yang energy rises, it must be controlled and restrained—there must be a balance between rising and falling. Therefore, to nourish liver blood, it's essential to sleep well between 1-3 AM. The Yin Hour (
3-5 AM): The Lung Meridian is dominant during this time. This is why people with coughs cough most severely during this period, as the detoxification process has reached the lungs. Cough suppressants should not be used to avoid inhibiting the elimination of waste products.
This time marks the beginning of the transition from stillness to activity, a process of transformation that requires deep sleep. The deepest sleep is typically between 3 and 5 AM, precisely when the body's Qi and blood are transitioning from stillness to movement, a process completed through deep sleep. Elderly people with poor heart function are not advised to exercise early in the morning, and those with heart conditions should get up later and slowly, also avoiding morning exercise. The evening is a time of gloom, so you can be more active then. The morning is when Yang Qi rises, so you should follow its natural flow. The Mao hour (
5-7 AM): The Large Intestine Meridian is dominant. During this time, the large intestine detoxifies, so you should go to the toilet to defecate.
By this time, it's basically light, the "heavenly gate" is open, and waking up at 5 AM is normal. We should defecate normally at this time to expel waste and toxins. This time also represents the opening of the "earthly gate," meaning the anus should be open, so cultivate the habit of defecating in the morning. If you have difficulty defecating, hold your breath instead of clenching your fist. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the lungs and large intestine are internally and externally related; sufficient lung Qi is necessary for defecation. Chen
Shi (7-9 AM) : The Stomach Meridian is at its peak. This is the time when the small intestine absorbs nutrients in large quantities, and breakfast should be eaten during this period. Those undergoing treatment should eat early, before 6:30 AM, while those focused on health maintenance should eat before 7:30 AM. Those who don't eat breakfast should change their habits; even eating at 9 or 10 AM is better than not eating at all.
The Stomach Meridian is a long meridian along the front of the body. Stomach pain is a problem with the Stomach Meridian, and knee pain and foot pain are also related to the Stomach Meridian. These areas are all along the Stomach Meridian's pathway. Many people experience knee pain, which is easily misdiagnosed as arthritis. Eating breakfast at this time replenishes nutrients. This is when the Yang energy of heaven and earth is at its peak, making breakfast the easiest time for digestion. Eating a large breakfast will not cause weight gain because the Spleen and Stomach Meridians are actively involved in digestion. Therefore, breakfast should be plentiful and nutritious. Eating breakfast is as precious as "spring rain is as precious as oil." 9-11 AM: The Spleen Meridian
is in charge.
The spleen governs digestion and transformation; the food we eat in the morning begins to be digested at this time. Our stomach is like a pot; how do we digest food? It relies on fire, gradually breaking down the contents of the spleen and stomach. What is the spleen? The right side of the character for spleen is "卑" (bēi), like an ancient maidservant tending a fire, adding firewood and fanning the flames. Among the five internal organs, the spleen is like a busy little maidservant; but if it becomes ill, the entire household of our five internal organs will be uncomfortable, leading to so-called "diseases of affluence," such as diabetes. Symptoms like weight loss, drooling, and edema are all indicative of spleen problems.
11-1 PM: The Heart Meridian is in charge.
The Zi and Wu hours are the points of transition between the energies of heaven and earth; the human body should also pay attention to these points of transition. For ordinary people, taking a midday nap is crucial. Sleeping at 11 PM or after lunch, or even just closing your eyes for a short while if you can't fall asleep, is beneficial. This is because the energy of heaven and earth transforms during this time. We shouldn't disturb this transformation; you don't have the energy to interfere with it. So what should you do? Rest, remaining calm amidst change. Taking a nap at this time is essential for your health. The Wei hour
(1 PM to 3 PM) is when the Small Intestine meridian is dominant.
The small intestine is responsible for absorption; its function is to absorb the essence of food digested by the spleen and stomach and then distribute it to various organs. Lunch should be substantial and nutritious. The heart and small intestine are internally and externally related. The exterior is Yang, and the interior is Yin. If Yang has a problem, Yin will also have a problem, and vice versa. Heart disease may initially manifest in the small intestine meridian. Some patients experience chest tightness and palpitations around 2 PM every day, but hospital tests show no heart problems. This is because the small intestine is Yang, representing the external. If there's a problem in a sensitive area on the outside, the heart on the inside will definitely have problems as well. Shen Shi (
3 PM to 5 PM): The Bladder Meridian is in charge.
The Bladder Meridian runs from the heel along the back of the lower leg, down the spine on both sides, all the way to the brain; it's a major meridian. For example, leg pain indicates a problem with the Bladder Meridian, specifically Yang deficiency, a sign of Taiyang meridian deficiency. Headaches at the back of the head also indicate a Bladder Meridian problem, and memory decline is also related to the Bladder Meridian, mainly due to insufficient Yang Qi and blood flow, leading to memory decline. If you feel particularly sleepy at this time, it's a sign of Yang deficiency. You Shi (
5 PM to 7 PM): The Kidney Meridian is in charge.
The Kidney stores essence. What is essence? A person's essence is like "money" in their home; it can buy and convert into anything. Wherever there's a problem with the body's cells and tissues, essence will transform into it or help it. Essence is the most creative primal force in the human body. When you need something, you can draw upon your essence to obtain it. For example, if you lack red blood cells, your essence will manifest as red blood cells. From another perspective, vital energy (yuanqi) is stored in the kidneys. Vital energy is something we are born with, what is called "a person lives on a breath." Where is this vital energy stored? It is stored in the kidneys. That's why people at a certain age pay attention to tonifying the kidneys. However, the body has its own system; if the meridians are not smooth, no amount of supplements will be effective—they won't be absorbed. You must consider your own digestive and absorption capacity. One manifestation of sufficient kidney essence is ambition. For example, elderly people with insufficient essence will have low aspirations, while children with sufficient essence will have high aspirations. Therefore, to achieve great things, one must first preserve their kidney essence. The
7 PM to 9 PM: The pericardium meridian is dominant.
The pericardium is the outer membrane of the heart, mainly protecting the normal functioning of the myocardium. People should prepare to fall asleep or enter a light sleep state at this time. The heart is not susceptible to evil influences, so who is? The pericardium is susceptible. Many heart problems can be attributed to diseases of the pericardium meridian. If your heart is beating very fast, it means your pericardium is affected by pathogenic factors. First, your heart will pound, and then the problem will travel along the pericardium meridian. The principle of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is to treat diseases from the internal organs (Zang organs) to the viscera ( Fu organs), so understanding meridians allows you to treat this type of illness. The pericardium meridian also governs joy and happiness. Therefore, the body should engage in some recreational
activities during this time. Any attempt to alter the biological clock will leave the body with inexplicable illnesses, and it will be too late to regret it 20 or 30 years later.
The period from midnight to 4 AM is the time for the spine to produce blood; you must be asleep during this time and should not stay up late. Frequently staying up late will prevent blood production; what do you think will happen if blood cannot be produced? Good luck! Eat breakfast at 7 AM, because this is when the stomach meridian is dominant, and the next hour is when the spleen meridian is dominant, making it an excellent time to eat breakfast. Breakfast should ideally be rich and substantial—eat well and be filling. This is when the Yang energy of heaven and earth is at its peak, making breakfast the easiest to digest. Eating a large breakfast will not cause weight gain. Because the spleen and stomach meridians are involved in digestion, breakfast must be plentiful and nutritious. Breakfast is as precious as spring rain.
Lunch is at 12 noon. This is the time of transformation of the Qi of heaven and earth, that is, the return of Yang Qi and the beginning of the rise of Yin Qi (midnight is the beginning of the return of Yin Qi and the rise of Yang Qi). Therefore, eating is essential; sufficient nutrition can effectively promote the rise of Yin Qi. Ideally, one should sleep for half an hour at this time; even if one cannot sleep, closing one's eyes and sitting quietly for a while is beneficial. Dinner is best eaten at 6:30 pm. This is the time when the kidney meridian is dominant. Humans have three treasures: spirit, Qi, and essence. The kidneys store essence, which is primordial Qi. Essence is the most creative and primordial force in the human body. When you need something, you can obtain it by drawing upon essence. For example, if you lack red blood cells, essence will manifest as red blood cells. From another perspective, primordial Qi is something we are born with, the so-called "life depends on a breath." Therefore, health is that simple: simply eat regularly, and you will have a healthy body.
Includes a health song: "Three meals a day are very important, eat on time and in the right amount, don't be picky or selective about your food, and know how to maintain a balanced diet. Breakfast should be hearty and nutritious, lunch should be substantial, dinner should be light and only until you're 80% full, and you should go to bed around 10 pm. The day's plan starts in the morning, so get up early and do some morning exercise. A happy mood keeps you energetic, and a regular daily routine keeps you healthy."
Health
is in charge. This is the time for the immune system (lymphatic system) to detoxify. During this time, it 's best to be quiet or listen to music.
The Triple Burner refers to the membranous area connecting the five internal organs. The Triple Burner must be unobstructed; obstruction leads
to illness. Zi Hour (11 PM to 1 AM): The Gallbladder Meridian is in charge. Gallbladder detoxification requires deep sleep.
A strange phenomenon exists: after dinner, we feel drowsy around 8 or 9 PM, but become wide awake around 11 PM. This is why many people habitually start work after 11 PM. Some people also feel the urge to eat something around 11 PM and search for food in the house. Why is this? This is because this is precisely when Yang energy begins to rise, so a very important principle is to go to sleep before 11 pm . This allows the body to slowly nurture this vital energy. Sleep is closely related to lifespan, so sleeping is about nourishing Yang energy . The Zi hour (11 am to 1 pm) is the darkest time of day, when Yang energy begins to rise. The *Huangdi Neijing* states, "All eleven organs depend on the gallbladder." The rise of gallbladder energy is crucial for the overall health of the body . Nourishing the body during the Zi hour is vital for the entire day. The Chou hour (1 am to 3 am): The liver meridian is
dominant during this time. Liver detoxification requires deep sleep.
Good sleep during this time is essential; otherwise, the liver cannot be nourished. Yang energy rises during this time, and this is called the Chou hour. What is the Chou hour like? The character "丑" (chou) is like the head of a typing needle , or the hand being restrained. Similarly, while Yang energy rises, it must be restrained and controlled ; there must be a decline within the rise. Therefore, to nourish liver blood, one should sleep well between 1 AM and 3 AM. Yin Shi (
3 AM to 5 AM): The Lung Meridian is at its peak, and this is the time for lung detoxification. This is why people with coughs cough most severely during this period, as the detoxification process has reached the lungs; cough suppressants should not be used to avoid inhibiting the elimination of waste.
This time marks the beginning of the transformation from stillness to activity, a process requiring deep sleep. The deepest sleep is between 3 AM and 5 AM, precisely when the body's Qi and blood are transitioning from stillness to activity, accomplished through deep sleep. Elderly people with poor heart function are not advised to exercise early in the morning; those with heart disease must get up later and slowly, and morning exercise is also discouraged. The evening is a time of gloom and darkness, so you can be more active then. Morning is the time when Yang energy rises, so you should follow this natural rise. The hour of Mao (
5-7 AM ): The Large Intestine
Meridian is at its peak. During this time, the large intestine detoxifies, so you should go to the toilet to defecate. At this time, it's basically light outside, the "heavenly gate" is open, so waking up at 5 AM is normal. We should defecate normally at this time to expel waste and toxins. This represents the opening of the "earthly gate," meaning the anus should be open, so you should develop the habit of defecating in the morning. If you have difficulty defecating, you should hold your breath, not clench your fist. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the lungs and large intestine are internally and externally related; sufficient lung Qi is necessary for defecation. Okay, that's all for sleep. I won't talk about daytime. Second: An optimistic attitude. A smile makes you ten years younger. There's an old saying that anger damages the liver and kidneys. No matter what happens, treat it with a calm mind. Third: Moderate exercise. Health lies in activity, and life lies in movement. Exercise can increase physical health, enhance immunity, and strengthen organ vitality. Fourth: A balanced diet. This is more complex and involves a wide range of aspects. Let's talk about the seven essential nutrients for humans: 1. Protein. Fish, meat, beans, eggs, and milk are rich in protein. 2. Carbohydrates. Also called sugars, rice, wheat flour, millet, corn, sweet potatoes, etc. are all sugars. 3. Fat. Carbohydrates that are not used up by the body can be converted into fat. In addition, meat is the best source of fat. 4. Vitamins. As the name suggests, these are elements that maintain human life. All foods contain various vitamins. Vitamins include: Vitamin A, the B vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, etc. 5. Minerals. These are what everyone knows. Calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, chromium, etc. 6. Cellulose. There are two types: 1. Water-soluble cellulose and 2. Lignocellulose. Water-soluble cellulose plays an important role in cleaning impurities in blood vessels; lignincellulose plays an important role in cleaning the large intestine. 7. Water. Water is the source of life. Plain boiled water is best, and it should be consumed in small, frequent sips. The 12 two-hour periods correspond to the body's organ functions
: Hai Hour
(9 PM to 11 PM): The Triple Burner Meridian is dominant. This is the time for the immune system (lymphatic system) to detoxify. During this time, one should be quiet or listen to music. The Triple Burner refers to the membranous area connecting the five internal organs. The Triple Burner must be unobstructed; obstruction leads to illness. The character "Hai" in ancient Chinese means the rebirth of life, so to give your body a good start, you must begin with good sleep at this time. Older adults may have difficulty sleeping, but regardless of the method, try to fall asleep before 10:30 PM.
Zi Hour (11 PM to 1 AM): The Gallbladder Meridian
is dominant. This is the time for the gallbladder to detoxify, which requires deep sleep.
There's a strange phenomenon in life: after dinner, we feel drowsy around 8 or 9 PM, but become awake around 11 PM. Therefore, many people are now accustomed to starting work after 11 PM. Some people feel the urge to eat something around 11 PM and search for food in the house. Why is this? It's because this is precisely when Yang energy begins to rise. Therefore, a crucial principle is to sleep before 11 PM to gradually nurture this vital energy. Sleep is closely related to lifespan, so sleeping nourishes Yang energy. The period from midnight (11 PM to 1 AM) is the darkest time of day, when Yang energy begins to rise. The *Huangdi Neijing* states, "All eleven organs depend on the gallbladder." The rise of gallbladder energy is essential for the overall flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. Maintaining good sleep during midnight is crucial for the entire day. The Chou Hour
(1-3 AM) : The Liver Meridian is dominant during this time. Liver detoxification requires deep sleep.
Good sleep during this period is crucial; otherwise, your liver won't be nourished. Yang energy rises during this time, and the character "Chou" resembles a hand being restrained. This symbolizes that while Yang energy rises, it must be controlled and restrained—there must be a balance between rising and falling. Therefore, to nourish liver blood, it's essential to sleep well between 1-3 AM. The Yin Hour (
3-5 AM): The Lung Meridian is dominant during this time. This is why people with coughs cough most severely during this period, as the detoxification process has reached the lungs. Cough suppressants should not be used to avoid inhibiting the elimination of waste products.
This time marks the beginning of the transition from stillness to activity, a process of transformation that requires deep sleep. The deepest sleep is typically between 3 and 5 AM, precisely when the body's Qi and blood are transitioning from stillness to movement, a process completed through deep sleep. Elderly people with poor heart function are not advised to exercise early in the morning, and those with heart conditions should get up later and slowly, also avoiding morning exercise. The evening is a time of gloom, so you can be more active then. The morning is when Yang Qi rises, so you should follow its natural flow. The Mao hour (
5-7 AM): The Large Intestine Meridian is dominant. During this time, the large intestine detoxifies, so you should go to the toilet to defecate.
By this time, it's basically light, the "heavenly gate" is open, and waking up at 5 AM is normal. We should defecate normally at this time to expel waste and toxins. This time also represents the opening of the "earthly gate," meaning the anus should be open, so cultivate the habit of defecating in the morning. If you have difficulty defecating, hold your breath instead of clenching your fist. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the lungs and large intestine are internally and externally related; sufficient lung Qi is necessary for defecation. Chen
Shi (7-9 AM) : The Stomach Meridian is at its peak. This is the time when the small intestine absorbs nutrients in large quantities, and breakfast should be eaten during this period. Those undergoing treatment should eat early, before 6:30 AM, while those focused on health maintenance should eat before 7:30 AM. Those who don't eat breakfast should change their habits; even eating at 9 or 10 AM is better than not eating at all.
The Stomach Meridian is a long meridian along the front of the body. Stomach pain is a problem with the Stomach Meridian, and knee pain and foot pain are also related to the Stomach Meridian. These areas are all along the Stomach Meridian's pathway. Many people experience knee pain, which is easily misdiagnosed as arthritis. Eating breakfast at this time replenishes nutrients. This is when the Yang energy of heaven and earth is at its peak, making breakfast the easiest time for digestion. Eating a large breakfast will not cause weight gain because the Spleen and Stomach Meridians are actively involved in digestion. Therefore, breakfast should be plentiful and nutritious. Eating breakfast is as precious as "spring rain is as precious as oil." 9-11 AM: The Spleen Meridian
is in charge.
The spleen governs digestion and transformation; the food we eat in the morning begins to be digested at this time. Our stomach is like a pot; how do we digest food? It relies on fire, gradually breaking down the contents of the spleen and stomach. What is the spleen? The right side of the character for spleen is "卑" (bēi), like an ancient maidservant tending a fire, adding firewood and fanning the flames. Among the five internal organs, the spleen is like a busy little maidservant; but if it becomes ill, the entire household of our five internal organs will be uncomfortable, leading to so-called "diseases of affluence," such as diabetes. Symptoms like weight loss, drooling, and edema are all indicative of spleen problems.
11-1 PM: The Heart Meridian is in charge.
The Zi and Wu hours are the points of transition between the energies of heaven and earth; the human body should also pay attention to these points of transition. For ordinary people, taking a midday nap is crucial. Sleeping at 11 PM or after lunch, or even just closing your eyes for a short while if you can't fall asleep, is beneficial. This is because the energy of heaven and earth transforms during this time. We shouldn't disturb this transformation; you don't have the energy to interfere with it. So what should you do? Rest, remaining calm amidst change. Taking a nap at this time is essential for your health. The Wei hour
(1 PM to 3 PM) is when the Small Intestine meridian is dominant.
The small intestine is responsible for absorption; its function is to absorb the essence of food digested by the spleen and stomach and then distribute it to various organs. Lunch should be substantial and nutritious. The heart and small intestine are internally and externally related. The exterior is Yang, and the interior is Yin. If Yang has a problem, Yin will also have a problem, and vice versa. Heart disease may initially manifest in the small intestine meridian. Some patients experience chest tightness and palpitations around 2 PM every day, but hospital tests show no heart problems. This is because the small intestine is Yang, representing the external. If there's a problem in a sensitive area on the outside, the heart on the inside will definitely have problems as well. Shen Shi (
3 PM to 5 PM): The Bladder Meridian is in charge.
The Bladder Meridian runs from the heel along the back of the lower leg, down the spine on both sides, all the way to the brain; it's a major meridian. For example, leg pain indicates a problem with the Bladder Meridian, specifically Yang deficiency, a sign of Taiyang meridian deficiency. Headaches at the back of the head also indicate a Bladder Meridian problem, and memory decline is also related to the Bladder Meridian, mainly due to insufficient Yang Qi and blood flow, leading to memory decline. If you feel particularly sleepy at this time, it's a sign of Yang deficiency. You Shi (
5 PM to 7 PM): The Kidney Meridian is in charge.
The Kidney stores essence. What is essence? A person's essence is like "money" in their home; it can buy and convert into anything. Wherever there's a problem with the body's cells and tissues, essence will transform into it or help it. Essence is the most creative primal force in the human body. When you need something, you can draw upon your essence to obtain it. For example, if you lack red blood cells, your essence will manifest as red blood cells. From another perspective, vital energy (yuanqi) is stored in the kidneys. Vital energy is something we are born with, what is called "a person lives on a breath." Where is this vital energy stored? It is stored in the kidneys. That's why people at a certain age pay attention to tonifying the kidneys. However, the body has its own system; if the meridians are not smooth, no amount of supplements will be effective—they won't be absorbed. You must consider your own digestive and absorption capacity. One manifestation of sufficient kidney essence is ambition. For example, elderly people with insufficient essence will have low aspirations, while children with sufficient essence will have high aspirations. Therefore, to achieve great things, one must first preserve their kidney essence. The
7 PM to 9 PM: The pericardium meridian is dominant.
The pericardium is the outer membrane of the heart, mainly protecting the normal functioning of the myocardium. People should prepare to fall asleep or enter a light sleep state at this time. The heart is not susceptible to evil influences, so who is? The pericardium is susceptible. Many heart problems can be attributed to diseases of the pericardium meridian. If your heart is beating very fast, it means your pericardium is affected by pathogenic factors. First, your heart will pound, and then the problem will travel along the pericardium meridian. The principle of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is to treat diseases from the internal organs (Zang organs) to the viscera ( Fu organs), so understanding meridians allows you to treat this type of illness. The pericardium meridian also governs joy and happiness. Therefore, the body should engage in some recreational
activities during this time. Any attempt to alter the biological clock will leave the body with inexplicable illnesses, and it will be too late to regret it 20 or 30 years later.
The period from midnight to 4 AM is the time for the spine to produce blood; you must be asleep during this time and should not stay up late. Frequently staying up late will prevent blood production; what do you think will happen if blood cannot be produced? Good luck! Eat breakfast at 7 AM, because this is when the stomach meridian is dominant, and the next hour is when the spleen meridian is dominant, making it an excellent time to eat breakfast. Breakfast should ideally be rich and substantial—eat well and be filling. This is when the Yang energy of heaven and earth is at its peak, making breakfast the easiest to digest. Eating a large breakfast will not cause weight gain. Because the spleen and stomach meridians are involved in digestion, breakfast must be plentiful and nutritious. Breakfast is as precious as spring rain.
Lunch is at 12 noon. This is the time of transformation of the Qi of heaven and earth, that is, the return of Yang Qi and the beginning of the rise of Yin Qi (midnight is the beginning of the return of Yin Qi and the rise of Yang Qi). Therefore, eating is essential; sufficient nutrition can effectively promote the rise of Yin Qi. Ideally, one should sleep for half an hour at this time; even if one cannot sleep, closing one's eyes and sitting quietly for a while is beneficial. Dinner is best eaten at 6:30 pm. This is the time when the kidney meridian is dominant. Humans have three treasures: spirit, Qi, and essence. The kidneys store essence, which is primordial Qi. Essence is the most creative and primordial force in the human body. When you need something, you can obtain it by drawing upon essence. For example, if you lack red blood cells, essence will manifest as red blood cells. From another perspective, primordial Qi is something we are born with, the so-called "life depends on a breath." Therefore, health is that simple: simply eat regularly, and you will have a healthy body.
Includes a health song: "Three meals a day are very important, eat on time and in the right amount, don't be picky or selective about your food, and know how to maintain a balanced diet. Breakfast should be hearty and nutritious, lunch should be substantial, dinner should be light and only until you're 80% full, and you should go to bed around 10 pm. The day's plan starts in the morning, so get up early and do some morning exercise. A happy mood keeps you energetic, and a regular daily routine keeps you healthy."