07/06/2026
In Chinese medicine, we view time as far more than a way to organise our day — it’s a living force that influences the body, our organs, and the flow of energy within us, and the cycle of the planet itself ✨
Each organ is connected to a meridian, and each meridian follows a natural rhythm throughout the day. There are times when these systems are at their strongest, and times when they are more vulnerable. For example, our digestive organs are at their peak in the morning, making it the ideal time to nourish the body. By contrast, between 7–9pm, digestive fire is at its weakest, so heavy meals at this time can challenge the system over the long term.
Similarly, the liver — which plays a key role in the smooth flow of qi (our vital energy) — can be at a lower ebb in the early afternoon. Taking time to rest or slow down between 1–3pm can help support energy levels and maintain balance. It’s interesting to observe that many cultures around the world, still rooted in age-old ways of living rather than modern industrial patterns, naturally align with these rhythms.
These rhythms extend beyond the day into the cycles of the seasons. Summer, associated with the fire element, is the most yang — a time of activity, expansion, and outward energy. Winter, linked to water, is deeply yin — a period for rest, stillness, and nourishment. Aligning ourselves with these seasonal shifts supports long-term wellbeing.
We can also see these cycles reflected in the stages of life. Youth carries the qualities of the wood element — like spring, it is dynamic, expansive, and full of growth. Later life reflects the metal element — autumnal in nature, a time of slowing down, refinement, and inward focus.
By understanding and working with these natural cycles — in our daily routines, lifestyle, diet, and energy — we can support balance, resilience, and longevity.
If you’d like to explore this fascinating aspect of Chinese medicine in more depth, come and visit the Exeter Acupuncture Project. Together, we can work with the Chinese body clock and these natural rhythms to support your health, your energy, and your life.🌞