Quality sleep often feels elusive in the hustle and bustle of modern living. Even on a peaceful night,
there is that sneaky 3am wake up to use the restroom, which completely disrupts the night’s sleep cycle. While this may seem like a normal occurrence, if regular, it can point to deeper issues within the body. Trouble falling asleep, trouble staying awake, waking too early, or any other struggle associated with sleep may have a deeper meaning, and understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teachings may be the start to sleeping better. The TCM body clock is a great guide to the different organs and their role in sleep, and can be used to help pinpoint which organ needs support. Practices like diet change, herbs, and acupuncture can offer that support. Sleep is a crucial component of TCM teachings, and is the most important factor in keeping our bodies functioning optimally.
TCM Body Clock
The TCM body clock breaks the body’s internal clock into 12 2-hour intervals which are associated with an organ, meridian, and time. During restful sleep, Qi flows abundantly throughout the body, maintaining physical, emotional, and mental balance. If you consistently wake at the same time each night, there may be a physical or emotional issue with that organ that needs to be addressed.
11pm-1am- Gallbladder/Wood/Yang:
Action- sleep, release bile, cellular repair, build blood cells
Physical symptoms- indigestion, difficulty metabolizing fats, headaches
Emotional symptoms- bitterness, resentment, indecision, emotional stagnation
Treatments- Acupuncture can target the gallbladder meridians to regulate Qi and improve digestive function. Herbal formulas can be used to clear heat and support gallbladder health. Avoid fatty and greasy foods, and practice mindfulness to release resentment and clear emotional stagnation
1am-3am- Liver/Wood/Yin:
Action- Deep sleep, detox blood, rest and recovery, smooth flow of Qi
Physical symptoms- tension, irritability, digestive disturbances, too much Yang, disturbance in detoxification pathways, liver congestion, excess toxins
Emotional symptoms- anger, frustration, stress, suppressed emotions
Treatments- Acupuncture targets points along the liver meridian, unblocking stagnant Qi. Herbal remedies restore balance to liver Qi, and reducing alcohol, toxins, and stress while incorporating relaxing activities like meditation or yoga, can support optimal liver function.
3am-5am- Lungs/Metal/Yin:
Action- Deep sleep, dreams and memory, detox lungs
Physical symptoms- Respiratory issues, difficulty breathing, skin problems
Emotional symptoms- Grief, sadness, emotional suppression, unresolved loss
Treatments- If you wake regularly at this time, try breathing exercises to soothe your nerves. Also, keep warm to help the lungs replenish the body with oxygen. Acupuncture along the lung meridian opens airways and releases emotional tension. Herbal remedies can moisten and nourish the lungs. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and journaling or counseling can help ease feelings of grief.
5am-7am- Large Intestines/Metal/Yang:
Action- Wake up, release bowls, meditate, elimination
Physical symptoms- Constipation, bloating, sluggish digestion, difficulty of letting go
Emotional symptoms- Stuckness, inability to let go, feeling overwhelmed, unable to release feelings from the past
Treatments- Brushing your hair can clear out energy from the mind. This practice can relieve emotions of defensiveness or being stuck. Acupuncture along the large intestine meridian can encourage elimination, both physical or emotional, and restore balance. Herbal formulas can regulate bowel movements. Increasing water intake, fiber intake, and incorporating emotional release practices like yoga or qigong can help you let go both emotionally and physically.
As the body sleeps, it goes through periods of rest, Yin, and wakeful expansion, Yang. Keeping these energies in balance is crucial for optimal bodily function. Proper sleep allows each organ to complete its necessary function, allows emotions to be properly processed, and keeps the body in harmony. Recognizing your sleep issues and their patterns can lead to understanding what is causing your unrest, and the TCM body clock is a straightforward guide to follow.
References
● https://yosan.edu/understanding-the-tcm-body-clock-why-you-keep-waking-up-at-4-am/
● https://www.rootandbones.com/blogs/news/the-importance-of-sleep-in-tcm
● wildearthacupuncture.com/blog/2024/3/22/what-traditional-chinese-medicine-says-abiut-sleep?srsltid=AfmBOopHVvZbas27tT8CaqaQhx3leLmVEr5XdEAZtAb9WWdk2BCgXKgM
● https://www.nirvananaturopathics.com/blog/traditional-chinese-organ-body-clock