What are the do’s and don’ts for health preservation during the twelve hours in the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine?

Nowadays, people pay great attention to health preservation, which is also one of the reasons why health programs on major TV stations have relatively high ratings. People always hope to hear experts’ insights and suggestions on health preservation, so that they can take targeted measures to maintain their health. In fact, many of the health-preserving theories in traditional Chinese medicine are passed down from ancient medicine. If we want to preserve our health, we might as well take a look at what these ancient medical classics say about health preservation.

Zishi (23:00-1:00) Gallbladder Meridian is strong

Fall asleep before midnight, and you will feel clear-headed and have rosy complexion when you wake up in the morning; detoxification of the liver requires deep sleep.

Chou time (1:00-3:00) Liver meridian is strong

Those who do not sleep at Chou time will have a pale grey complexion, feel tired and irritable, and are prone to liver disease; the same is true for the detoxification of the gallbladder.

Yinshi (3:00-5:00) Lung meridian is strong

Heart disease patients are most susceptible to illness at this time. Waking up at the hour of Yin and being unable to fall asleep is mostly due to insufficient Qi and blood; detoxification of the lungs. This is why people who have coughs cough the most during this period, because the detoxification action has reached the lungs; Medicine should not be taken to avoid inhibiting the elimination of waste products.

Mao time (5:00-7:00) Large intestine meridian is strong

Having a bowel movement at the hour of Mao is the best care for your large intestine. Drinking water on an empty stomach is beneficial for morning bowel movements; to detoxify the large intestine, one should go to the toilet to defecate.

Chenshi (7:00-9:00) Stomach meridian is strong

The stomach's absorption capacity increases during Chen time, so you should eat breakfast at this time for good absorption and a low risk of obesity. Those who are recovering from an illness should eat early, before 6:30, and those who are maintaining their health should eat before 7:30. Those who do not eat breakfast should change their habits, as delaying eating until 9 or 10 o'clock is better than not eating at all.

Si time (9:00-11:00) Spleen meridian is strong

The Si hour is the best time for the elderly to engage in outdoor activities. Drink plenty of water and exercise moderately

Noon (11:00-13:00) Heart Sutra is strong

At noon, the human body is most active in terms of Qi and blood. It is not suitable to do strenuous exercise, but to take a short rest to nourish the heart.

Weishi (13:00-15:00): Small Intestine Meridian is strong

Exercising the small intestine meridian at noon is beneficial for nutrient absorption

Shenshi (15:00-17:00) Bladder meridian is strong

The learning efficiency is high during the Shen period. Drink more water and eat more fruits, which are good for excretion, purging fire and detoxification.

Youshi (17:00-19:00) Kidney meridian is strong

Low fever at the hour of You indicates severe damage to kidney qi. It is most effective to replenish kidney yang at this time for those with kidney yang deficiency.

Xu time (19:00-21:00) Pericardium meridian is strong

It is not advisable to eat too greasy food or too much food at the time of Xu. Patients with heart disease should massage the pericardium meridian to protect the heart

Hai Hour (21:00-23:00): San Jiao Meridian is strong

Sleeping at the hour of Hai is the best tonic. Sleeping at this time allows all the meridians to recuperate. It is the time for the immune system (lymph) to detoxify. You should be quiet or listen to music during this time.

The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine gives a clear and detailed introduction on what a person should do in the 24 hours of a day. If you want to maintain your health, you might as well take a look at these health-preserving experiences that have been passed down from ancient times to the present. I believe that if I follow the introduction in the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine and implement them one by one, I will definitely benefit a lot.