益气堂

San Carlos, California
Circadian Body Clock
Zi Wu Liu Zhu 子午流注
Zi (子) represents Zi hour (midnight, 23:00–1:00), symbolizing Yin
Wu (午) represents Wu hour (noon, 11:00–13:00), symbolizing Yang
Liuzhu (流注) refers to the circulation and flow of Qi and blood through the meridians
🕐 Twelve Two-Hour Periods Wellness Reference Chart
Ziwu Liuzhu wellness is based on the concept of "unity of universe and human" (天人合一), which holds that the circulation of Qi and blood in the human body is synchronized with the temporal rhythms of nature. By aligning daily routines, diet, and treatment with these rhythms, one can optimize health and prevent disease.
23:00–01:00 Zi 子時
🟢🪵 Gallbladder Meridian 膽經
Suggested Foods:None (fasting/sleeping)
Suggested Activities:Deep sleep; avoid screens, eating, and strenuous activity; keep the room dark and quiet
01:00–03:00 Chou 丑時
🟢🌿 Liver Meridian 肝經
Suggested Foods:None (fasting/sleeping)
Suggested Activities:Continue deep sleep; avoid alcohol, late-night eating, and emotional stress; liver detoxification occurs during sleep
03:00–05:00 Yin 寅時
⚪🫁 Lung Meridian 肺經
Suggested Foods:None (fasting/sleeping)
Suggested Activities:Sleep; if awake, practice slow deep breathing; avoid cold drinks and exposure to cold air
05:00–07:00 Mao 卯時
⚪🚪 Large Intestine Meridian 大腸經
Suggested Foods:Warm water on an empty stomach; light fiber-rich foods (e.g., oatmeal, prunes)
Suggested Activities:Drink warm water, bowel movement, light stretching or walking; avoid heavy breakfast at this time
07:00–09:00 Chen 辰時
🟡🍚 Stomach Meridian 胃經
Suggested Foods:Warm, easily digestible breakfast: congee, eggs, steamed vegetables, whole grains; avoid cold or raw foods
Suggested Activities:Eat breakfast slowly; avoid skipping breakfast; light walking after eating aids digestion
09:00–11:00 Si 巳時
🟡🌾 Spleen Meridian 脾經
Suggested Foods:If snacking: warm cooked foods, ginger tea, small amounts of fruit; avoid cold drinks and raw foods
Suggested Activities:Best time for mental work, studying, or decision-making; avoid overeating or heavy physical strain
11:00–13:00 Wu 戊時
🔴❤️ Heart Meridian 心經
Suggested Foods:Balanced lunch: lean protein, vegetables, whole grains; moderate portions; avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol
Suggested Activities:Eat lunch, then rest or take a short nap (15–30 minutes); avoid intense exercise or emotional stress
13:00–15:00 Wei 未時
🔴🔥 Small Intestine Meridian 小腸經
Suggested Foods:Warm water or herbal tea; easily digestible snacks if needed; avoid heavy or greasy foods
Suggested Activities:Light activity or walking; allow digestion; avoid vigorous exercise immediately after lunch
15:00–17:00 Shen 申時
🔵💧 Bladder Meridian 膀胱經
Suggested Foods:Warm water or herbal tea; hydrating foods (e.g., cucumber, watermelon in moderation); avoid excessive salt
Suggested Activities:Drink water, stretch, take a walk; good time for physical work or exercise; avoid holding urine
17:00–19:00 You 酉時
🔵🫘 Kidney Meridian 腎經
Suggested Foods:Light, warm dinner: soups, steamed fish, leafy greens, black beans, walnuts; avoid heavy, salty, or spicy foods
Suggested Activities:Eat dinner early and moderately; gentle walking; avoid strenuous exercise; prepare for evening
wind-down
19:00–21:00 Xu 戌時
🟣🛡️ Pericardium Meridian 心包經
Suggested Foods:Herbal tea (e.g., chamomile, lavender); light snacks if needed; avoid caffeine and heavy meals
Suggested Activities:Relaxation: gentle yoga, meditation, reading, spending time with loved ones; avoid work and screens
21:00–23:00 Hai 亥時
🟠🌡️ Triple Burner Meridian 三焦經
Suggested Foods:None or small sip of warm water; avoid eating and alcohol
Suggested Activities:Prepare for sleep: dim lights, avoid screens, take a warm bath, practice relaxation or meditation; aim to sleep by 23:00

🌈 Five Element Color Summary
Element: 🪵 Wood
🟢 Green
Organs: Gallbladder, Liver
Best Time to Nourish: :23:00–03:00 (sleep)
Element: 🔥 Fire
Color: 🔴 Red
Organs: Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, Triple Burner
Best Time to Nourish: 11:00–15:00, 19:00–23:00 (rest & relax)
Element: 🌍 Earth
Color: 🟡 Yellow
Organs: Stomach, Spleen
Best Time to Nourish: 07:00–11:00 (eat & digest)
Element: ⚙️ Metal
Color: ⚪ White
Organs: Lung, Large Intestine
Best Time to Nourish: 03:00–07:00 (breathe & release)
Element: 💧 Water
Color: 🔵 Blue
Organs: Bladder, Kidney
Best Time to Nourish: 15:00–19:00 (hydrate & restore)