Chapter 6.6: Energy flows through all meridians all the time, but the body gives maximum concentration to only one meridian at a given moment — the peak energy time.
The Organ Clock
Lung
MetalPeak Time
3–5 AM
Yin/Yang
Yin
Paired Organ
Large Intestine
Symptoms worsening at this time suggest excess (sedate). Symptoms improving at this time suggest deficiency (tonify). The opposite organ on the clock (Urinary Bladder — 3–5 PM) is at its minimum energy.
Diagnosing Illness by Time
Whenever a symptom worsens at a particular time, check if this is the peak energy time (excess → sedate) or minimum energy time (deficiency → tonify) of an organ.
Example: Asthma attacks most commonly at 3–5 AM — Lung excess time. Waking at 3–5 AM with backache = Urinary Bladder deficiency (opposite on the clock).
Horary Points (Points Used to the Hour)
Each meridian has its own Five Element points. One of these is always its Own Element point (Horary point). When tonified or sedated at the peak energy time, the effect equals about seven normal treatment sessions.
Entry and Exit Points
Energy in the superficial meridians flows from one meridian to the next. Curiously, it does not always flow out of the last point of the earlier meridian into the first point of the following one. Sometimes it exits before the last point and enters after the first point.
Clinical use: Send excess energy from one meridian to a deficient one through Exit→Entry connection. Example: Sedate Sp 21 (Exit) and tonify H 1 (Entry) to send excess Spleen dampness to deficient Heart Yin.
Blocks in the Energy Flow
Blocks between Exit and Entry points cause pain and dysfunction. Surgical scars, long distances between points, excess in the meridian ahead, or tumours can all cause blocks. Treatment: needles on both sides of the block, or unblock the meridian causing the block.
At what time of day is your energy peak and dip? Which organ is most active during those hours? How can you align your daily activities to honor the organ clock?