In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is considered that each organ, as noted on the graph above, has its point of highest energy and lowest energy. This basically means that if you wake up regularly at the same time, it can be associated with a weakness in the meridian or organ, which can be a sign of a blockage in these channels.
Following is a List of Organs Associated with Different Times:
BETWEEN 7PM-9PM
This is the prefect time to unwind and avoid any stimulation such as computers and TV and get ready for bed.
The hours before midnight are far more valuable for rejuvenation than those after midnight. Some say they are two or three times more useful for healing the body and mind. The hours after midnight are less conducive because the energy of the earth has shifted and the new day is starting. This brings a crescendo of solar energy that interferes with sleep, to a degree.
BETWEEN 9PM-11PM
If you find yourself having a hard time falling asleep between these hours it could be that your body is too stressed and is in a fight or flight mode, which means it is in sympathetic mode. You have pushed yourself hard all day and when the call to snooze in the afternoon came calling you ignored it. You may benefit in rubbing your feet for 10 minutes and also doing the pushing down exercise or the spinal twist exercise.
BETWEEN 11PM-1AM
The Gall Bladder is activated during those hours. If you wake up at those hours, it is possible you have blocked energy in this meridian. You may have eaten foods that have too much fat and the body is having a hard time to break it down. If that is the case, make sure, if you are a slow oxidizer to only eat the recommended fats, which is only the required daily allowance. You can read more here. If you have a hard time falling back to sleep, then get up, go to the bathroom, have a little water, perhaps, and then go back to bed after 10 minutes.
BETWEEN 1-3AM
The Liver is activated during those hours and it is the most common hours that most people wake up. It is also during this time that toxins are eliminated from the body and fresh new blood is made. If you find yourself waking during this time, it can indicate that you have a lot of anger or unresolved anger, anxiety, frustration guilt and rage. If this applies to you, try to forgive yourself and be accountable for your own side walk. It is a good time to pray and ask God to be renewed.
BETWEEN 3-5AM
The Lungs is associated with waking up at those hours. It is also associated with feelings of grief and sadness. If you do find yourself waking up at those hours, consider doing breathing exercises to replenish any lost of oxygen in the lungs and let yourself feel the sadness.
BETWEEN 5-7AM
This is when the large intestine is activated and it is associated with letting go and releasing control. The large intestine is responsible for clearing the body of toxic waste from our digestive system and most people find it is the best time to have a bowel movement. It is best to get up closer to 7 AM since earlier means the adrenal gland has kicked in for you to get up and you may feel too tired during the day.
The Chinese Medicine Body Clock can give you some awareness about why your body reacts the way it does at different time of the night. Always consult with your practitioner to know more but always keep in mind that elimination of toxins, an issue for everyone, occurs primarily at night while the body rests. The removal process requires energy and one's energy is finite. If you use most or all of your energy running around all day, and do not sleep enough, you will not detoxify the body well and this means you will wake up every hour of the night.
You can read more here about Sleep - The Silent Healer
Josephine, Certified Holistic Nutrition, CHN, FDN