Living in Rhythm with the TCM Meridian Clock - Part 1

Kristy Garry
5 hours ago
5 min read

卯时 (mǎo shí): 5–7am — The Hour of Letting Go

I've been wanting to do some writing about the TCM organ clock. After making a more consistent effort to live with these principles in mind — and seeing how it has shifted my days to better health and ease — I wanted to share more with patients.

Typically, the organ clock starts with the Gallbladder time (11pm-1am) essentially midnight, which is why this time system is usually referred to as the "midnight-noon ebb and flow doctrine" (子午流注）but I wanted to start my series in a more actionable way, beginning with the ideal time to wake up and start your day. This way, you can start small, straight from the morning, and add habits as you go.

And as a preface, I’m not saying you have to wake up at 5am. This is simply an opportunity — if you’re up even ten minutes before 7 — to take advantage of the energetics of the time and let them work for you. This theme will come up over and over again in this writing series. Doing a supportive action at the time of day when the body is already primed for it gives you more impact for the same effort — a “work smarter, not harder” approach to daily health. So here we are:

卯时 (mǎo shí): 5–7amThe Large Intestine’s Peak Hour & The Art of Letting Go

Sunrise marks a quiet turning point in the day — a moment when the world shifts from stillness to movement. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this window from 5–7am, known as 卯时 (mǎo shí), is when the Large Intestine channel is at its energetic peak.

This is the body’s natural time for letting go, both physically and emotionally.

Why the Large Intestine Peaks at Dawn

According to the classical system of 子午流注 (zǐwǔ liúzhù) — the 24‑hour meridian clock — qi moves through each channel in a set sequence. Each two‑hour period, called a 时辰 (shíchen), corresponds with a specific meridian and its associated functions.

After the Lung finishes its work of drawing in fresh qi during 寅时 (yín shí) from 3–5am, the Large Intestine takes over.

This shift reflects the logic of the meridian clock: the Large Intestine clears what's no longer needed, making space and setting the stage for the Stomach and Spleen to receive and transform nourishment (more on that in part 2 and 3 of this series!)

卯时 is the body’s built‑in “release cycle,” supporting:

elimination
clarity
mental lightness
emotional spaciousness

It’s the perfect time to create a morning rhythm that aligns with your physiology.

The Five Phase Connection: Metal (金 · jīn)

Both the Lung and Large Intestine belong to the Metal element, which governs:

boundaries
discernment
purification
the ability to let go

When Metal is balanced, we feel clear, organized, and able to release what no longer serves us. When it’s strained, we may experience constipation, congestion, rigidity, or lingering grief.

卯时 is a daily opportunity to support Metal’s natural movement of release.

Morning Practices That Support 卯时 (mǎo shí) The Large Intestine Time

These simple habits help harmonize the Large Intestine’s transport and movement function:

1. Drink warm water upon waking

Warm water gently awakens the digestive tract and encourages peristalsis. It’s a small act with a big impact.

2. Create a consistent bowel routine

Sitting on the toilet at the same time each morning trains the body to respond to this natural rhythm.

3. Move your body lightly

Stretching, walking, or gentle qigong helps qi descend and move through the Large Intestine channel.

4. Avoid stimulants first thing

If you drink coffee, wait until later. Too early, it may dehydrate the colon and override natural elimination signals.

5. Give yourself a moment of quiet

Metal thrives on clarity. A few breaths at sunrise can set the tone for the entire day.

6. Massage the abdomen in slow, clockwise circles

A gentle abdominal massage can help encourage the bowels to move by following the natural direction of the Large Intestine. Using the flat of your hand, make slow, comfortable clockwise circles around the navel for one to two minutes. This simple practice can reduce bloating, stimulate peristalsis, and support the body’s natural urge to release. It pairs beautifully with warm water and a relaxed, unhurried morning.

Emotional Themes of 卯时 (mǎo shí) The Large Intestine Time

The Large Intestine isn’t just about digestion — it’s also about emotional release.

Patients who struggle with:

holding on
perfectionism
grief
morning heaviness
difficulty “starting the day”

often benefit from supporting this time period.

卯时 is a daily invitation to soften, release, and begin again.

Signs Your Large Intestine Time Rhythm Needs Support

You may notice:

constipation or incomplete elimination
bloating or heaviness in the morning
difficulty waking
irritability at dawn
a sense of emotional “stuckness”

These are gentle signals that the Large Intestine or Metal element may need attention.

Acupuncture, herbs, and lifestyle adjustments can help restore this natural rhythm.

A Simple 5-7am Ritual To Start Your Day

Upon waking:

If you're able and the weather feels right, step out your back door and breath in the morning air. Let the morning light in and just take a few minutes to enjoy the beginning of the day
Stretch briefly - maybe a big reach-to-the-sky good morning style stretch
Drink a mug of warm water - relax and enjoy
Sit quietly for a few minutes
Try a brief abdominal massage, as described above
Visit the bathroom without rushing - this “bowel training" isn't necessarily an instant thing. It may take time for your body to adjust to the new routine so no straining here at all. Just a gentle invitation to release and eliminate

This small sequence aligns with the Large Intestine’s peak time and can transform the way your morning feels.

In Closing

卯时 (mǎo shí) is the body’s built‑in moment of release — a daily reset that supports clarity, digestion, and emotional ease. When we honour this rhythm, we begin the day feeling lighter, clearer, and more grounded.

If you’re curious about how your own organ‑clock patterns show up, or if mornings feel challenging, this is a wonderful area to explore in treatment.

Stay posted for further TCM Meridian Clock articles!