Sleep problems are common these days and there are many reasons for them both physical and emotional. However, when a client says she/ he wakes up every night say at 3 am, I refer to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and look at the meridian clock (see below) to see what could be potentially going on in the body, especially in the main organs.
Broadly, TCM is based on optimising the flow of Qi/ Chi energy throughout the body via the meridians – the energy channels also used in acupuncture. Meridians are like electrical circuits – when the energy of a meridian is not flowing well due to a block (physical or emotional), you will experience signs or symptom from the meridian(s) involved.
This block will also cause an imbalance in the flows between other meridians, often unbalancing the whole body. So when you wake up at the same time ever night or becoming tired at 3.30pm in the afternoon, you can look at the meridian that works at this particular point of time to explain what may be happening with you.
At the Holistic by Nature website I found a great explanation of how the meridian clock works and I recommend you follow the link to find out other interesting details. They also have the following table describing the basic emotional connections for the night time meridians.
In my clinical experience and according to TCM, many people who wake up regularly at certain times may have health imbalances in the areas:
9-11 pm: Triple Heater – Non-intimate relationships; social aspects
11 pm-1 am: Gall bladder – Determination and decision making; action
1 am-3 am: Liver – Internal plans; the vision for life
3 am-5 am: Lung – Barrier (skin) to the outside world; understanding what is of true value
5 am-7 am: Large intestine – Letting go of impurities (of emotions and beliefs, past experiences); holding on to what is of value
Of course there are other underlying reasons for most sleep disorders but the TCM wisdom on sleep disturbances is definitely worth considering in any treatment in addition to herbs. supplements and lifestyle modifications.
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Best of Health
Joanna Sochan
Wholistic Health and Lifestyle Therapist
Natural and Lifestyle Solutions for Abundant Health and Wellbeing
Picture source: holisticbynature.com.au
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen, particularly if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications or have a medical condition.
Joanna Sochan is a Wholistic Natural Therapist and founder of Naturimedica Wholistic Wellcare. She has over 15 years of clinical experience working with complex health presentations, with a focus on gut health, food sensitivities, women’s hormone health (including perimenopause and menopause), metabolic health, weight regulation, and senior health. She works with clients Australia-wide and online, and also develops therapeutic programs, eCourses, and educational resources designed to support long-term, sustainable wellbeing. View full bio.
Lats night it was actually 5:10am, which is Large intestine – Letting go of impurities (of emotions and beliefs, past experiences); holding on to what is of value. Not sure how to interpret that… could it be an experience of my past that I am still upset about?
Interesting to note that I wake up between 3 and 5 every morning, which is Lung – Barrier (skin) to the outside world; understanding what is of true value. This has been happening for many years. The only thing I can equate it to is that when I gave birth to my twins 5 years ago, I quit a very rewarding and lucrative career. Although I am happy being a stay at home mom, I do struggle with “my role in society.” I don’t know where my working outside the home life is headed. Could that be plaguing me and causing me to wake up every morning so early?
Thanks!
Hi Allison
Thank you for your comments. Many people who are grieving the loss of something in their lives experience loss of sleep during this time (3-5am). The other emotion they feel is sadness, without a specific reason so it seems. I suggest you look at these emotions closely to see if they occur in your life on a regular basis, and get help, if needed, to release them. To help with the physical movement of energy through the lungs, consider having acupuncture or acupressure treatments focusing on the lung points/meridians. Breathing exercises before sleep could also help.
All the best
Joanna
Very helpful, thank you! …have been having problems with waking up every night between 3 and 5, finally decided to look up a reason why, lol.
Thank you for your feedback! Hope you got a few insights:)
Ooh I’ve heard if this! Very interesting – thanks Joanna!
Glad you liked it!