I've been working on this article for the last year and now is the perfect time to send it before the mini retreat Sunday April 12th. We will be discussing the Meridian flow wheel in-depth. I hope you can join me!

The Meridian Flow Wheel

Are you tired at certain times of day?  Do you feel tightness in particular areas of your body? Do you wake up at specific hours at night? Do find yourself unable to shake worry, anxiety, depression, anger or fear? Do you experience digestive, bladder, heart, immune or respiratory issues?


The meridian flow wheel depicted below maps the 24 hour rotation of energy in our body as it peaks in the 12 meridians. This cycle helps to determine where our body may need a bit of extra attention and the optimal time to strengthen each channel.

The 5 Elements

Each organ in the meridian flow wheel is associated with an element. Toward the inside of the chart these elements are depicted as F (fire), W (wood), H20 (water), M (metal), and E (earth). 

Yin & Yang

Each organ is also classified as either yin or yang. Yang organs are associated with elimination and detoxification, whereas yin organs nurture the body. 

The Organs & Meridians

Each organ fulfills an important role in keeping our body functioning at its highest capacity. Each is on duty at a specific time of day to accomplish its task. When we live in harmony with the cycles of nature, we assist our vital organs in achieving their optimal function.

5:00-7:00am Large Intestine

Upon waking the large intestine is on duty making this the ideal time for elimination. When we eat nutritiously with the seasons and the large intestine is healthy, the process of evacuation should be consistent and smooth. Having a glass of warm water with lemon in the morning can help promote healthy function of this vital organ.


7:00am – 9:00am Stomach

If you have cultivated a smooth elimination process, there is more space available to nourish the body with food that can be quickly turned into energy. The hours ruled by the stomach are the perfect time to take in nourishment and get your metabolism geared up and ready for the day. Allowing yourself a 10-12 hour overnight fast can assist the stomach in functioning at its peak capacity.

 

9:00-11:00am. Spleen / Pancreas

Once nutrients enter our bloodstream, we can turn these calories into energy. As the heat of the day rises our blood sugar also rises. The pancreas and spleen play a vital role in regulating glucose, while providing the necessary enzymes to convert carbohydrates into energy. The spleen also regulates fluids, preventing bloating and dampness. To help this channel work optimally, be sure to manage stress and anxiety levels, as they tend to upset digestion.


11:00am – 1:00pm. Heart

The heart plays an essential role in pumping oxygen rich blood through the vessels fueling all our cells and tissues. This is a time to nourish the heart by eating a mindful lunch and possibly going for a light walk to support the body's energy. When the heart is not in a balanced state, one may feel restless, stressed or anxious. Learning to balance the yin and yang energies such as work / rest, giving / receiving, isolation / connection, strength / softness helps to maintain a healthy heart.

 

1:00-3:00pm. Small Intestine

The small intestine plays a vital role in digestion and absorption, both physically and emotionally.  It serves to sort nutrients from waste and separate clear thoughts and emotions from unhealthy ones. Be sure to stay well hydrated to support the small intestine, protect the blood vessels, and ensure efficient metabolism.

 

3:00-5:00pm. Bladder

The bladder is responsible for detoxification by removing toxins and waste from the body. The bladder is considered the tank that stores and releases fluids; this function is dependent on the strength of its paired organ the kidneys. If you experience back pain or fatigue during these hours, it may indicate a weakness in the kidney/bladder channel.

 

5:00-7:00pm Kidneys

The kidneys filter our blood and regulate our fluids. They help to manage our pH levels and are vital for bone health. This is an important time to digest the energy of the day, as the sun sets and we begin to unwind. It's an essential time to relax and integrate the qualities of yin energy to maintain optimal adrenal function.

 

7:00-9:00pm Pericardium

As darkness fills the sky, we turn to the pericardium for energetic protection and to maintain a healthy heart both physically and emotionally. The pericardium supports healthy circulation and defends against emotional overstimulation, helping to manage anxiety and restlessness. This is a time to reconnect with family and friends and process the activities and emotions of our day. 

 

9:00-11:00pm Triple Burner

This unique energetic system is responsible for regulating our nervous system and acts as our body's thermostat. It ensures the free flow and movement of energy through the upper burner, which acts like a mist supporting the heart and lungs; the middle burner, which acts like a foam supporting digestion in the spleen and stomach; and the lower burner, which acts like a swamp filtering waste through the kidneys, bladder and intestines. When the triple burner is out of balance it can lead to fluid retention (edema), bloating, and tinnitus.


11:00 – 1:00am. Gallbladder

The gallbladder channel aids in the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. When our internal fire is strong, our body efficiently breaks down energy. This is an important time to get deep sleep, allowing for the regeneration of both physical and mental energy. When our gallbladder is strong we are able to make healthy decisions. When this channel is out of balance we may experience headaches, vertigo, or increased tension in the shoulders.

 

1:00 – 3:00am. Liver

The liver filters energy in the form of glycogen to regulate blood sugar. It stores vitamins and minerals and regulates our energy like a chemical processing plant, ensuring we are ready for the upcoming day. When we get deep sleep, our body can metabolize and process both nutrients and emotions efficiently, so we wake up rejuvenated.


3:00-5:00am. Lungs

After the liver and gallbladder have completed their job processing and detoxifying, the lungs replenish and redistribute clear energy through the body. With deep sleep and efficient respiration, we are able to maintain a balanced nervous system and wake up mentally and emotionally refreshed and ready for the upcoming day.

 

PURPOSE

The meridian flow wheel demonstrates the purpose of each of the organs in this amazing body we live in. Every hour of the day, every season of the year, every element in nature, and every cell and organ in our body has a purpose. When we experience these deep connections, we find we begin to naturally make healthier choices. We notice our thoughts and actions become more supportive, and we form a deeper connection to the larger purpose underlying everything in life.

Join me for Qigong, as we connect to the energy of each organ and element in the meridian flow wheel.


And be sure to sign up for the 5 element mini-retreat Sunday April 12th from 1:00-2:30pm

WEEKLY QIGONG CLASSES


Mondays: Bay Club Courtside

(in-person) 10:00am - 10:50am


Wednesdays: Breathe Together Yoga

(online & in-person) 9:00-10:00am

Thursdays: Aligned Fitness

(online & recorded) 10:30-11:20am

Email Lisa Decker for a free trial class

Lisa Decker

PAS, CPT, CES, PES, CAMQ

(408)-691-2829

lisabethdecker@gmail.com

www.alignedfit.com

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