Keeping Harmony in YOUR Minature Universe

A Health article titled Your Body is a Minature Universe. Here's How to Keep it in Harmony offers the good advice of "the best remedy for calamity is to avert it; the best remedy for sickness is prevention." I then introduces us to the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It starts with the concepts that the human body is a microcosm–a miniature representation of the universe.

"TCM is far more profound that just acupuncture and herbs," the article notes. "It has a central concept, namely the dao and qi (pronounced "chee")". This article describes the dao as "the fundamental principle or the cosmic law. It is the rulebook that nature follows–be it the change of seasons, the rising and setting of the sun, or the cycles of life. While qi is the life energy that dynamically moves through everything. Think of the movement of qi as the flow of a river, and dao as the riverbed. Just as the flow of a river follows its natural path, qi flows harmoniously when it follows its cosmic path–the dao." 

Managing rivers to prevent flooding or water wastage is an important part of hydrology (the branch of science concerned with the properties of the earth's water, and especially its movement in relation to land). "When the river flow is insufficient, is blocked, or even deviates from its natural path" calamity may arise. TCM, like hydrology, can be said to be the branch of science concerned with the properties of the body's qi and especially its movement in relation to the body. TCM teaches that "within the human body, qi flows through meridians (energy channels), and its movement can be felt in the rhythm of breathing and the warmth of blood flow."

Though this concept of qi "may sound more mystical than material, western science has gradually come to recognize and appreciate the existence of this vital energy of life and its meridians. Research from the past few decades suggests that the bioelectromagnetic energy of the human body and the qi energy may be the same. Studies have also detected qi emitted from the bodies of people who practice Qigong energy exercises. More recently studies have demonstrated that stimulating acupuncture points...increases fluctuations in bioelectric potential at these points, supporting the idea that TCM's acupuncture treatment activates the flow of qi." In one study researchers injected a dye just below the outer skin layer at an acupuncture point and observed the formation of a bright linear pathway that closely followed a traditional meridian as defined in TCM.

The article teaches that "in childhood, the human body’s qi is abundant, fresh, and active, as it is the period of growth ... however, the flow of their qi is unsettled and immature. From late teens through the 30s, the body’s qi reaches its peak and becomes stable, supporting fertility, physical strength, clear thinking, and a robust immune system. This is the golden era of the human body, but only if a person adopts a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Otherwise, life’s stress and indulgences begin to consume the body’s qi reserves, leading to imbalances. This is why many people start to notice signs of aging around the age of 40."

"An ancient Chinese medical text written more than 2,000 years ago ... states that the human body has two types of primary qi: the prenatal qi and postnatal qi. Both are stored in the kidneys in the form of kidney qi—the root of life. Prenatal qi is considered divine in nature, coming from Heaven. It is inherited from parents at the time of conception. It is a precious, nonrenewable resource—we can only preserve the prenatal qi by living in harmony with natural rhythms and respecting our bodies—we cannot generate more."

"On the other hand, postnatal qi is generated after birth, through food and air, and can be cultivated. Poor lifestyle and dietary choices, such as eating too much greasy food or going to bed late against natural rhythms, can weaken qi. Emotional stress, anger, frustration, worry, or anxiety can block or disrupt the flow of qi. Environmental factors such as exposure to extreme cold, heat, dampness, dryness, or wind can disturb the balance of qi."

"There’s a wisdom that comes with preserving qi: practicing moderation in all things. While insufficient physical activity can lead to qi stagnation, excessive physical or mental work without adequate rest also depletes one’s qi reserves. How can we conserve energy and follow the dao in daily practice? The key lies in prioritizing routines that help align the body’s inherent needs with natural rhythms. TCM’s ancient “meridian clock”—often called the “organ clock”—provides a roadmap. ...The day is divided into twelve two-hour intervals, each corresponding to a vital organ system, with qi peaking and ebbing according to timing."

The following are quoted from the article:

5 a.m. to 7 a.m.: Large Intestine qi is strongest, supporting the body’s natural process of elimination. In TCM, the large intestine is not only associated with excreting physical waste but also with the ability to “let go” of negative emotions. Performing gentle movements, going for a walk, and sitting in meditation for self-reflection encourage detoxification of both mind and body.

Focus on releasing physical and emotional stagnation by promoting, relaxing, and visualizing the "letting go" process, reducing stress-induced gut tension through deep diaphragmatic breathing and warm, soothing energy–imagine a soft, warm light surrounding your intestines, smoothing the muscles and bringing a calm, soothing sensation to the entire area. Slower, deeper exhales trigger the rest-and-digest system, reducing stress-related gut tension.

Imagine a river flowing through your intestines, clearing any blockages. As you exhale, imagine releasing whatever is no longer needed, both physically and emotionally.

7 a.m. to 9 a.m.: Stomach energy peaks, making this the ideal time for breakfast. A warm, nourishing meal provides fuel for the body and sets the tone for stable energy throughout the day.

Meditation for the stomach focuses on calming the nervous system to ease abdominal tension, pain, and discomfort. By stimulating the vagus nerve through deep, slow, diaphragmatic breathing.  These practices help shift the body from a "fight-or-flight" state to a "rest-and-digest" mode. 

Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your belly to expand outward, then exhale slowly, letting the stomach fall back in.  Imagine a warm, healing, golden light or soft, cool, and soothing rain filling your digestive area, easing any tension, pain, or inflammation.  As you breathe out, focus on letting go of any tightness, knots, or discomfort in the stomach, visualizing it softening. 

Before Sleep, 4-7-8 Breathing Helps to calm the gut, reducing nighttime flares: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale slowly for 8 seconds to deactivate the stress response.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Heart qi is at its peak, governing circulation, consciousness, and emotional vitality. This is an important window for midday nourishment and a brief pause from work. Light cardiovascular exercise and uplifting social interaction can enhance balance and joy. Gentle practices such as meditation or even a short nap are also beneficial, helping restore clarity and harmony before the afternoon activities begin.

A heart-centered meditation involves sitting comfortably, closing your eyes, and focusing on the chest area to cultivate self-love, compassion, and inner peace. Imagine a soft, radiant pink or green light in your chest, representing unconditional love, expanding with each inhale. Breathe deeply to release tension, allowing your jaw and belly to soften.

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: The bladder is at its highest energy. Hydration, along with gentle stretching movements at this time, supports fluid metabolism and promotes relaxation.

Mindfulness meditation for bladder involves slowing breaths, relaxing the pelvic floor, and visualizing, which helps strengthen the brain-bladder connection.  Imagine your pelvic muscles softening and relaxing during inhalation. Visualize a warm, gentle light in your pelvic area, bringing health and suppleness to the tissues.  Imagine the bladder, kidneys, and surrounding tubes as clear, open, and relaxed, allowing for easy, natural function. 

 

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: The kidney meridian dominates. In TCM, the kidneys are viewed as the body’s core reserve of vitality and life-long energy, known as “life essence.” As evenings are for winding down and relaxing, dinners should be modest to avoid burdening the digestive system and draining energy resources. It’s a good time for walking after dinner, as well as for self-reflection or meditation to calm down the day’s anxiety.

Several guided meditations specifically focus on the kidneys. Many meditations use visualization techniques, such as imagining warm, healing energy (like sunlight) or nourishment from the earth flowing directly into the kidneys to store vital energy. Meditations often focus on releasing fear, an emotion traditionally believed to be stored in the kidneys, to create space for positive feelings like courage and confidence. 

Breathing exercises are used to direct breath and intention to the kidney area (often the lower back and abdomen) to enhance circulation and energy flow.   

 

9 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Triple Burner: Time for detoxification, rest, and full-body repair. To maximize the benefits of this restorative phase, TCM advises sleeping by 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., which is the peak time of the “triple burner”—the body’s largest “unseen” organ and a meridian system that divides the body into three zones: upper (chest), middle (abdomen), and lower (pelvis). Sleeping during this crucial time allows all the energy channels to relax and maximizes the body’s ability to function well, promoting healing from within. One should avoid intense emotions such as anger, excitement, or grief during this time and try to calm down.

A Triple Burner meditation calms the "fight-or-flight" response, balances metabolism, and fosters deep relaxation by tracing meridian lines and focusing on the upper (chest), middle (abdomen), and lower (pelvis) energetic centers. 

Sit comfortably or lie down.  Bring your awareness to the space around your ears and temples, which is the start of the Triple Burner meridian.  Softly close your eyes, relax your jaw, and let your tongue rest on the roof of your mouth. Place your right hand on your left temple.  Inhale, then on a long, slow exhale, trace your fingers down behind your ear, along the side of your neck, across the top of your shoulder, down the arm to your ring finger.  "Pull off" the ring finger to release excess energy. The Triple Burner meridian ends on the ring finger, so gentle pressure there can aid in calming.  Repeat this 3 times, then switch to the other side. 

Upper Burner (Chest/Heart/Lungs): Place both hands over your chest. Breathe deeply into your chest, feeling warmth and calmness spread, reducing anxiety and stress.

Middle Burner (Stomach/Spleen): Move your hands to your stomach/solar plexus. Breathe deeply, visualizing smooth digestion and energy regulation.

Lower Burner (Pelvis/Kidneys): Move your hands to your lower abdomen (below the navel). Breathe deep and slow, grounding your energy and fostering a sense of safety. 

Rest your hands on your thighs. 

 

Take 3 slow breaths, feeling the entire torso (all three burners) calm, aligned, and warm. 

 

This is highly effective before sleep or during times of high stress/overwhelm.

11 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Gallbladder at peak. In TCM, the gallbladder plays a role in breaking down fats and supporting decision-making and courage. Staying awake during this time weakens resilience.

Meditation for gallbladder health focuses on reducing stress-induced inflammation, managing pain, and releasing stored emotions like anger or resentment. 

Effective techniques include guided imagery, deep breathing exercises, and sound therapy (e.g., 164.3 Hz) to promote relaxation and improve, or support, bile flow and gallbladder function. 

This promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which is linked to better digestive health and pain management.  Meditation involves gentle, conscious breathing aimed at releasing tension from the upper right abdominal area, where the gallbladder is located.  Listening to 164.3 Hz, a frequency associated with balancing the gallbladder, may be used as a meditation aid. 

1 a.m. to 3 a.m.: The Liver meridian is at its peak energy. Working late into the night affects your liver’s ability to detoxify toxins and process emotions, leading to fatigue, irritability, and a decline in liver function over time.

Visualize releasing tension, particularly in the abdomen and rib area.  Visualize clearing, refreshing, or healing light energy entering the liver area to remove "dense" or "toxic" energy.

3 a.m. to 5 a.m.: Lungs are the most active, distributing fresh qi energy and preparing for you to wake up and begin your day.

A short lung-focused lung meditation involves seated, upright posture, deep abdominal breathing, and controlled breath retention to increase capacity and relax the body. 

Inhale through the nose for a count of 4, allowing the abdomen to expand and hold for a count of 7; exhale slowly, and completely allowing the abdomen to contract for a count of 8.  Imagine a gentle light clearing the air passages.  Incorporate gentle arm movements while breathing to further expand the chest.  Regular, short sessions help in enhancing lung capacity and reducing stress. 

When we aspire to live in accordance with the dao, our bodies naturally gravitate toward health—because we humans are part of the greater cosmos.