Aromatherapy, along with the body's circadian rhythm—often referred to as the internal clock—can work in harmony to enhance sleep and relaxation. Utilizing essential oils such as lavender and chamomile in aromatherapy can effectively communicate to the body that it's time to relax and get ready for sleep, coinciding with the natural decrease in body temperature and other cues that signal the body to rest.
Circadian Rhythms:
These cycles last 24 hours and help control different bodily functions, such as the sleep-wake cycle.
I. Wood Element (Mu)
a) Stores and Releases Blood; b) Controls Muscle Strength; c) Transforms Nutrients; d) Color - Green; e) Kindness; f) Anger; g) Control & Decisiveness; h) Planet - Jupiter; i) Season - Spring.
11:00 PM - 1:00 AM → Gall Bladder
Sleep & Regeuerate! → Decision Making & Determination
Gallbladder stones? You're probably going to feel pain between 11 PM and 1 AM. Meditation and inner peace are helpful during this time.
1:00 AM - 3:00 AM → Liver
Deep Resting & Dreaming! → Transformation, Renewal & Changing
If you find yourself waking up between 01:00 and 03:00, it may indicate that your liver is struggling due to factors like alcohol, drugs, or an unhealthy diet. It's time for fresh foods and some relaxation.
02:00 AM Deepest Sleep
II. Metal Element (Jin)
a) The Great Protector; b) Controls Respiration; c) Nourishes Skin & Body; d) Color - White; e) Righteous & Courage; f) Grief & Sadness; g) Strength; h) Planet - Venus; i) Season - Autumn.
3:00 AM - 5:00 AM → Lungs
Sleep Soundly! → Creativity & Transformation
If you find yourself coughing between 3 and 5 am, it means your lungs are getting rid of toxins.
04:30 AM The Lowest Body Temperature
5:00 AM - 7:00 AM → Large Intestine
Wake Up & Drink Water! → Acceptance & Letting Go
Water is essential for maintaining a healthy colon. Avoid caffeine! Consider taking a brisk walk!
06:45 AM Noticeable spike in blood pressure.
III. Earth Element (Tu)
a) Distributes Nutrients; b) Circulates Blood & Fluid; c) Color - Yellow; d) Fairness & Openness; e) Worry & Anxiety; f) Stability & Balanced; g) Planet - Saturn; h) Change of Seasons.
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM → Stomach
Eat Breakfast! → Living in the Moment
Low GI, fiber, protein, and healthy fats.Maintaining balance, staying calm, and eating regular meals would be ideal.
07:30 AM Melatonin production stops
08:30 AM Colon activation → Evacuation is probable.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM → Spleen
Work & Be Active! → Thinking & Relationships
The spleen plays a role in metabolism, transforming the nutrients from breakfast into energy, and is linked to cognitive abilities. Perfect for enjoying moments with friends and loved ones.
10.00 AM Alertness Peaks
IV. Fire Element (Huo)
a) Heart Houses the Mind; b) Governs Mental Activity; c) Concentration & Memory; d) Creativity & Sleep; e) Color - Red; f) Love & Joy; g) Hate & Impatience; h) Warmth & Vitality; i) Planet - Mars; j) Season - Summer.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM → Heart
Eat Lunch & Socialize! → Joy, Pleasure and Love
Take care not to strain your heart. Time to make exercise.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Increased Risk of Heart-Related Events
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM → Small Intestine
Solve Problems & Get Organized! → Clarity of Thought, Good Memory
Energy dips and sugar cravings between 1 PM and 3 PM often result from missed meals or a diet high in glycemic index. Take regular small portion meals.
2:30 PM is when coordination reaches its highest point.
V. Water Element (Shui)
a) Stores Vital Essence; b) Vital Essence; c) Governs Growth; d) Colors - Blue, Black; e) Gentleness; f) Fear & Stress; g) Ambition & Willpower; h) Planet - Mercury; i) Season - Winter.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM → Bladder
Work, Study, Drink Tea & Water! → Personal Journey, Looking Within
The optimal time for productive work and detoxifying your body is now. Drink tea and increase your water intake, in other words, stay hydrated.
3:30 PM Quickest Reaction Time
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM → Kidney
Eat Dinner & Restore Your Energy! → "Root of Life", Relationships
Enjoy a light dinner. Your kidneys are responsible for storing your energy reserves. Feeling tired? What activities are draining your energy? Remember to prioritize yourself by relaxing at the end of the work day!
5:00 PM - Cardiovascular Efficiency & Muscle Strength at their highest
6:30 PM - Blood Pressure at its peak
IV. Fire Element (Huo)
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM → Pericardium
Socialize, Flirt & Have Sex! → Protecting the Heart
The pericardium plays a crucial role in reproductive organs, circulation, and brain function. It is the ideal time for intimacy, conception, and to enjoy a massage. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule will be beneficial.
7:00 PM is when body temperature reaches its highest point.
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM → Triple Warmer
Chill Out, Relax & Read! → Inner & Outer Balance
Responsible for regulating thyroid function, adrenal gland activity, body temperature, metabolism, and energy transfer. It is the perfect time for meditation. Refrain from eating after 9 PM!
21:00 Melatonin production starts
22:30 Colon activity ceases → Evacuation is inhibited
Circadian rhythms act as our body's internal clocks, regulating functions like sleep-wake cycles, hormone levels, and body temperature.
These rhythms typically follow a 24-hour cycle, influenced by the natural cycle of light and darkness around us. Seasonal changes, especially the transition to winter, can disrupt our circadian rhythms due to the decrease in sunlight. This disruption can cause feelings of fatigue, poorer sleep quality, and even mood swings for many people.
When our circadian rhythms are out of balance, we can feel disconnected from our environment, leading to irritability, fatigue, and increased stress. By learning how to realign our circadian rhythms through methods like hibernation and aromatherapy, we can restore balance to our bodies and minds. This strategy goes beyond simply improving sleep; it includes lifestyle changes, self-care practices, and natural remedies to regain harmony and improve our overall health.
Aromatherapy, which uses essential oils to support physical and emotional welfare, can significantly help align circadian rhythms during the winter. Essential oils have a direct impact on our mood, stress levels, and sleep quality, making them a useful tool for anyone looking to improve their well-being during the winter months.
In contrast, winter often brings feelings of fatigue or low energy, especially with less sunlight. To counteract this, essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, and citrus can help boost energy and mental clarity. When I’m feeling down during the darker months, I use oils like peppermint or orange to lift my spirits and energize my mind. I might diffuse these oils in the morning or apply them to my wrists for a quick boost. These refreshing scents are especially effective in the morning or early afternoon, helping to align my body clock with the natural alertness I need throughout the day.
Citrus oils like lemon and bergamot are great for this purpose. They invigorate the senses and improve mental clarity, helping to combat winter blues and align my energy with my body's natural rhythm.
Winter can bring its own emotional challenges, such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or feelings of isolation. During these times, it’s important to pay attention to the emotional aspects of our circadian rhythms. Essential oils like frankincense, bergamot, and ylang-ylang are effective for reducing anxiety, lowering stress, and improving mood. I often use frankincense when I’m feeling anxious because it has a calming and grounding effect that helps me regain my balance. Similarly, bergamot has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, making it a valuable tool for emotional well-being during the winter.
Aligning our circadian rhythms with wintering and aromatherapy is a holistic approach to maintaining balance during the colder months.
By embracing the slower pace of winter and integrating essential oils into your daily routine, you can improve your sleep, boost your energy, and manage seasonal stress.
This approach not only helps to better align our circadian rhythms, but also promotes overall well-being during what can often be a challenging time.
Through winterization and aromatherapy practices, we can connect with the natural rhythm of the seasons and nourish our bodies and minds, allowing us to thrive regardless of the weather.
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