Acupuncture Board Practice Exam: Practice Test & Study Guide

The small intestine is most active during the horary cycle between 1 pm and 3 pm. Each organ in traditional Chinese medicine is believed to have a specific time during the 24-hour cycle when it is most energetically active, and this includes both physiological functions and Qi flow.

During the time frame of 1 pm to 3 pm, the small intestine is at its peak energy, meaning that it is optimally engaged in its digestive functions, absorbing nutrients and separating pure from impure. This period is considered the optimal time for the body to process food and nourish itself effectively. The small intestine’s association with this time reflects its role in digestion and assimilation, key aspects of sustaining health and vitality.

Understanding this peak period can guide practitioners in scheduling treatments for digestive issues or in advising patients on meal times for optimal digestive health.