How are seasons and times of day connected to traditional Chinese medicine?

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Moxibustion — traditional Chinese medicine In moxibustion, or moxa treatment, small cones of an herb (typically *Artemisia moxa*) are burned on top of needles placed in designated points of the body, generally the same points as those used in acupuncture.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the body’s qi—or vital life force—flows through a network of meridians that are intrinsically linked to natural phenomena, including circadian rhythms, seasons, and planetary movements.1

These connections form an invisible network that practitioners use to diagnose and treat health imbalances. Because each of the 12 major meridians corresponds to a specific organ, the time of day provides diagnostic clues regarding which organ system may be affected. For example, if a patient consistently experiences a headache at 4:00 PM, a practitioner may identify an imbalance in the Bladder meridian, as the Bladder is responsible for maintaining bodily functions during that specific time.1

By observing these correspondences, as well as those found within the wuxing (five agents or phases), practitioners can develop targeted healing plans involving acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle adjustments to restore the body's yin and yang balance.1