20:13
戌时 · 19:00 - 21:00 · 心包经当令
《内经》: “膻中者,臣使之官,喜乐出焉”
The Pericardium Meridian is currently active, marking a “period of physical and mental relaxation” to prepare for sleep.
Essence of Wellness: Stay cheerful and keep your mind and body relaxed.
Popular Interpretation: The pericardium is like the heart’s “guardian” and “spokesperson.” It begins its work during the Hour of Xu, with the goal of clearing away external pathogens surrounding the heart so that the heart—the “ruler”—can rest peacefully. Therefore, the essence of the Hour of Xu is “joy,” allowing both body and mind to feel at ease and relaxed. If you’re still working overtime, feeling angry, or watching intense movies or TV shows at this time, it’s like harassing your “heart’s guard,” preventing it from functioning properly and thereby disrupting the heart’s rest.
Recommendations: This is a good time to chat with family, listen to light music, do some simple stretching, or soak your feet in warm water. Let your heart rate gradually slow down as you make your final preparations for sleep. When soaking your feet, the water shouldn’t be too hot; just soak until you break a light sweat. This effectively directs excess heat downward and helps you fall asleep.