Zi Time (11:00 PM – 1:00 AM): Gallbladder Meridian is in Charge In Traditional Chinese Medicine, "当令" (dāng lìng) means the meridian is "on duty" or in command during a specific time. The period from 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM, known as Zi Time, is when the Gallbladder Meridian takes charge. The Gallbladder Meridian begins at the outer corner of the eye, runs along both sides of the head, down the sides of the body, and ends at the fourth toe. There's an interesting phenomenon in daily life: many people feel sleepy after dinner—around 8 or 9 PM—but suddenly become more awake around 11 PM. Some even develop late-night snacking habits or feel restless and want to do something at this time. Why does this happen? It's because Yang Qi begins to rise at 11 PM. Therefore, one of the most important wellness principles is: 🛏️ Go to sleep before 11 PM, so the emerging Yang energy can be nurtured and strengthened. Sleep during this time is essential for cultivating life force (Yang Qi), and there is a strong relationship between quality sleep and longevity. Zi Time represents the deepest darkness of night, but also the moment when Yang Qi starts to emerge. As the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine) says: “All eleven internal organs depend on the Gallbladder.” The healthy rising of Gallbladder Qi is what allows the entire flow of Qi and Blood to follow. If you can nourish this rising energy in spring, the entire year will benefit. If you cultivate it well in youth, it supports lifelong health. If you protect your sleep during Zi Time, it sets the tone for the entire day.