The 1-3 PM Slump: What TCM Says About Your Afternoon Energy Dip
Have you experienced a slump in energy around 1-3pm? This is supposed to be a GREAT energy time since it’s right after lunch. So if you’re not feeling energized and focused, read on to learn more.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body’s energy (Qi) moves through a 24-hour cycle, flowing through different organ systems at specific times of the day.
If you often experience low energy between 1-3 PM, TCM associates this with the Small Intestine and Bladder meridians, as well as the Liver's detoxification process from it’s opposite time (1-3am) in the nighttime.
Possible TCM Reasons for an Afternoon Energy Slump:
Liver Qi Stagnation or Blood Deficiency
The Liver is responsible for storing and regulating blood. If the blood is insufficient or Qi is stagnant, it may not properly nourish the body, leading to fatigue in the early afternoon.
Digestive Weakness (Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency)
The Small Intestine plays a key role in nutrient absorption. If your digestion is weak, your body may struggle to efficiently extract energy from food, leading to an afternoon crash.
Eating heavy or processed foods at lunch can further tax digestion, making the body feel sluggish.
Bladder Meridian & Kidney Qi Deficiency (3-5 PM Connection)
The Bladder meridian (3-5pm) is the energy AFTER the Small Intestine (1-3pm). The Bladder works closely with the Kidneys, which store our foundational energy (Jing). If Kidney Qi is weak, energy levels can dip in the early afternoon, making it hard to stay focused.
How to Support Your Energy between 1-3pm:
In TCM the Small Intestine energy is all about digestion of lunch. The time between 1-3 PM corresponds to the Small Intestine in TCM, which is responsible for assimilating and processing digestion.
What does that mean for you in daily life?
It means between 1-3pm it is an ideal time to "sort out and process" in daily life, mirroring the energetic function of this organ!!
Take time between 1-3 to sort affairs or reassess how the rest of your day will go. Or clean out a drawer real quick and get back to work!
Other ways to support energy in the afternoon:
✔ Eat a light, warm, and nourishing lunch (avoid cold/raw foods that tax digestion).
✔ Sip warm herbal teas like ginger or ginseng to support Spleen and Stomach Qi.
✔ Take a short movement break to prevent Liver Qi stagnation (gentle stretching or a short walk).
✔ Stay hydrated to support Kidney and Bladder function.
✔ Get enough rest at night—Kidney Qi replenishes during deep sleep.
If fatigue between 1-3 PM is a daily struggle, it may be worth assessing digestion, stress levels, and overall Qi balance through a TCM lens. Contact us to learn more!
