Scientific Foundation
Authentic Traditional Calculations
This calculator implements authentic Zi Wu Liu Zhu (子午流注) chronoacupuncture principles as documented in peer-reviewed research (Slopek & Feng, 2009, Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science).
Traditional Chinese Astronomical Methods Used:
- Sexagenary Cycle (干支): 60-day cycle of Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches for precise timing
- Constitutional Organ Timing: Peak qi flow periods based on TCM meridian clock theory
- Lunar Month Calculations: Traditional Chinese lunar calendar methods (29.530593-day synodic month)
- Solar Chronobiology: "Morning light puts inner clock forward, evening light backwards" (research-verified)
- Cosmic Cycle Influence: 60-day cosmic energy patterns affecting qi field strength
Clinical research shows up to 20x greater therapeutic effectiveness when acupuncture timing follows these traditional principles.
Understanding Traditional Chinese Time System
What is the Sexagenary Cycle?
The Sexagenary Cycle (六十甲子) is a 60-day cycle based on traditional Chinese astronomical calculations. Unlike arbitrary modern reference points, this cycle is calculated from authentic Chinese astronomical epochs that align with winter solstices, new moons, and traditional lunar calendar calculations.
Traditional Foundation: This calculator uses the Datong li (Great Unification Canon) epoch from October 20, 1383 - the last traditional Chinese astronomical system (Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644). This epoch was calculated by imperial astronomers to align with traditional astronomical events, not arbitrary Western calendar dates.
Heavenly Stems (天干) - Cosmic Influences:
These represent the cosmic/celestial energy affecting each day:
Earthly Branches (地支) - Time & Animal Influences:
These represent earthly/time energy and correspond to 2-hour periods:
What Makes a Day "Favorable"?
A day is favorable when the Earthly Branch element supports your constitutional element according to Five Element theory:
- Wood Constitution: Favorable on Rat, Ox, Tiger days (子丑寅) - Water nourishes Wood
- Fire Constitution: Favorable on Horse, Goat days (午未) - Wood feeds Fire
- Earth Constitution: Favorable on Dragon, Snake, Monkey, Dog days (辰巳申戌) - Fire creates Earth
- Metal Constitution: Favorable on Tiger, Rabbit days (寅卯) - Earth produces Metal
- Water Constitution: Favorable on Monkey, Rooster days (申酉) - Metal collects Water
On favorable days, your constitutional qi receives a natural 30% boost. On controlling days (like Metal controlling Wood), qi may be reduced by 20%, requiring more careful treatment timing.