In traditional Chinese cosmology and TCM theory, the Earthly Branches are not only associated with time, direction, and the Five Elements, but also correspond to different parts of the human body. This correspondence is applied in both the Four Pillars of Destiny (Ba Zi) and TCM diagnosis.

The Body Parts Represented by the Earthly Branches

Zi (Water) - Ears, Bladder, Urinary System:
Zi hour is from 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM, a critical period for the body's detoxification, especially when the urinary system is most active.

Chou (Earth) - Spleen, Stomach, Muscles:
Chou hour is from 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM, a time when the functions of the spleen and stomach are most active, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption.

Yin (Wood) - Arms, Gallbladder, Tendons:
Yin hour is from 3:00 AM to 5:00 AM, a time when the liver and gallbladder meridians are most active, aiding the liver's detoxification function and bile secretion.

Mao (Wood) - Eyes, Liver, Meridians:
Mao hour is from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM, a time when the liver's function is most active, aiding blood metabolism and eye health.

Chen (Earth) - Skin, Stomach, Bones:
Chen hour is from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, a time when the stomach's digestive function is most active, and it is also related to the health of the skin and bones.

Si (Fire) - Face, Heart, Small Intestine:
Si hour is from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, a time when the heart's function is most active, contributing to cardiovascular health.

Wu (Fire) - Heart, Eyes, Circulation:
Wu hour is from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, a time when the heart's function is at its peak, making it an ideal time for a nap to restore energy.

Wei (Earth) - Spleen, Stomach, Muscles:
Wei hour is from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, a time when the spleen and stomach functions become active again, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption.

Shen (Metal) - Respiratory System, Lungs, Large Intestine:
Shen hour is from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, a time when the lungs' function is most active, contributing to respiratory health.

You (Metal) - Respiratory System, Lungs, Nose:
You hour is from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, a time when the lungs continue to be active, contributing to respiratory health.

Xu (Earth) - Legs, Stomach, Bones:
Xu hour is from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, a time when the stomach's digestive function becomes active again, and it is also related to the health of the legs and bones.

Hai (Water) - Head, Kidneys, Reproductive System:
Hai hour is from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM, a time when the kidneys' function is most active, contributing to kidney detoxification and reproductive health.

The Body Parts Represented by the Five Elements

Wood - Liver, Gallbladder, Eyes, Tendons, Nails:
The liver governs the smooth flow of Qi and regulates emotions, particularly anger.
The condition of the tendons and nails can reflect the health of the liver.

Fire - Heart, Small Intestine, Tongue, Blood Vessels, Face:
The heart governs mental clarity and controls blood circulation, related to the emotion of joy.
Facial appearance and tongue condition are important indicators of heart health.

Earth - Spleen, Stomach, Mouth (taste), Muscles, Limbs:
The spleen and stomach are responsible for digestion and absorption, related to the transformation of nutrients.
The condition of muscles and limbs can reflect the function of the spleen and stomach.

Metal - Lungs, Large Intestine, Nose, Skin, Hair:
The lungs govern respiration and regulate the exchange of Qi, related to the emotion of grief.
The condition of the skin and hair can reflect the health of the lungs.

Water - Kidneys, Bladder, Ears, Bones, Hair, Reproductive System:
The kidneys store essence and govern growth, development, and reproduction, related to the emotion of fear.
The condition of bones, hair, and the reproductive system can reflect the health of the kidneys.

The Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches: The Code of Time

The Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches form a symbolic system used in ancient Chinese calendrical systems, serving as the foundation for recording years, months, days, and hours. In Daoist philosophy, they symbolize fundamental energies or states in heaven and earth, revealing the mysteries of cosmic laws. Through the combinations and changes of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, we can gain insight into the growth and decline, fortune and misfortune of all things in the world, guiding our lives and decisions.

The Five Elements: The Law of Nature

The Five Elements include Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, and they interact through mutual generation and control, forming the fundamental law governing the growth and change of all things in nature. In divination, the Five Elements are widely used to analyze personal character traits, health conditions, and the direction of one's fortune. By adjusting the relationships among the Five Elements, we can achieve auspicious outcomes and harmonious coexistence.

The Eight Trigrams: A Model of the Universe

The Eight Trigrams are composed of Yin and Yang lines, representing basic natural phenomena and abstract expressions of the changing patterns of all things in the universe. In Daoist practice, the Eight Trigrams are considered essential tools for understanding the mysteries of the universe and cultivating internal alchemy. By comprehending the principles of the Eight Trigrams' transformations, we can grasp the interplay of Yin and Yang and the relationships of the Five Elements, achieving unity between body and mind, and harmony between man and the cosmos.

Integrated Diagram: Harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity

By combining the Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, Five Elements, and Eight Trigrams, an integrated diagram is created that depicts a vivid picture of the universe's long history. By reflecting on the wisdom contained within the Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, Five Elements, and Eight Trigrams, we can align with natural laws, seize life opportunities, and unlock the key to a path of wisdom and happiness.

Summary:
Through a deep interpretation of the table showing the body parts represented by the Earthly Branches, we not only recognize the importance of concepts such as the Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, Five Elements, and Eight Trigrams, but also understand the subtle connection between the human body and the universe. On the journey of exploring the mysteries of life, let us move forward together, jointly exploring the depth and significance of these ancient wisdoms.