The Metal Element

Widad Nash Author

The Metal Element follows the Earth Phase Element Phase, which, is in Autumn. According to the Chinese 5 Elements Theory Metal starts on October 10.

The Metal Element follows the Earth Phase Element Phase, which, is in Autumn. According to the Chinese 5 Elements Theory Metal starts on October 10 till Dec 24

Autumn is the end of the growing season, there is a change in the weather nature lets go of its leaves, that nourish the earth for the coming year.

We should also let go of old to make place for the new.

The Metal Element is nourished by the Earth Element, which supports the respiratory and immune system

It is the cleansing period when energy begins to move inwards.
We begin to internalize our energy, winding down our activities.
It is the time we become an elder, we reduce our workload, retiring into a position of respect. It is also the time when dryness begins to take hold and make can make our bodies feel brittle.

During the Metal Element phase, we start to draw from our storehouse of wisdom and learning, it is a time of reflection for our soul. This is the stage in our lives where we reflect on our achievements to understand the value of our experiences and extract the finer meaning of life.

According to TCM, the Metal element manifests in our body through The Lung and Large Intestine

White and Metal are the colors of the Metal Element,

The Metal Element encompasses, not only the lungs themselves, but also all aspects of breathing, including the absorption of 
‘Qi’ or ‘Chi ‘ (life force energy) from the air.

The nose is the sensory organ related to the Lung/ Large Intestine. Runny nose, sneezing, congested sinuses, loss of smell, are all symptoms of compromised Lung function.

The skin is the tissue associated with the Lung /Large Intestine The lungs also control the skin, which 'breathes' via the opening and closing of pores and is responsible for adjusting body temperature through perspiration and shivering. If you want to have healthy, clear, wrinkle-free skin, it’s important to take care of the Lung and the Large Intestine!

The taste that corresponds to and supports the Lungs/ Large Intestine is Pungent.

Sadness and grief are the emotions associated with the Lung and Large Intestine

Too much sadness and grieving can harm the Lung and the Large Intestine. “Letting things go” is a healthy way to stimulate your Lung’s function also processing grief and loss, and getting rid of physical and emotional baggage.

This is the season of “Letting Go and Receiving”

There is more to this season than “letting go” - it is also a time to take in the pure autumn air Get rid of unnecessary things in your life.

Practice letting of old negative feelings and resentments, jealousy,

When feeling sad or stuck, remember that this will also pass with season

Metal People tend to be reserved, disciplined, discerning, scrupulous, methodical and honorable. They are also likely to be calm and neat.

They respect virtue, discretion system, and authority. They tend to live according to reason and principle and hold themselves and others to the highest standards. Seeking the perfection of form and function, transmutation is their guiding principle.

Psychologically when out of balance when out of balance, they tend to become autocratic, strict, formal, distant and unnatural. Or may become indifferent and inhibited and have a tendency for self-righteousness and disillusionment.

They may have low self-esteem, Loss of personal boundaries, Sadness, grief, despair Obsessive compulsive disorder, Issues with letting go and detachment, and be Perfectionist and problems with intimacy.

Physically, when out of balance they may have shallow breathing, respiratory challenges, including frequent colds, coughs, or serious conditions such as asthma, due to the Lungs. Breathing controls cellular respiration, and shallow irregular breathing is therefore a major cause of low vitality and insufficient metabolism, and lowered immune functions.

They may also have digestive issues such as constipation or bloating due to the Large Intestine partner of the Lung:

They may develop stiff joints, also, skin and hair disorders

If you have characteristics relating to the Metal Element, you may consider balancing your rationality, self-control and meticulousness with passion, spontaneity and social involvement.

• Foods to Support the Metal Element Health
• The Metal element is associated with pungent tastes,
• Many foods have an essence that supports the Lung and its partner, the Large Intestine, Any white pungent foods, such as; onions, garlic, turnips, ginger, horseradish, cabbage, and white peppercorns help to balance the Metal Elements.

Simple Tips for everyday Metal Element and Lung Health

Practice letting of old negative feelings and resentments, jealousy. The essence of the metal element is release. ... Get rid of unnecessary things in your life

• Breath deep fresh air. Given its connection to the lungs, practicing deep breathing exercises significantly benefits our mental and physical health. ...

• Breathing directly controls the autonomous nervous system, and this relationship is the basis for almost every system of yoga and meditation. By regulating the autonomous nervous system and governing energy and pulse, breathing forms a direct bridge between body and mind and may be utilized to keep the two in balance.