Balance your
Metal Element
Our system is greatly affected by the changing seasons around us. By that I mean the seasons of the year, seasons of our lives and those of changing circumstances.
I am writing this in autumn which, according to Daoist philosophy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is governed by the element of Metal (Winter = Water, Spring = wood, Summer = Fire, Late Summer = Earth). TCM teaches us that our health and harmony are deeply interconnected with the natural elements around us.
Physical Aspects of the Metal Element
Metal Element governs the functions of the Lungs and Large Intestine.
Lungs play a vital role in both physical and emotional health. The intake of oxygen is likened to taking in (life) and the release of carbon dioxide is synonymous with letting go.
When the Metal element is IN BALANCE, the Lungs function optimally, and we experience clear breathing, strong immune function and a sense of vitality. When the Metal element is balanced, you are able to experience grieve fully and let go of it when the time is right, allowing for healing and new beginnings.
When the Metal element is out OUT OF BALANCE, we may experience respiratory issues such as coughing, asthma, or chronic colds, as well as skin conditions since the Lungs also govern the skin. On a deeper level, the Large Intestine’s function of elimination reflects Metal’s ability to let go of emotional baggage. Emotional stagnation can show up as prolonged grief or an inability to let go of past experiences. An excess of the Metal element can lead to an over-rigid, critical or controlling nature, holding onto material possessions.
The Large Intestine, also governed by the Metal element, ensures that waste is efficiently eliminated, maintaining internal cleanliness and balance. When OUT OF BALANCE in the Large Intestine may lead to issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Also linked to Metal element is the Skin. In TCM, the skin is often referred to as the "third Lung," as it serves as the body’s external boundary and plays a crucial role in protecting the internal body. Healthy skin is a reflection of strong Lung function and balanced Metal energy. When the Metal element is balanced, the skin is radiant, healthy, and free of issues. An imbalance can manifest as dryness, eczema, or rashes.
Metal Element
Ways to Balance Meal Element
Balancing the Metal element involves practices that support the Lungs and Large Intestine, promote emotional processing, and align with the seasonal energy of autumn. Here are some key ways to nurture your Metal element:
Homeopathy
Looking at the Metal Element through the lens of homeopathy we see what Daoist wisdom has understood for 2,500 years. Many remedies derived from the Mineral Kingdom (metals, gases belong here) correspond to the Metal Element properties, but not exclusively. They deal with structure and organisation where concern is about lack, forming, maintaining or losing structure. This is understood in terms of: existence, identity, position, relationship, security, performance, function and responsibility. The issue is about completeness or incompleteness, like something is missing or lacking or a fear of losing that completeness. For example some elements of the periodic table cannot exist on their own because they are too reactive. They include: hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. They begin to doubt themselves and don’t quite believe that they contain the “nuggets of gold” that they see in others.
Something is missing or lacking that triggers big questions relating to:
Identity
Purpose
Role, Position, Performance
Security & Responsibility
This sense of ‘lack’ can create a drive, either to achieve according to society’s parameters – by becoming very ambitious, successful and wealthy, or to find a deeper meaning in one’s life that gives it some deeper value.
Loss and subsequent grief are often a turning point for us to question matters of worth and value that relate to metal element.
For specific remedies relating to grief, see this article here.
Kinesiology & Integrated Healing to help heal grief and balance Metal Element and corresponding organs
Kinesiology balance using muscle testing (distantly too) is based on TCM and will guide us to responsible organ and that cause the Metal element imbalance, nutritional deficiency, emotional imprint and guide us to specific balance fear, beliefs and emotion holding this in place whilst working with the somatic memory via
eye movement
sound
neuro lymphatic points
meridians
tapping
homeopathic remedies
flower essences and more
It may be particularly pertinent where in case of suppressed or repressed emotions that you cannot access consciously and where you wish to move beyond talking and release the emotions stored in your body.
Things you can do yourself
Intentional Breathing
Because the Lungs are the organ of Metal, practices that promote healthy breathing are essential. Deep breathing exercises, pranayama, and meditation help increase Lung capacity, improve Qi flow, and support emotional release. Mindful breathing can also help you process grief and let go of emotional stress.
Drink Water
The Metal element is associated with dryness, particularly in the autumn season. To counter this, stay well-hydrated by drinking warm fluids like herbal teas or soups, and ensure your skin is moisturised with natural oils or creams. Foods with high water content, such as pears, can also help nourish the Lungs and keep the skin healthy.
Nutrition
In TCM, certain foods are considered particularly beneficial for the Lungs and Large Intestine. Cauliflower, onions, turnips, eggs, almonds and baked pears are great. You will notice, what these foods have in common is colour white. White is the colour associated to the Metal Element. Add warming spices like ginger and cinnamon to help balance the dryness of autumn and strengthen the Lungs.
Practice letting go
To support the Metal element’s emotional function, practice the art of letting go. Remember that grief is a natural part of life, and creating space for reflection and healing is essential to balance the Metal element. Here are some ideas how to practice letting to:
declutter your home
journal about unresolved emotions
release tension in your body. Qi gong can be particular helpful as it targets the organs and meridians associated to the Elements.
Ensure good night sleep
Lung detox spontaneously between 3-5am. Waking up during these times may be indicative of Metal Element imbalance. What to do? Attend to any unresolved grief during the day, follow other strategies. See homeopathic remedies for grief.
Practice Mindfulness
When the Metal element prevails in our energy field, we are holding onto the past. This compromises our time spent in the present moment. Spending time in nature surrounded by sensory input of the chill in the air, raising mists, falling leaves and changing colours, whispers of the wind can help you activate your senses and connect with the energy of Metal and align with the season's natural rhythm. Hikes in the woods, appreciating the changing leaves, and practicing mindfulness in nature can help cultivate a sense of peace and clarity.