There has definitely been a shift in the last few days with the air getting a little crisper and leaves falling off trees. It feels like Autumn is on her way. Autumn is a time for letting go and surrendering to Mother Nature. I thought it would be a good time to explain the Chinese Metal Element, which relates to this time of year. We all have aspects of each of the five Chinese Elements in us but usually one Element will really resonate with us, hopefully this will shed some light and help you stay balanced, for those of you who are strong Metal elements like I am.

Metal Element – An Overview
Lungs & Colon

According to traditional Chinese Medicine, the lungs and colon are believed to know what substances to let in and what to let go, which is essential for health and happiness. The lungs balance the ability to give and take, hold on and let go. When the lungs are out of balance emotions are kept under tight control, routines and rules become inflexible and the body begins to stiffen up. The colon is responsible for distinguishing between harmless and harmful elements, which is important in creating an uncluttered environment in which the organs can work efficiently. Overcrowding and congestion in the colon can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea and constipation, which depletes our vital energy. When the colon is out of balance, there is a lack of creativity and a growing sensation of rigidity and inflexibiltiy.

Excess Metal Symptoms

• Stiff, tight muscles

• Allergies that are acute in nature (short duration)

• Acute sinus infections and sinus headaches

• Acute respiratory symptoms: shortness of breath, dry cough, tight chest

• Intestinal problems that flare suddenly: bloating, constipation, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Acne

• Eczema and psoriasis

• Fear of losing control

• Inability to adapt to changing circumstances

• Obsession with cleanliness

• Ritualised routines

• Tendency to collect things

Deficient Metal Symptoms

• Congested nose, throat and sinuses

• Chronic (long duration) dull and persistent allergies

• Chronic respiratory problems : pressure in chest, difficulty breathing, bronchial spasm

• Chronic asthma

• Chronically dry skin, hair, nails, lips and nasal passages

• Headaches in reaction to loss or disappointment

• Recurring bowel disturbances: constipation, loose stools, IBS (alternating diarrhea and constipation)

• Depleted immune function, persistent colds and flus, post nasal drip and sinus infection, chronic fatigue syndrome

• Chronic anxiety

• Low self-confidence and self esteem

• Hypersensitivity to criticism

• Tendency to accumulate junk and clutter thinking that they will be useful some day

• Fear of failure

If you identify with any of these symptoms then here are some suggestions for restoring balance:

• The time of day for Metal is 03h00 to 07h00, this is when Metal’s spiritual energies are most abundant and powerful. If you awake early then use this time to breathe deeply or plan your day.

• Autumn is Metal’s season and this is a good time to complete unfinished projects, clear away clutter and make sure you are physically and emotionally prepared for winter.

• Get organized – this is one of Metal’s natural talents. ‘Spring clean’ by rearranging drawers, cupboards, filing cabinets, get rid of useless items. Focus on what you have accomplished instead of all the work that remains to be done.

• Make lists – daily to-do lists are common among Metal types. Don’t expect to get everything on your list done by the end of the day. Set yourself a time frame every day to create order, eg. One hour.

• Don’t go overboard – Metal types have a tendency to tightly schedule their day so that it is filled with duties and responsibilities. This inflexibility diminishes creativity and spontaneity. Keep your mind open to new ideas. Put yourself into situations that demand quick responses. Let go of strict discipline and learn how to enjoy the rhythms of give and take.

• Practice breathing exercises and meditation – this will strengthen the lungs, increase energy, still the mind and lift the spirit. Focus on the exhalation, when you exhale completely the inhalation phase will occur naturally. Metal types gravitate to solitary activities that involve searching for spiritual truths. A good form of meditation for Metal types is to sit and breathe in and out counting from one to ten on the exhalations.

• Diet – Metal types often have a very fast metabolism and can eat anything they want without putting on weight. Food is not very important to them. Ironically they also have a vulnerability to food sensitivities and allergies. Here are some guidelines:

1. Eliminate or cut back on dairy products, which is a primary allergen. Dairy produces excess mucous in the system, which can aggravate respiratory problems.

2. Avoid spicy and greasy foods, which are difficult to digest.

3. Vary your diet by using different foods from all the food groups. We tend to stay within our comfort zone and repeat the same meals over and over. If you are constantly having a food you are sensitive to, your symptoms will intensify.

4. Beware of cravings, they often indicate an underlying food sensitivity.

5. Avoid sweet, sticky or cold foods as they tend to lead to incomplete digestion. This then creates excess mucous, which is stored in the lungs contributing to asthma and respiratory problems. A malfunctioning digestive system is unable to completely break down proteins, which results in undigested proteins ‘leaking’ into body fluids (blood), where they are attacked by the immune system causing allergic reactions.

6. Increase fibre by eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables, which will help your colon function optimally.

7. To eliminate accumulated toxins, fast periodically by only eating fruits, vegetables and juices.

8. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of filtered water every day as it helps bulk up the intestinal contents and flush everything through the system quickly and efficiently.

• Exercise – Metal types prefer exercises that can be done alone. Walking, backpacking, mountain climbing, rock climbing and yoga are all suitable.

• The colour for Metal is white, which denotes simplicity. Surround yourself with this colour by decorating your home or office or wearing white or beige. When you feel stressed and drained of energy, go outside and sit for 5 minutes with your eyes closed and your face turned toward the sun or moon. Imagine the light filtering into your body, mind and spirit, warming and inspiring you. As you exhale remind yourself that you are deeply connected to the heavens and the earth.

• Listening to the soothing sound of nature helps balance Metal’s energy. The wind rustling through the trees, river water splashing over rocks, dry autumn leaves crunching under foot, pine cones dropping in a forest. Whenever you feel grief-stricken or off-balance, take a walk, breathe deeply and listen to nature sing.

• Eucalyptus oil is used to treat respiratory complaints and to encourage deep breathing. To soothe upper respiratory ailments put two or three drops into some hot water and inhale for a few minutes.

• The condition of the skin is directly linked to Metal. The skin like the lungs is an elimination organ. When the lungs are strong and healthy, the skin doesn’t have to work as hard to remove toxins. Likewise when the skin is healthy, the lungs don’t have to overwork. When you bath or shower, use a loofa brush to remove dead skin cells so toxins can exit easily. Saunas and steam baths are wonderful. A full body massage can also help to improve circulation and the condition of your skin.

How does this time of year make you feel?

As the season changes, it is really important to strengthen your immune system by eating a well balanced diet and supplementing.


With love,