Have you ever wondered why your body reacts in certain ways during certain times of the year? We know about seasonal allergies… but in what other ways can the change in seasons affect us?
Let’s start with the current season in the Northern Hemisphere: FALL
“The mysterious powers of fall create dryness in heaven, and they create metal upon earth. Upon the body they create skin and hair, and of the viscera they create the Lungs. Of the colors they create the white color… and they give to the human voice the ability to weep and to wail. In times of excitement and change, they create a cough. Of the orifices they create the nose with its nostrils: among the flavours they created the pungent flavour; and among the emotions they create grief…. the Lungs are the symbol of the interpretation and conduct of the official jurisdiction and regulation…. the Large Intestines are like the officials who propagate the Way of Living, and they generate evolution and change……” Nei Ching
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are 5 different elements that correspond with 5 different seasons. In fall, we activate the element of METAL. Keep reading to see how this element affects your mind, emotions, and physical body, as well as how you can find balance & support for your body, mind & spirit during the fall season!
The Metal Element refers to the use of metal in weapons, agricultural implements, and in the making of jewellery and other personal adornments. The qualities associated with metal are unyieldingness, rigidity, persistence, strength and determination. Metal is reflective and needs a lot of space.
Metal is yin or feminine in character, its motion is inwards and its energy is contracting. The colors associated with metal are white and all metallic shades: gold, silver, chrome, brass, and bronze.
The corresponding direction is North-West, the climate is dryness, and the season is autumn/fall.
The values associated with metal are the past & future and aesthetics.
Time of day when Organs perform their best
The Lungs (FEI) know has the “Controller of Receiving Qi” – perform best around 3-5am & the Large Intestines (DA-CHANG) know has “The Great Eliminator” and as the “Controller of Drainage Dregs” and as the “The officials who propagate the Right Way of living“ – performs best around 5-7am. All of which are governed & ruled by the Metal element in the human body.
The body parts are skin, body hair, throat, elbows and the complete respiratory system. The flavour is pungent, the fluid is mucus, the sense organ is nose & nostrils, the sound is weep & wail, and the smell is rotten/musty.
The Metal person is controlling, ambitious, forceful and set in their ways. They are self-reliant and prefer to handle their problems alone. The Metal person is also materialistic, business-oriented and good at organization and stability. Physically, they are fair skinned with small bones, broad shoulders, and prominent cheekbones.
Emotions associated with the Metal Element
Signs in the Physical body of Metal Element
Associated Foods for the Metal Element
The following foods are great to incorporate more of in the Fall as they are in alignment with the Fall harvest and help nourish your body into balance...
Apples, pears, and Asian pears are the frutis that connect directly with the lungs. They help the lungs stay moist and flexible (while the two distinct types of fiber in their peels and their flesh aids with descension)
Almonds are the main nuts for thelungs. They help moisten and clear the intestines (opening the way for breath to descend deeply).
Fresh ginger root warms digestion and helps clear the lungs.
Daikon root is a root vegetable that helps lung qi descend.Its gentle raddish sharpness helps clear the lungs.
Citrus peel relaxes the diaphram and is wondeful for opneing breathing and assisting digestion.
Millet is an excellent grain for moistening the lungs.
Soups, root vegetables, onions, squash, brown rice & wild rice, beans, pumpkin, garlic, and cabbage.
According to TCM…
Metal is nourished by Earth and in turn, it nourishes Water. Metal is controlled by Fire, and itself is seen destroying Wood. In the control cycle Metal is controlled by fire, as only fire can melt it; and in turn Metal controls wood, as only the metal ax can cut down trees. In the conductive cycle, Metal produces water (or liquid), either by trapping or holding it in a container, or by being melted into a liquid.
Herbal Plant Allies for the Metal Element
You don't need to take a million supplements and synthetic medicines to help your body heal from symptoms that pop up during this time! The following herbs are known in Western Herbalism to aid in bringing your body into harmony, especially in the Fall...
Marshmallow root, Thyme and Sage, Burdock root, Comfrey root, Licorice root, Ginger root and many more.
An herbal consultation will help you understand if your lungs are dry, cold and damp, hot and phlegmy,
Did you know we offer herbal consultations through Zoom?
Looking for more support?
Looking for additional support during the fall season? Please have a look at the services I offer and feel free to book directly or fill out the form below if you would like to work together to bring your body, mind & spirit back into harmony.
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