autumn: the time of metal
The body of Chinese medicine knowledge is a language unto itself, filled with metaphors and images to enrich a person’s understanding of the impact of energetics in life. A central theme of this paradigm is that the human body exists as a reflection of the natural world. Through gaining greater insight about the impact of nature on health, it becomes apparent just how important it is to maintain harmonious flow during the change of the seasons. This may require adjusting daily habits and behaviors according to the associated organ systems with a particular season along with the preponderance of yin (cold) or yang (heat) during that time of year.
Chinese medicine teaches that one’s body is a reflection of the natural world, whereby health and well-being is created through harmonious flow throughout each season. The body of Chinese medical knowledge is a language unto itself, filled with metaphors and images to enrich understanding of the impact of energetics in life. Through understanding the profound impact of nature on health, health seekers install daily habits, behaviors and treatments drawn from ancient Chinese medicine wisdom to health and longevity.
As the season of autumn approaches there are several things to be cognizant of to ensure a smooth energetic transition between the heat of summer and the coolness of autumn. First, it is important to gather and protect one’s energy and begin internalizing focus. This means becoming more centered and drawing energy inward, as compared to having just spent the last three months in a period of growth and expansion. It is also essential to build Qi (vital energy) resources of the body through clear and unrestrained breathing. Incorporating gentle breathing exercises daily will be quite helpful in this regard. Breathing in the fresh, clean and crisp air of autumn opens one up to living life in the fullest, most inspiring way possible. This can be more clearly understood through knowing that the autumn is related to the yin organ of the lung, which is traditionally known as “the receiver of the pure Qi from the heavens”.
The lungs are also the source of Qi and distribute a defensive vital energy called “Wei Qi” which governs energetic immune function. Therefore, as the weather changes in early autumn be sure to have therapeutic massage on the upper back and chest to open flow of lung energy. It is also prudent to protect the back of the neck from wind with a scarf or high collar when necessary. This is particularly helpful for gathering and protecting one’s energy in preparation for the approaching cycle of winter.
Re-establishing healthy boundaries is important during the autumn season, as is paying special attention to organization and letting go of what needs to be released. This is a process that is different for each person. It might mean letting go of waste in the form of old relationships, stagnant behaviors or negative attitudes. Through cleansing of what is no longer needed, one becomes receptive to new awareness about themselves and what is precious and essential in life. Knowing that this time of year is associated with the yang organ of the large intestine provides deeper meaning as to why the energetics of autumn creates the space and support for letting things go.
The Law of the Five Elements further informs us that the lungs and large intestine organ systems are metal elements. The fact that the metal element is associated with the emotion of grief means that we need to be on the lookout for the surfacing of unresolved, excessive or inappropriately expressed grief along. It is also a good idea to have methods in place for dealing appropriately with such feelings. This may include journaling regularly to get in touch with and work through one’s feelings. Seeking help from a psychotherapist may also be an excellent option.
According to Chinese medicine, the underlying cause of such grief could be imbalance or blocked energy within the lung and large intestine meridians – one that can be rectified through acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine. Deep breathing exercises as those experienced during Qigong exercise supports the physical, emotional, and spiritual awareness necessary for such cleansing, especially when it comes to grief. Keep in mind that repression of grief leads to health problems, expressing it brings relief and healing. When balance of the metal element is restored, so is one’s profound personal sense of value and worth from both energetic and physical perspectives.
The metal element is nourished by the pungent taste, therefore energetic balance can be achieved and maintained during autumn through preparing dishes with ginger, onion or garlic. Scallions, radishes and horseradish are also on the list of pungent foods.
Prevention is a key guiding principle in Chinese medicine to maintain health of the earth vital organs. It is much easier to rid the body of a superficial imbalance in the beginning, rather than after it has become entrenched and imbedded deep into the body. This means doing something proactive to support the seasonal shift of late summer like acupuncture or Chinese herbs to maintain integration of mind and body through energetic balance – and thus prevent disease. These treatments boost immunity, clear the mind, calm the spirit, and tune-up the body’s innate energetic potential. Chinese medicine treatments are recommended for energetic adjustment at the change of seasons to enhance the body’s response to the variation in frequency. They are a wise investment in health to ensure seasonal energetic flow and balance.
with the change of season to both prevent physical illness and emotional distress.
You now have several ways of supporting the letting go of the old and bringing in of the new. This is analogous to the trees letting go of their leaves during the season of autumn. Create the circumstances necessary to bring yourself into greater harmony and balancing during this inevitable cycling of nature – allowing yourself to go within and stay centered so that you may enjoy your and the season’s its inherent colorful splendor.