The metal element is the ability to create bonds with others and yourself; as well as letting go along with the courage to continue through the experience of loss. Letting go and letting come is the theme of the Metal element. The organs that rule metal are Lung and Large Intestine. The emotions are grief and courage, and the color is white. The season where it is most active is late Fall. It also has an effect on the minerals within our bodies and creates the energetic skeletal system where energy or Qi can travel. Therefore, it has a great effect on the communication between our brain and central nervous system. The metal element also has a direct effect with mental clarity and compared with the physical minerals found in Earth’s metals and gemstones. It will show itself with our thoughts and how they’re expressed. As with the earth our thoughts can be impure, cloudy, or crystal clear, and shiny. 

Metal is the connection between our inner and outer world. Lung is the first place where oxygen can enter the body on inspiration, while waste and toxin is let go of on expiration. 30% of the toxins within our bodies are eliminated through the lungs. So deep breathing is a wonderful way to activate and cleanse our systems without really trying. Some suggestions are aerobic exercise, meditation with the focus on our breath, and just getting outside and breathing deeply every day. Deep breathing also helps activate our thoughts and ideas for those spontaneous inspirations.  

Mucus is the fluid of the metal element and keeps the entire system lubricated and running smoothly by protecting the linings of the lungs, sinuses and other mucus membranes as well as absorbing and removing bacteria and other wastes. Smoking, pollution, shallow breathing and stress can play havoc on the elimination of toxins from the lungs on expiration. So what we breathe is just as important as how we breathe. Too much mucus as with too much dryness, will cause the lungs to become congested or irritated. With colder weather it’s easy to forget to keep you body hydrated with fluids, this is important for both cleansing and replacing moisture. 

Large intestine, often called the great eliminator is another area where stagnation of waste can cause disease.  General good bowel health is one meal in and one meal out. Stress, school or work routines, can congest the large intestine. Many common health complaints such as back ache, abdominal discomfort become noticeable with a sluggish colon and eventually diseases such as diverticulitis, IBS, and constipation. A diet of high fiber, fruits and vegetables, and small amounts of meat, dairy, unprocessed food, sweets, breads, and yeast/gluten based foods generally clears the heady, foggy thinking common with these heavy foods. Including Olive oil with your diet is also important to lubricate the system.  

Thurman Fleet suggests the following with the primary bulk of our daily eating to be the cleansers;  

Food Balance Breakdown

Builders: animal proteins, and beans.

Cleansers: fruits, and vegetables.

Congestors: sweets, cheese, and breads

Lubricators: nuts, weeds, and their oils. 

The skin is another organ ruled by metal and quite often overlooked. This is the largest organ of our body. Many people will experience skin inflammation when they are on medication or taking other drugs on a daily basis. Many physicians these days are integrating natural therapies and also allowing the body’s natural healing processes to run their course choosing to use medication as a last resort. 

Balanced eating of simple food (basically if it rots it’s probably good for you) and healthy living habits are crucial for personal well being and a sharp mind.  

Clear thinking, open mindedness to new ideas, and taking time to relax and slow down is the theme of the Metal element. Take time to be well.   

Earth

Water

Wood

Fire