healing with the metal element

In Chinese Medicine Autumn is governed by the Metal element governed by the Lungs (Yin) and Large intestine (Yang). The organs responsible for emanating heavenly Ki throughout our system in the form of Ki (prana, lifeforce), hydrating the lungs, colon and skin, eliminating waste products from the body and most importantly building defensive Wei Ki in the form of our immunity complex.

An imbalance in the Metal element leaves to congestion of the energy systems and organs that lead to respiratory disorders, problems with elimination, congestion, mucus accumulation, allergies, skin disorders, constipation  and most poignantly given the current climate of Covid and the related influenzas running gambit at the moment is a weakened immune system and ability to fight diseases. People that are constantly getting sick, running low on energy, have problems processing grief, letting go of ‘things’ or just lacking an inner vitality and drive usually have a weakened Metal element that can be remedied with a seasonal yogic practice, Pranayama and nourishing wholefood diet.

It is important to nourish the body with hydrating foods that build defensive Wei Ki (immunity) and purify the lungs of dampness that leads to congestion throughout the body. The skin is the sense organ of the Metal element that circulates Wei Ki throughout the body via the lymphatic pathways. Wei Ki is supported by a healthy Earth element (stomach and spleen) that is nourished by quality foods and regular eating times. Avoiding cold and damp foods such as salads, frozen foods and dairy products from the diet and focusing on moistening and nourishing foods in form of soups and stews with seasonal root vegetables will limit susceptibility to illness and accumulation of waste products from a weakened digestive system. Nourishing these elements helps to build the essence of Jing stored in the Kidneys that fuels all of life’s bodily functions and emanations. Together these elements build the Goo Ki (nutritive ki) and descend the Pranic force down to the Kidneys to produce the vital essence of Jing, one of the Three treasures it is our duty to protect.

The metal element is the season of ‘letting go’ as we start the downward descent into the Yin months of winter calling us into a state of stillness and surrender.

It’s a great time to de-clutter and reorganise your physical reality and turn inwards to evaluate aspects of your life where you are ‘loosing energy’ that require better structure and organisation to make space for more internal freedom and clarity within. This concept of letting go on en emotional level is simply an act of acceptance. When we can learn to accept situations and experiences for what they were without any type of attachment or let down from our expectations of another. We tend a space of emotional freedom and forgiveness of self and others that serves our higher evolution.

The Autumn Okido practice is all about strengthening the respiratory and elimination processes in the body by opening up the lung channels, deeping the breath to free the body of toxins and waste products via the colon and the skin. A rejuvenating and dynamic practice that brings vitality, clarity and a lightness of being that comes with harnessing the vital force of life efficiently in the body.

Tips for a healing Metal season:

-       Early morning walks in nature to harness vital Lung Ki time (better if barefoot!)

-       Stimulating the breath and Large intestine between 3-7am when the Metal element is at it’s strongest to aid elimination and vitality

-       Regular mealtimes – especially breakfast to stimulate digestive Ki

-       Nourish the body with quality seasonal produce cooked slow with plenty of water (stews, soups, congee, broths)

-       Eat mineral-rich whole grains to hydrate the lungs and large intestine

-       HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!

-       Declutter and reorganise your life

-       Identify situations, people, and environments that are draining your energy and bring the focus back to you

-       Sort out ‘life admin’ and any debts

-       Morning pages (3) to ‘mind dump’ and stimulate subconscious processing

-       Slow everything down. Act with presence and mindfulness in all of the in between moments.