Autumn is the seasonal shift where the trees draw their energy and sap down into their roots, lush summer foliage has turned rich shades of red, yellow and orange; falling to the earth they begin to compost down and feed the soil for growth in the spring.
Now we are experiencing cooler, wetter weather, darker days and the more inward and still; this is the yin energy of autumn and winter.
In Chinese medicine autumn is part of the Metal element, it comes at the end of the constantly moving five element cycle. Metal is the descent which provides an opportunity for letting go of the things in life that no longer serve us and which in turn can stimulate a sense of renewal.
I’ve found the seasonal connection of autumn with Metal is the least obvious of the five elemental phases:
Water winter
Wood spring
Fire summer
Earth late summer
METAL autumn
In the natural world, metal is formed deep in the earth where high temperatures and pressure cause molecules to separate. Some condense into metal ores and minerals, others stack up and form crystals. This process of separation pushes away impurities and molecules of differing composition and separates that which is spent, impure or unnecessary.
Mythically Metal is the dragons treasure, the reason for every heroic quest. The Holy Grail, the philosophers gold, the Buddha’s enlightenment are all versions of the same tale; the search for something pure and incorruptible.
In the body Metal manifests as the organs and meridians of the Lung and Large intestine. The Metal element filters our breath through the lungs and food mass through the bowels to isolate their essence and eliminate impurities. As part of autumn’s seasonal transformation, the body’s outward flowing energy begins to turn inward as it prepares for the colder months ahead.
Like any period of adaption, this refocusing of energy can sometimes trigger disruptions, our skin may feel dryer as it acclimatises to crisper, colder air. Our lungs, open pathways that regulate the movement throughout the entire body, become more susceptible to external pathogens and irritants. As such, it’s considered the ideal time of year to strengthen our Lung Qi, treating them for prevention of illness and to keep them working efficiently and smoothly.
Emotionally Metal is associated with grief, among other emotions. Difficult and painful it may become a route to surrender and open the way for transformation and forgiveness. When grief is there let it be there; it is the process by which we value what is precious to us. It is an honoring.
Because sometimes it’s time to let go, to extract the gold and draw in the new. Energy; our own and the Earth’s is limited and at a premium. We must choose wisely while deciding where we use our precious resources. Yet there is still so much abundance, and new ways do emerge.
Acupuncture and tui na treatments are for all of you: Mind, Body, and Sprit