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Autumn · Lung and Large Intestine
The Metal element
Metal is about clarity, value and letting go. Like the sharp edge of a blade, it knows what's precious and what can be released. It's the element of grief, and of how we recognise what truly matters.
The officials
The Lungs take in fresh air and inspiration; the Large Intestine lets go of what's no longer needed. Together: taking in, and letting go.
In balance
- Clear-minded, focused and organised
- High standards and an eye for quality
- Able to grieve, let go and move on
- Sets clear boundaries
Out of balance
- Holding on to grief or the past
- Perfectionism: never quite good enough
- Feeling distant, critical or cut off
- Emotionally held in or rigid
Looking after your Metal
- Breathe deeply, ideally outdoors in fresh air
- Declutter: keep your space simple and clear
- Journal or talk things through to help you let go
- Set realistic goals instead of perfect ones
- Notice and appreciate simple, good things
What your acupuncturist notices
In Five Element acupuncture, a practitioner notices subtle signs like these to understand which element most needs support.
“Go to bed early and rise early, with the cockerel. Keep your mind calm and steady.”
Huangdi Neijing, Suwen chapter 2, on autumnAutumn in the five seasons
Habits, seasonal food and the horary points of Metal.
Open the calendar →The other elements
From the blog
Read more about Metal
Autumn: the season of Metal
In Five Element acupuncture, autumn belongs to Metal: breathing in, and letting go. A few simple ways to support yourself this season.
Read →Simple breathing for a calmer day
A slow, simple breathing practice you can do anywhere, what research says about slow breathing and heart rate variability, and the Metal element tradition.
Read →Keep, print or share
Download the Metal profile
The Five Seasons letter
A short letter at the start of each season
Five emails a year, one as each Five Element season begins: what the season asks of you, simple self-care, a seasonal acupressure point and anything new from the clinic. No spam, and you can unsubscribe any time.
Step by step
Your journey with White Willow
Is Metal your element?
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