The 5 Elements of Chinese Medicine: The Metal Element
By Matthew Lyon DC, L.Ac
This month, we’ll continue with our look at the 5 elements of Chinese Medicine. In this issue, we will examine the Metal Element. The Metal Element corresponds to the season of Fall. In the physiology of Chinese medicine, the Metal Element corresponds to the Lungs and Large Intestines. The emotion related to the Metal Element is Grief.
Autumn is the time when we eliminate what is unnecessary, store up what is needed, and allow the proper process of withering and decay to unfold. The Metal Element represents contraction, cleansing, letting go, evolution through reduction, a return to simplicity, righteousness, ethics, morality, and an honoring of structure and form. In the righteousness of the Metal Element, we surrender to the will of something much greater than ourselves.
The Large intestine is the organ through which we let go of what is no longer needed. The Large Intestine is a major pathway of detoxification in our bodies. Our Lungs help us to take in life itself through the form of our breath. The Lungs allow is to “inspire” – literally to be filled not only with oxygen, but also with new levels of purpose, inspiration, and creative ideas. Thus, the two poles of the Metal Element help us maintain a balance of letting go while being receptive to new life and evolution. Physical problems that reflect an imbalance in the Metal Element are Asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, diarrhea, constipation, allergies, chronic sinus problems, multiple food allergies, depression, fatigue, obsessive & compulsive tendencies, co-dependency, and pathological interpersonal control issues. Because the lung governs the skin in Chinese Medicine, we can also see a variety of skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and acne.
When Metal is out of balance, there is also a greater tendency to perceive life on a superficial level. When Metal is in balance, we will identify with the depth in all things.
An imbalanced Metal Element will often obsessively organize and create structure in life to a fault. This can lead one to become overly strict, rigid, self-righteous and cold. Likewise, a balanced Metal type has a wonderful sense of systems, stability, and structure.
When the Metal Element is healthy and balanced, we naturally let go of what is no longer needed with grace and dignity. We process grief in a healthy and appropriate manner. We understand our role in relationship with others, and we are able to relinquish the need to control others and challenging life situations. At the deepest level, the highest aspiration of the Metal Element is “Not my will, but Thine be done.” On another level, to the extent that we are completely transparent with our lives and have nothing to hide, and to the extent that we renounce the need to take all things personally, is to the extent that the Metal Element will be liberated within us.
I have often seen patients with a Metal imbalance who have spent their lives living in regret over a sense of loss, grief, and recrimination. “If only it had happened that way…” is a common mantra for a Metal imbalance. Often, there can be such a sense of loss, lack of “spark” and emptiness, leading one to search wildly and without genuine purpose and direction, to seek fulfillment of a void. In balancing the Metal Element, the true self comes forth, which allows for an authentic connection with others and the Divine.
I have found no better way to balance the Metal Element than constitutional acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine.
Dr. Matt Lyon practices Chinese Medicine and Network Spinal Analysis. Visit www.drmattlyon.com for more information.
