Autumn season & the Metal element
Autumn’s arrival shifts the Qi that has been expanding outward (Yang) in Summer to more inward (Yin)
Autumn is the time of harvest and to start storing and preparing for Winter’s cold. It’s the perfect time to clear out old habits that we no longer need.
As the trees don’t stubbornly hold onto their leaves because they might need them next year, we also are asked to let go of what no longer serves us, eliminate the old and promote the coming of new ‘leaves’.
Of the 5 elements, Autumn is the season that corresponds to the Metal element. The organs connected to this element are the lungs and the colon.
The Lungs & Colon
The colon has the function of eliminating what is unnecessary or toxic from our bodies. Also on a mental and spiritual level it enables us to let go of the waste.
The lungs are about taking in the pure. As in Chinese Medicine described the lungs are the 'receivers of pure Qi'. The word used for ‘breathing in’ is Inspiration. So, to be properly inspired we must create space by getting the old air out.
The lung and colon work together as a team, one taking in the pure, the other eliminating waste.
If this team fails to do their job properly physical ailments could look like stiff posture, dry skin & hair, bronchitis, cough, asthma, allergies, colds, sore throat, constipation, spastic colon.
But also any imbalances shown on the skin, as the lungs governs the skin in Chinese Medicine.
Spiritually and mentally, when the metal element is out of balance, we can feel grief & depression, stubbornness (inability to let go), negativity, seeing the dark side and all things that could go wrong.
In balance the metal personality shows as being structured, accepting, ambitious, disciplined and calm. Someone with great integrity and a deep interest in searching for higher wisdom. If you have a dominant Metal element you may tend to overanalyze and focus on details.
How to create balance in the Autumn season?
Go inward, rest more than you are used to do in Spring & Summer. Create time for relaxation and meditation.
Take long walks and ‘quiet’ work-outs like Qi Gong and Yin yoga.
Try some breathing exercises to strengthen the lungs and still the mind.
In autumn in general; try to eat fewer cold and uncooked foods like salads and smoothies/yoghurt. Instead opt for warming and nourishing foods like carrot, cauliflower, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach and whole grains. White foods are especially nourishing for the metal element; mushrooms, asparagus, cauliflower, onions and parsnip.
Tulsi Tea (I really like the one from Pukka) is great for clearing out the lungs and supporting the colon for healthy elimination.
Personally I love the autumn season, the amazing change of colors in nature, cocooning inside and dusting off my candle supply. I change my summer breakfast to my autumn version; warm oat meal with cinnamon and a small spoon of ghee and pick up on my yin yoga practice.
From my Ayurvedic yoga teacher I learned that the autumn season is especially great for practicing abhyanga. A self-massage with oil every morning before you shower. The perfect way to stay grounded in this windy season and incorporate some self-care in your daily routine.