The noble element of metal is all about self-refinement and self-esteem, connection and purity. In TCM, metal is one of the five elements: Earth, Fire, Wood, Water, and Metal. These elements help govern everything from Feng Shui to acupuncture to herbal medicine and even when to perform a marriage.
What Is The Element Of Metal?
It’s easy to think of metal as the hard, unyielding supports, but that’s not quite how the ancient Chinese looked at it. Metal is a flexible and malleable force, one that provides and supports. It can cut down as easily as it builds up.
This element is associated with the Lungs and the Large Intestine. When metal is deficient in a person’s life, cough, breathing problems, and short breath can result. Constipation and feeling cold are symptoms of deficiency .
In food, metal tastes pungent; it’s aromatic and helps lift and open the lungs and sinuses. Think of the strongly metal foods of horseradish and wasabi, they open you right up, don’t they?
Metal is related to Autumn and the exposing of vulnerabilities and processes. Emotions, scheduling, and daily tasks seem to flow comfortably when in alignment. But, when deficient, it can cause a person to be melancholy, cry unexpectedly, and obsess on unhelpful thoughts. On the other hand, in excess, it can cause rigidness, authoritarian thinking, and suppression of feelings.
How To Keep Metal In Balance
Like all five of the TCM elements, they need to balance to maintain health. Too much of one can hinder another. If you have too much metal, try reducing the following suggestions or visit a TCM practitioner to find your proper balance.
If you are deficient in metal, eating highly aromatic and warm foods will help increase your breathing and digestion. Foods that can increase metal include:
· Bone Broth
· Fermented Foods
· Onion & Garlic
· Pear
· Ginger
· Almond
· Astragalus
Sustaining endurance exercises can warm the body and open the lungs – things like swimming and hiking.
The acupuncture points LU9 Tai Yuan and CV6 Qi Hai are the top choices for stimulating metal energies. LU9 is found just below the end of the thumb on your inner wrist. It may be sensitive if you have mucus buildup. CV6 is two fingers below your belly button. It’s great to gently massage if you are having cramps. But, do not use this point if you are pregnant.
Finally, deep breathing exercises are wonderful for your health and stimulate metal energies within your own body. Inhale until you feel the breath all the way into the bottom of your lungs, hold a moment, then release slowly. Be careful, if you’re not used to this type of breathing, you may feel lightheaded.
Metal energies are a great way to release tension and sad or hard to deal with emotions. It can support you to be self-assured and confident in your dealings. The foods and exercises for metal are part of nearly every health plan, so give it a try.
