Align with Autumn’s Energy:
How the Metal Element Invites Renewal and Release
Transition to fall with the wisdom of TCM
The air turns crisp, days grow shorter, and our waking hours feel more precious. As the sun sets lower on the horizon, we’re called inward—to pour a warm cup of tea, curl up with a book, and find comfort in the fading light.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season is guided by the Metal element, which encourages us to release what no longer serves us, clearing space in anticipation of winter’s hibernation (and perhaps the coming holiday excess).
Unlike other seasons that may inspire us to organize, Metal inspires us to refine—to trim back the excess and return to what’s essential. The trees shed their leaves, nature pares down, and so can we. By aligning with Metal, we connect with the natural rhythm of release, creating room for rest and renewal.
Metal Element in the Body: Lungs and Large Intestine
In TCM, each season connects to specific organs; for fall, it’s the Lungs (yin) and Large Intestine (yang). This balanced pair offers complementary energies for healing and transformation, helping us work skillfully with our emotions, physical processes, and ways of being.
Lungs: The Keeper of Grief and Inspiration
According to TCM, grief is stored in our lungs. Imagine how the body instinctively responds to loss—the lungs constrict, breath catches, a lump rises in the throat, and the body folds inward, protecting the heart. This posture follows the lung’s energetic and fascial pathways, a physical expression of grief’s pull.
Our lungs are associated with the heavens, drawing in the life-giving air and inspiring us to reach for what’s intangible. However, as the season shifts, respiratory ailments like colds and flus often emerge, reminding us of our vulnerability and the importance of tending to our breath. The lungs are the bridge between our inner world and the vastness beyond.
How Metal Energy Manifests in the Body: Those with strong Metal energy might be prone to lung-related issues, such as asthma or respiratory sensitivity, as their bodies mirror the energy of this element.
Large Intestine: Finding Strength in Letting Go
While the lungs connect us with the ethereal, the large intestine grounds us in our humanity and handles the practical work of release. As the body’s final stop before elimination, it’s closely tied to letting go—both physically and energetically—showing us that true strength comes from surrendering what we no longer need.
The large intestine has the ability to release not only physical toxins but also emotional baggage and outdated beliefs. It reminds us of the importance of surrendering attachments and patterns that hinder our growth. Digestive imbalances may arise as signals to clear what’s become stagnant. By completing the digestive process, the large intestine grounds us in the cycle of renewal, creating space for true nourishment.
Lesson from Metal: Loss doesn’t always need to be tragic. Sometimes, letting go can bring clarity and reveal the preciousness and purpose of what remains.
Navigating Personal Growth in Metal Season
The energy of Metal can bring out our highest aspirations, yet also invite a heightened sense of self-critique. When Metal energy is strong, it activates the part of us that aims high, striving for aspirations beyond our current abilities. However, when metal is in overdrive, perfection becomes the focus, leading to a sense of never feeling “enough,” even in the face of achievements like degrees, titles, or accolades.
Conversely, depleted metal energy can leave us uninspired or withdrawn. it can manifest as a sense of emptiness or dissatisfaction, regardless of external accomplishments. In this state, it can be challenging to connect with purpose or feel motivated to pursue personal growth.
The Wisdom of Metal: Balanced metal energy teaches us to appreciate growth and progress while releasing the need for constant validation, allowing us to find fulfillment in both striving and simply being.
Reflect and Connect: How Will You Honor Metal This Fall?
As we transition through this season of letting go, allow the energy of the Metal element to guide your practices. By connecting with themes of clarity, release, and renewal, you can nurture a sense of balance and prepare for the introspective winter months ahead.
Simple Breathing Practices to Balance Metal Energy
To nurture your Metal energy this fall—or anytime metal energy arises within you—begin with your breath.
Mindful Breathing: Settle in for a few minutes of gentle breathing, releasing distractions and focusing solely on the miracle of your breath moving through your body.
Breath of Fire: If your mind feels scattered, start with a percussive breath like the Breath of Fire to shift your state and increase focus.
Movement Practices to Support Lung Health
For a more physical approach, try moves that open up the chest and support lung health.
On Instagram: Move energy through the lungs with this stretch on the blocks.
In the Movement Library: Check out all the stretches you can do at home for your Metal Element.
Ready to Move With It?
Explore how TCM’s seasonal wisdom can support your well-being this fall. Book a session to experience a personalized approach to nurturing your Metal energy and aligning with the season’s natural flow.
