TCM Metal Element

A Guide to Autumn Balance & Renewal

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), life energy or Qi flows through meridians connecting organs and systems. When Qi flows smoothly, we feel balanced and well. When it’s blocked or weak, we experience discomfort or emotional upset.

TCM teaches that our internal energy shifts with nature’s rhythms, and each season aligns with one of the Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Autumn is ruled by the Metal Element, which governs the Lungs and Large Intestine. This season invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and gently release what no longer serves us.
 

The Metal Element in TCM

The Metal Element represents clarity, purity, and letting go. It governs breath, boundaries, and the natural process of release—both physically and emotionally. Its corresponding organs, the Lungs and Large Intestine, are responsible for taking in fresh energy and expelling waste.
 

Signs of a Balanced Metal Element

Physically: Strong lungs and healthy skin, smooth digestion, and regular elimination.
Emotionally: Able to process grief and let go of sadness, feeling calm and grounded.
Mentally: Clear, focused, and able to set healthy boundaries.
Spiritually: A sense of acceptance, inner peace, and renewal.
 

Signs of Metal Element Imbalance

Excess (Overactive Metal):
Dry cough, irritability, worry, excessive sadness or withdrawal, skin dryness.

Deficient (Weakened Metal):
Shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, emotional heaviness or unresolved grief, lack of clarity.
 

How to Balance the Metal Element

Nourish Your Lungs & Large Intestine

Foods & Drink:
Eat seasonal root vegetables, pears, apples, white foods like cauliflower and onions, and warming spices like ginger and cinnamon. Stay hydrated with soothing teas.

Move & Breathe:
Practice deep, slow breathing exercises. Enjoy gentle walks in fresh air. Try mindful movement like qigong or tai chi to encourage smooth Qi flow.

Release & Reflect:
Journal your feelings, especially around grief or letting go. Practice mindfulness and meditation to cultivate emotional clarity and calm.

Surround Yourself With Metal Energy:
Use white, silver, and grey tones in your environment. Spend time in quiet, clean spaces to encourage clarity and renewal.
 

Why Autumn is the Season of Letting Go

Autumn invites us to prepare for winter by releasing old energy, calming the mind, and supporting our natural defenses. By aligning with the Metal Element, you strengthen your lungs and large intestine, nurture emotional balance, and cultivate acceptance and renewal.

Let this season be your time to breathe deeply, clear out what’s stagnant, and make space for fresh energy to flow.