By Emily Navas LAc

Chinese Medicine can be seen as another language for healing, with the core of its vocabulary rooted in the concept of the Five Elements. The Elements – Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood – interact with each other through specific cycles of nourishment and control. Each element is associated with a season, two organs or organ systems, a color, sound, odor, and emotion, among other attributes. When these Five Elements are in balance, our overall health and well-being are optimized, allowing the body to effectively heal itself.

When there’s disharmony between two or more elements, the body falls out of balance, and if this persists, it can lead to the manifestation of disease symptoms. Common indicators such as pain, headaches, and digestive issues act as the body’s alert signals that something is awry.

The best way to live in harmony with the Five Elements is to align our habits, diets and lifestyle according to the energetics of each season. During the transition into the autumn season, which is linked to the Metal Element, we observe that Nature provides valuable lessons about our own cycles of creation and release. In the fall, trees don’t cling to their leaves out of a belief that they might require them in the following year. The energy of this season supports the natural process of releasing waste and discarding the old or stagnant aspects of our lives, allowing us to be more open to the fresh and pure, which in turn grants us a clearer vision of our essential selves. Autumn assists us in reconnecting with our core and guides us in shedding what we no longer require, thus unveiling the most precious aspects of our lives.

We might ask, “What is so important about the Metal Element?” The Metal element is associated with the Lung and Large Intestine, and it’s understandable that as we enter this new season, where we might be more susceptible to the flu and other viruses, we need to strengthen lung function. As Autumn days become drier, and evenings grow colder, with more of our time spent indoors, the focus on enhancing the functions of the Lungs and Large Intestine becomes increasingly important to bolster our immune system. After all, approximately 90% of our immunity resides in the gut! Therefore, ensuring good digestion and a healthy gut flora is also crucial for optimal immune function.

With the arrival of the Fall season, the Metal element represents the act of letting go and assessing what holds value and what is no longer necessary, or less crucial for one’s well-being. On a physical level, if you are experiencing symptoms like loose stools, constipation, or any other digestive irregularities, it’s not just a symptom that demands attention, but in the context of Five Element Acupuncture, it signifies an imbalance in the Metal element. Symptoms affecting the body, mind, and spirit are interconnected and should always be addressed comprehensively.

On a mental level, do you recognize the value in your life, or are you letting go of too much or underestimating your own self-worth? Are you grieving the loss of something or someone? Are you trapped in a particular emotion? It’s important to understand that symptoms manifest not only on a physical level but also in the mind and spirit. This is why Acupuncture, especially Five Element Acupuncture, takes a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of an individual.

During the Autumn season, the Metal element and any related imbalances are especially receptive to treatment, thanks to the seasonal influences that enhance the healing potential. Metal imbalances may manifest as skin issues, considering that the skin is often referred to as the ‘third lung’ due to its role in respiration. Additionally, problems within the digestive system and compromised immune function can contribute to upper respiratory infections. Furthermore, the colon, or large intestine, plays a crucial role in the fundamental processes of eliminating toxins and absorbing vital nutrients to support new growth, strength, and overall immunity.

In Five Element Acupuncture, grief represents the emotional aspect of the Metal element. If one becomes trapped in this emotion, it can lead to the accumulation of toxins, acting as a poison on emotional and spiritual levels if we are unable to effectively process and release emotions such as animosity, bad news, hostility, anger, or grief. The Lungs play a crucial role in this process by regulating oxygen exchange with the atmosphere and enabling both the intake and release of breath. When lung function is robust, we become better equipped to recognize what is valuable, attain equilibrium, and more smoothly navigate the processes of letting go and embracing the new.

As previously mentioned, the Metal element reaches its peak and is highly receptive to treatment during the Fall. Thankfully, within the framework of Chinese medicine, we have the ability to revive and strengthen the Metal Element within us through acupuncture, restoring and harmonizing our energy and organ systems. Furthermore, we can bolster the healing process by gaining insights into the characteristics of the seasons.

Suggestions for living in harmony with the Autumn season:

• Now is the time to practice restraint, speaking and acting only when necessary, and maintaining a demeanor of economy and calmness.
• Shield yourself from the season’s temperature extremes.
• Opt for foods that align with the season to bolster your immune system. Transition from raw salads and cold/frozen dishes to cooked and steamed options.
• Include seasonal colors in your diet, such as yellow, orange, and dark leafy greens.
• Declutter your closets, desk, garage, medicine cabinet, or any storage areas and remove items you no longer need. Consider donating, selling, or passing on items that could be valuable to others.
• Conduct a mental inventory: reflect on attitudes, prejudices,   jealousies, and/or resentments stored within your psyche. If possible, address these issues with individuals you may have unresolved conflicts with, aiming to resolve and release them.
• Dedicate time to nurturing your lung capacity through breathwork. Inhale the crisp autumn air, allowing yourself to be revitalized and purified, shedding old negativity, impurities, and pain from your body and psyche.

Embracing self-care to nurture the body, mind, and spirit triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which, in turn, bolsters the immune system. Five Element Acupuncture serves as an essential tool for enhancing nervous system responses, fortifying the immune system, and staying healthy during the Autumn season.  Schedule a session today.