The Autumn highlights the “Metal” element in Chinese philosophy and its intricate role in your health. This season highlights the nighttime functionality of the body with the detox partners, the Lungs and Large Intestines.

Breathe Easy

Your lungs play a pivotal role in the Metal element. They’re like your body’s air filters, ensuring you inhale the good stuff (oxygen) and expel the bad stuff (carbon dioxide). Keeping your lungs healthy is a must for overall well-being. Deep breathing exercises especially at night, can significantly contribute to maintaining lung health, ensuring they do their job effectively to oxygenate the body.

The Role of Your Large Intestine

The role of your large intestine is primary to detoxing the body. It might not be as glamorous as other organs, but it’s an essential player in the Metal element’s story. Your large intestine is all about letting go, much like a decluttering process in your digestive system. It helps remove waste and unnecessary baggage, ensuring that your body functions smoothly. This is important because the purity of the water in your body is dependent on the large intestines. This helps maintain healthy brain chemistry.

Autumn Vibes

Embracing the wisdom of the Metal element feels much like a good autumn clean-up. It’s about saying goodbye to things that no longer serve you, whether it’s old habits, emotional baggage, or unnecessary clutter in your life. By releasing what’s weighing you down, you create space for mental clarity and a fresh start.

Emotions and Health

In Chinese philosophy, the Metal element shows it’s imbalance by contributing to prolonged states of grief and/or depression. Your lungs and large intestine, the representatives of the Metal element in your body, can be affected by these emotions. Not processing grief can manifest as physical symptoms, like respiratory issues or digestive back up. Learn some deep breathing and mindfulness techniques.

Fiber: The Colonic Cleanup Crew

Ever wondered why fiber is often recommended for digestive health? Well, it’s like the cleanup crew for your large intestine. High-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, add bulk to your stool, ensuring it moves through your digestive system efficiently. Getting at least 20 grams of fiber a day will help prevent constipation and promoting a healthy and active digestive process. Check out this blog on high fiber foods.

Colonic Health

Colonic procedures, often referred to as colon hydrotherapy, are aimed at cleaning out your large intestine more thoroughly. While some individuals find them beneficial for various reasons, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before considering any colonic treatments. They can provide insights on whether this approach aligns with your specific health needs.

Structured Lifestyle

Think of Metal as your manager. It encourages you to refine your daily lifestyle habits and choices, by focusing on aspects like diet, exercise, and mental clarity. By paying attention to these details, you can enhance your overall well-being. You’ll also be more productive. Whatever isn’t working, the Metal element will chop it off and get rid of it. Very much like a clean up crew!

Body Structure

In your body, the Metal element represents structural integrity and the health of your bones. Just as a sturdy foundation is essential for a building, your body relies on structural soundness. Make sure you’re getting your daily minerals. Take them in colloidal form at night time, when the body is detoxing. I recommend Vital Earth brand. Exercises that promote strength and flexibility, like Tai Chi and strength training, contribute to this hard and structural aspect of the Metal element.

What to Eat in Autumn

To nourish your Metal element, consider incorporating foods that cleanse and support your lungs and large intestine. Pungent and white veggies, such as garlic, mushrooms and onions, are prime candidates. Mineral rich roots and potatoes (small amounts, sweet preferably) are added in this season. Spicy foods help get the sinus and intestines flowing. With the cooling weather, some extra spices like pepper, Nutmeg, Chinese 5 Spice, Cinnamon, Cloves, all the holiday favs can warm you up and create balance.

Pre and Probiotics for Gut Health

Prebiotics and probiotics are like the farmers in your gut. Prebiotics are found in fermented foods like Kefir, Kombucha, sour kraut, and foods like yoghurt, garlic and onions. These foods help feed the good bacteria in your gut (probiotics). These good bacteria help with digestion and keep your gut healthy. Supplements are necessary in most cases due to poor food quality and overuse of anti-biotics in

Changing Brands

When it comes to pre and probiotics, trying different brands from time to time can be a good idea. Different brands might have different types of good bacteria. Just like you enjoy a variety of foods, your gut likes a variety of good bacteria. It keeps your gut strong and ready for anything. But, before you make any big changes, it’s always a good plan to talk to a healthcare pro or a nutrition expert. They’ll help you pick what’s best for your gut.

Summing It Up

In a nutshell, the Metal element isn’t just some abstract concept—it’s deeply entwined with your health, both physical and emotional. Declutter your life, structure your daily life and focus for mental clarity. When you align with the principles of the Metal element, you’re on the path to well-being and balance through the Autumn season.