Working with the elements - Metal

Frank Panetta

With any disharmony of an organ system or element on one level, there will be fall-out at the other levels. If we have a problem with the Lungs, we'll see pathology consistent with problems of respiration. We'll see asthma, coughing, perhaps even Lung cancer. However, on other levels, we'll see sadness. This is the emotion associated with the Metal element, the Lung element. Metal energy not only regulates the breathing in and out of air in our lungs but the bonding and releasing of attachments in our lives. Some of the associations with the metal element are as follows:

  • Yin organ: Lungs
  • Yang organ: Large Intestine
  • Season: Autumn
  • Emotion: Sadness
  • Direction: West
  • Colour: White
  • Sensory Organ: Nose

 

Metal is related to the organ of the Lung, and its paired organ, the Large Intestine. The Lungs control Qi (our vital energy) and respiration, taking in "pure Qi" and exhaling "dirty Qi". The Lung is in charge of the tissue of the skin, and the sense organ of the nose, and hence, this is the season where dry skin or a dry nose begins to become a problem. When too much dryness affects the Lung, especially a weak Lung, respiratory problems may begin. The Lung is also the main organ involved in our defensive system, as it is directly connected to the external environment.

 

Metal is linked to our concept of boundary. It is the physical "skin" of our body, through which we "take in" and "let go". The Lungs are crucial therefore for ensuring a strong body and mind. If the Lung function is impaired, by causes that could be environmental, emotional, and excessive or weakness conditions, there can be tiredness and shortness of breath. If the Lung cannot supply us with enough Qi for our defences, frequent colds are likely to occur.


Metal and Lung in a healthy state are able to properly deal with issues of relationship, respect, and are able to fully accept and relinquish issues and situations. If under stress, a person may feel constricted, withdrawn and pessimistic, and is also connected to the emotion of Grief.

 

Pungent flavours have a particular affinity for the lung. It is a characteristic of spicy substances that they generally have a dispersing effect. In a healthy individual, pungent food assists the lung's outwardly dissipating function which is involved in nourishing and regulating the pores on the body surface. In a person suffering from a common cold, pungent substances can help to relieve the blocked surface.


The main function of the Large Intestine is to receive food and drink from the Small Intestine, absorb some nutrients and fluids, and excrete the waste in the form of stools.
The Lungs descend Qi to the Large Intestine to give it the energy needed to defecate.  Lung Qi is the pushing power behind the large intestine's action of transporting and discarding waste materials. When Lung Qi is deficient there is constipation, which is very common in the elderly. The large intestine in harmony with the lung, the hair of the body and head will be lustrous. If the hair becomes dry and falls off, the lung is exhausted.

 

 

Written by Frank Panetta

Bodhi Health Centre - Melbourne - Coburg

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