METAL

Lungs & Large Intestine

The Metal element is responsible for the transitional journey we move through and reminds us life is full of change. Buddhist monks are masters of understanding and accepting change as their whole philosophy is embracing letting go. The qualities of surrender are expressed in the physical pathways of the Large Intestine and the Lungs, we exhale to release, and we open our bowels to let go of waste material the body no longer needs. In the Lungs we draw in the Qi of the outside world, blending it with the Qi of our inside world and harmonising the two together to form a Qi that vitalises human life. The Large Intestine is responsible for the elimination and detoxification of digestion and metabolic waste. Together the Lung and Large Intestine networks aid to distinguish between what is needed and what is useless. There is disharmony in these organs when we are suffering from grief when we are isolated when our boundaries are ambiguous and vague. The Metal element is further weakened when there is constipation, exposure to chilling wind and dehydration, specifically to the mucus membrane.   

24 - minute Metal Element Flow with Kitty

28 - minute Wood Element Yin with Kitty

Here is a chart to further look at the qualities of the WOOD element:

depleted

  • Dry skin

  • Lowered immune system

  • Breathing restrictions

  • Dry Cough

  • Lower body aches

  • Headaches

  • Petty

  • Numb

  • Compliant

  • Lacks conviction

balanced

  • Discerning

  • Accepting

  • Calm

  • Disciplined

  • Honourable

  • Precise

  • Good Posture

  • Passion

  • Courage

  • Sociable

  • Moisture

congested

  • Upper body Oedema

  • Congested sinus

  • Excess Mucus

  • Stiff spine

  • Constipation

  • Tight muscles

  • Strict

  • Perfectionist

  • Self -righteous

To create homeostasis from the imbalance of Metal, it is encouraged to eat astringent foods like pomegranate, grapes, rocket and kale along with bitter foods like cacao, fenugreek and sprouted mustard seeds. Avoiding dairy products that have a tendency to create mucus in the lungs and create stagnation for the Large Intestine. Honey is of great benefit to the Metal element as it has properties to break down excess mucus. Creating boundaries and a rhythm in your daily life will bring equilibrium into the Lungs and Large Intestines. Poses to support the Metal Element are Sleeping Swan (page 9) for the Large Intestine Meridian and Extended Wing (page 17) for the Lung Meridian.