A Seasonal Ear Seed Guide for Autumn Balance

Lung 9 Acupuncture Point

Lung 9 and the Metal Element: Breathing in Clarity, Letting Go with Grace

As autumn arrives, the world around us begins to slow down. The air feels crisp, the light softens, and nature reminds us of the beauty in letting go. In Chinese Medicine, this is the season of the Metal Element, which teaches us about refinement, reflection, and release.

Much like the trees that shed their leaves to prepare for renewal.

The Metal Element is linked to the Lungs and the Large Intestine, the organs that help us take in what we need and let go of what we don’t, both physically and emotionally. One of the most important points on the Lung meridian is Lung 9 (Taiyuan, “Great Abyss”), a point that captures the essence of the Metal Element’s ability to clear, purify, and restore balance.

Meet Lung 9: The Source of Breath and Renewal

Lung 9 is found on the inside of your wrist, at the crease below the thumb, where you can feel your pulse. It’s known as the Yuan-Source Point of the Lung channel, meaning it connects directly to the organ’s core energy. It supports the healthy circulation of both Qi (energy) and Blood throughout the body.

When this point is balanced, it allows smooth breathing, strong immunity, and emotional ease. When it’s out of balance, you might notice shortness of breath, fatigue, dry skin, a lingering cough, or feelings of grief or sadness.  These all signs that the Metal Element may need a little care.

Lung 9 and Emotional Wellness

In Chinese Medicine, the Lungs are connected to the emotion of grief. When we experience loss or hold on to sadness for too long, Lung Qi can become stuck. Working with Lung 9 can help open the chest and release emotional heaviness, allowing you to breathe more freely, both physically and energetically.

The Metal Element teaches us that letting go makes space for inspiration. When we release what no longer serves us such as an old habit, thought pattern, or emotional weight, we make room for new energy, creativity, and joy to enter.

How to Use Ear Spheres on Lung 9

You can support your Metal Element by stimulating Lung 9 with Ear Spheres.

• To find the point: Look at your wrist crease on the thumb side. Place your finger just below the crease, in line with your thumb tendon — that’s Lung 9.

• Place an Ear Sphere on the point and press gently a few times a day to activate it.

• Use your thumb to massage the point in small, circular motions while taking slow, mindful breaths.

• As you inhale, imagine drawing in fresh air and clarity. As you exhale, picture releasing tension, worry, or sadness — letting go, just as the trees let go of their leaves.

Lung 9 for Immunity and Skin Health

Beyond its emotional benefits, Lung 9 also supports the protective layer of the body, which is what Chinese Medicine calls Wei Qi, or defensive energy. A strong Lung system helps us stay resilient to seasonal changes, especially during autumn and winter.

The Lungs also govern the skin, our first line of defence against the outside world. Stimulating Lung 9 can help promote healthy circulation to the surface, keeping the skin hydrated, clear, and vibrant. Think of it as nourishing your inner and outer glow.

By connecting with Lung 9, you’re honouring your breath, your boundaries, and your ability to release and renew. Each breath and each moment of quiet reflection helps you align with the rhythm of the season as you breathe in clarity, and let go with grace.