Autumn and the Metal Element: Letting Go and Finding Clarity

The Beautiful Colours of Autumn - the time of the Metal Element

As summer’s vibrant energy fades, the air begins to cool and the days grow shorter. Leaves turn golden, then fall, reminding us that all things move in cycles. In Chinese Medicine, this is the season of Autumn, associated with the Metal Element.

Metal represents structure, value, and refinement. Just as precious metals are forged deep within the earth, Autumn invites us to look inward and to distil what is truly valuable and let go of what no longer serves us. It’s a time for reflection, release, and renewal.

The Essence of Metal: Purity and Precision

Each of the Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—reflects a phase of nature and a quality within us. Metal is crisp, clear, and precise. Think of the sharpness of cool air after summer’s heat, or the clarity of light on a clear Autumn morning.

In our bodies and minds, Metal gives us the ability to discern, to organise, and to find meaning. When Metal is balanced, we feel clear, focused, and confident in our sense of self-worth. We can let go gracefully, trusting that what we release makes room for what’s next.

The Lungs and Large Intestine: Organs of Autumn

Each Element corresponds to specific organs, and for Metal, these are the Lungs and the Large Intestine.

• The Lungs take in fresh air: our first connection to the outside world. They govern breathing, inspiration, and the rhythm of life. Emotionally, they help us take in new experiences and feel connected to something greater than ourselves.

• The Large Intestine lets go of what’s no longer needed. It helps us release waste, not only physically but emotionally and mentally. When Metal is healthy, we can move on from the past without bitterness or regret.

Together, these organs teach us the balance of receiving and releasing—breathing in, breathing out.

The Emotion of Metal: Grief and Letting Go

Autumn naturally stirs feelings of melancholy or grief. In Chinese Medicine, grief isn’t something to avoid. It is a natural part of the cycle of life. When we allow ourselves to fully feel and express grief, it transforms into wisdom and appreciation.

Autumn can stir feelings of sadness and grief

But when Metal is imbalanced, we may hold onto sadness or become overly rigid, perfectionistic, or judgmental of ourselves or others. Finding softness and compassion helps restore harmony.

Nurturing Your Metal Element

To stay balanced during Autumn, try practices that support the Lungs, Large Intestine, and your inner sense of clarity:

• Breathe deeply. Start your day with slow, mindful breathing to strengthen the Lungs and calm the mind.

• Let go. Reflect on what you can release such as old habits, clutter, or emotional weight. Make space for what’s essential.

• Eat with the season. Enjoy foods that are warm, cooked, and gently pungent, like ginger, garlic, onions, pears, and radishes. These foods support the Lungs.

• Stay connected. While Metal encourages solitude and reflection, balance it with meaningful connection to friends and community.

• Embrace stillness. Like the pause between breaths, allow moments of quiet to find inner clarity.

The Beauty of Autumn

Autumn’s wisdom lies in letting go with grace. The trees don’t mourn their leaves. They shed them freely, knowing that rest and renewal will follow.

The trees shed their leaves freely, letting go in preparation for the deepest Yin time.

As we align ourselves with the rhythm of the season, we too can release what’s no longer needed, distil what is most precious, and step into the coming months with clarity and strength.