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Seasonal ‘tune-ups’ are all about making the transitions from one season/element to another not as pro-actively effective as possible by boosting the capacity/function of the associated organs in an holistic mind-body-psyche way.
Some seasonal transitions are easier to adapt to than others. The summer-to-autumn is often notably difficult for some people. We are shifting from a very Yang (energetic) summer season to a Yin (energy descending) fall season.
From a Five Elements (5E) perspective, fall is the season associated with the Metal element and the archetype of the Alchemist. The organs (and meridians) of lung and large intestine belong to this element. Thus, it makes sense to help these organ systems by applying specific acupressure points that support the meridian and their functions – especially as they are being called into action/taking the forefront during this season.
For the lung – this is about taking in: it is responsible for respiration – what we take in/receive (air & on a spiritual level); it is the regulator of life (breathing!) and filters (discerns what we take in, along with the nose). It thus protects/defends us and helps our immunity. However, it is a fragile organ vulnerable to the elements which become harsher (cold, wet/dry, windy, allergies) in the fall. This is why we often experience an increase in colds, lung/breathing issues, allergy symptoms this time of year. It is about inspiration (being open, taking in all that life has to bring) and vitality!
For the large intestine – it is about letting go: it transports & excretes the waste from the any (food or cognitive/psychological) change/transformation, discerns what stays/go, receives food/drink from small intestine for further transportation out of the body. It is often referred to as the Drainer of the Dregs! It is about grief and moving on.
When Metal is Imbalanced/Stressed these (lung and large intestine related) ‘symptoms’ appear:
Body: coughs, asthma, pneumonia; constipation, IBS, diarrhea; dry/oily/weak skin & hair, eczema; decreased protection = increased colds/flu; throat/voice issues, ‘choked up’; mucous; brain fog, headaches, TMJ
Behaviours: hoarding, “mine”, possessive, focussed on the material; dragging legs, stuck, inert, rigid, stubborn; foul mouth/dirty jokes; over-achieving, perfectionism; cut self off from others; critical
Feelings: emptiness, no purpose, depressed, deadened sense of life, libido turned in, decreased power, blah; cold, stoic; sensitive to criticism (can’t protect), thin-skinned, fragile, cranky; envy, yearning, jealous
Here are some ways to specifically support your Metal Meridians:
Food – soups & stews, root veggies, onions, squash, pumpkin, cabbage, brown & wild rice, garlic, cinnamon, ginger; pungent tastes
Activities – hara breathing, chest opening stretches, aerobics; meditation, relaxing, yoga; organizing, sorting, making systems, connecting with crystals, rocks, metals
Deeper Work – acknowledging your inner gold or worth, knowing your own authority, grief work, letting go of what no longer serves you.
For more information about the Metal element visit this post.
Contact me to set up a 75 min. Fall Tune-up $150 $100 for Oct. bookings
