METAL

Metal ores are the intensity of the earth - substance, strength and structure. Metal reinforces structures. All routes of communication depend on metal. Metal conducts electricity. The networks of the body, the structure of being able to take in food and air; assimilation and utilization of fuel and the letting go of unnecessary things - these are aspects of metal.

Problems with structure and strength within the body mind are often to do with metal imbalance. Rheumatic pain, degeneration or rigidity of the vertebral column, special kinds of headaches, trembling spasms in the throat, esophagus, limbs, certain kinds of paralysis, debilitating diseases, lack of emotional strength and incoherent speech may occur with a metal imbalance.

Colour: White

Season: Autumn

Organs: The Lungs and Colon . The lungs are the receiver of pure chi. Breathing is one of the main ways we replenish our energy, essential to every body to function. We breathe emotionally as well as physically. The Colon is the bin collector, the drainer of dregs, the storer and eliminator of waste. Feeling bloated, swollen, constipated, and stopped up emotionally; bad acne, boils, headaches, a stuffy nose and nasal allergies all point to colon mal-function.

Time: Lungs: 3AM - 5AM, Colon : 5AM - 7AM. Feeling better or worse at these times may indicate an imbalance.

Taste: Spicy and pungent.

Orifice & Sense organ: Nose

Fluid secretion: Mucous

Emotion: Grief

Sound: Weeping

Parts of Body Governed: Skin and hair. Skin is considered to be the 3rd lung. Skin reflects the condition of the lungs and ability to breathe. Eczema, psoriasis & rashes = imbalance directly related to lungs.

External physical manifestation: Skin and body hair.

Power: Capacity to cough

Taken from Traditional Acupuncture: The Law of the 5 Elements by Dianne M. Connelly Phd