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Stainless Steel

The Metal Element

GRIEF - SADNESS - LETTING GO

The lungs are the only external organ in our body and is therefore more susceptible to pathogens. The lungs have the ability to take in what is useful (like Qi from breathing) and release what is not. It’s not just about the actual metal — it’s about what metal stands for — being strong, clear about things, and knowing when it’s time to let things go. 

Textured Paper

ORGAN

Lungs and Large Instestine

The lungs and large intestine organs govern the which govern respiration, immunity, and the elimination of waste.  Often when we have blocked nose or sinus issues we tend to also have issues with our large intestines

Season

Autumn

Another easy one to explain as the lungs connect to the Autumn season, an increase in coughs and colds around this time of year is more often than not sure to weakness in the lungs or the inability for the lungs to fight off external pathogens as effectively as strong balanced lungs

Colour

White

White's connection to the metal element is tied to themes of mental clarity, completion, and creativity, while also representing the season of autumn and the metal's ability to be refined and molded 

Taste

Spicy

This spicy flavor is seen as warming and expansive, helping to stimulate circulation, promote sweating, and break up accumulations, which mirrors how the Metal element functions to circulate and protect. 

Signs of Metal Imbalance in TCM

Physical Symptoms of Lung and Large Intestine Imbalances

  • Frequent colds, flu, and allergies

  • Shallow breathing, shortness of breath

  • Coughing, wheezing, asthma, and bronchitis

  • Nasal and sinus congestion

  • Constipation

Emotional Symptoms of Lung and Large Intestine Imbalance

  • Prolonged or unresolved grief and sadness

  • Depression, melancholy, or a loss of inspiration

  • Emotional detachment, aloofness, or emotional numbness

  • Rigidity, perfectionism, and an inability to adapt to change

  • Low self-esteem or issues with self-wort

How Does Tai Chi and Qigong Help Metal Imbalances

Metal is an important part of any qigong practices due to the connection with the breath.  Many of the exercises involve breath work, breathing in as an expansion and out as a contraction. Learning how to breath properly is key to igniting our lifeforce.

ORGAN

Stomach and Spleen

The Spleen and the Stomach work closely together, transforming and transporting food with the Stomach processing it and then passing on food energy to be distributed by the Spleen which is considered to be the source of life for the other organs â€‹

Season

Late Summer

Colour

Yellow

Governs the late summer, a time of harvest and abundance.   It is the anchor for nourishment, balance, and stability,

The Earth element is associated with yellow due to its connection with the sun, fertile soil, yellow can represent the colour of iron-rich soil and sand. All grounding aspects of the earth element.

Taste

Sweet

When we worry we crave sweet treats and now you know why. The spleen, when overloaded with refined sugars can weaken the spleen, creating a greater craving for sweet treats. 

Signs of Earth Imbalance in TCM

Physical Symptoms of Stomach and Spleen Imbalances

  • Digestive Issues: Poor appetite, bloating, gas, nausea, indigestion, and irregular bowel movements 

  • Fatigue and Heaviness: Low energy, and a feeling of physical and mental sluggishness.

  • Fluid Retention and Dampness: Oedema, excess fluid

  • Sinus Issues or Chest Infections

Emotional Symptoms of Stomach and Spleen Imbalance

  • Excessive Worry

  • Obsessive thoughts

  • Feeling insecure, unstable, "spacy," or disconnected from reality.

  • Issues with Boundaries: Becoming self-centred or, conversely, overly nurturing others at the expense of oneself

How Does Tai Chi and Qigong Help Earth Imbalances

Balance and discipline is a fundamental part of a healthy life, in China lifestyle is considered the primary cause of all imbalances.

Routine is the key.  Whilst modern day tests us in everyway from working hours, to fast foods.  We can start by creating a routine and the consistent approach and discipline of qigong can help balance out what we have little control over.

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