Chinese medicine is an organic system which masterfully encompasses nature’s rhythms.  Every living organism is affected by the ebb and flow of the five seasons.  Having reached the extremity of yang at the height of the summer, we immediately begin the slow and steady descent yet again toward the promised stillness of the yin-instilled winter.

     The Fall (Metal) is preceded by the Late Summer, during which time the earth’s fruits and various bounties are fully ripened and ready for harvest.  First the fruit, then the leaves literally “Fall”.  The earth has completed her growth cycle and a sort of death ensues.  In this way, the Fall is a harsh reality.  Metal is cutting and therefore it is indeed harsh.  Yet, therein lies the pristine beauty of the Metal.  The trick is to embrace, not resist, the poignant nature of this special season.  The Fall energy is increasingly contracting and pulling in upon itself.  We may begin to crave more quiet time and stillness.  The boisterous exuberance of the summer is replaced by the call to self-reflect and self-examine.

     The emotional correspondence for the Fall is grief. To feel introspective, sad or mournful during this time is both normal and healthy.  It is important to not confuse grief with depression.  Allowing oneself the space and permission to process these emotions will actually help stave off depression.  Just as precious metals are found deep within the earth (gold, silver etc), it is the gift of self worth which the Metal offers us.  The cutting nature of Metal begets discernment.  It is the process of discernment which allows us to identify and ultimately embrace that which is most precious to us – be they inner qualities, relationships or material possessions.

     The two Metal officials are the Colon and the Lung.  The Colon functions to absorb critical vitamins and minerals from the food we have eaten before eliminating the unneeded waste.  On perhaps a more subtle level, the Colon sorts through all of the emotional and psychic input that we face on a daily basis and discards the refuse. The lesson that the Colon teaches us is in how “to let go”.

     The Lung, on the other hand, offers us a lesson in receiving.  It is the Lung which allows us to be touched and inspired in life, to take in the pure and the new.  In classical Chinese medicine, the Lung is described as “the receiver of the Pure Chi from the Heavens”.

     Together the Colon and the Lung enable us to receive and to let go.  When these officials are not functioning properly, various symptoms are likely to result – bronchitis, cough, colds, sore throat, shortness of breath, diarrhea, spastic colon, constipation.  Likewise, if our mind and spirit are filling with waste then our thoughts and attitudes can become toxic and polluted – yielding negativity, stubbornness and depression.

     As I mentioned earlier, a lack of resistance is key to successfully navigating this season.  You must let go and trust that it is okay to die a little.  For around the corner, and in the blink of an eye, you will find the promise of the Spring and its ensuing rebirth.

 Suggestions for living in harmony with the Fall:

1)      Take time each day to breathe slowly and deeply.

2)      Clean out a closet or a drawer.  Sort through and keep only your most precious items.

3)      Go into the woods.  Take in Mother Nature’s “cathedral” when the Fall leaves are at their peak.  Notice the majesty and beauty in the “deathing” process.