The Autumn Equinox And Metal Element

Happy Equinox!

Today is the day when day and night are equal, and from this day until the winter solstice the abundant light will gradually recede, giving way to fall in the Northern Hemisphere. From an acupuncture energetics perspective, we are moving into a more yin time. Everything becomes slower, quieter, less active, cooler, darker…

The theory of yin and yang is further elaborated on with five element theory. Autumn is the season of the metal element. The metal element corresponds with the lung and large intestine organs and the tone is one of loss and letting go. As growth slows and the leaves turn colors and drop from the trees, we are beckoned to pare down that which isn’t necessary, to move through the next few months more conservatively and efficiently.

Metal season is a great time to take stock of what is important to us and set up a schedule to prioritize that. Organization comes more readily at this time, especially if what you’re prioritizing is in alignment with your true nature. The movement of the lung connects us to our higher aspirations.

The lung (yin organ of the metal element) also governs our skin and respiratory tract, so it isn’t unusual for issues with those things such as acne, eczema, and allergies to come up. The large intestine (yang organ of the metal element) is all about elimination, reflected both in digestion and sweating. The seasonal energetic is there to support and work with these things.

From an emotional perspective, the metal element is there to support us in the process of moving through loss, major or minor. Of course, grief is not confined to this season, but it is not usual for it to come up, and the earth’s movement is there to support us in the process of keeping our emotions moving freely.

This is a brief overview of the tone of fall, but I hope it provides some sense of how to work with and be supported by the season. The classics say that living with the seasons is the key to health and longevity.