The Psychological Aspects of the Metal Element
The metal element, which is most active in autumn, is associated with the Lung and Large Intestine Meridians. This energy supports letting go of that which no longer serves you. It is a perfect time to clean out closets and purge attics and basements. This is also a time for reflection on progress made throughout the year and to be grateful for our accomplishments.
When our metal element is out of balance, we can have trouble letting go of past disappointments and losses and obsessively reminisce about the past. Some metal imbalance emotional symptoms are grief, sadness, low self-esteem, loss of personal boundaries, obsessive-compulsive disorder, perfectionism, self-righteous attitude, problems with authority and intimacy, and PTSD.
Some physical symptoms of metal imbalance include
- Sinus problems
- Skin disorders
- Asthma, COPD
- Chronic bronchitis
- Lung problems
- Large Intestine disorders
- Lower immune functioning
The metal element is associated with our personal boundaries and self-worth. A person experiencing PTSD usually has had a violation of their personal boundaries by physical assault, war, or an environmental disaster. This affects their ability to connect with others, creating sadness and isolation.
Acupressure and acupuncture balance the physical, mental, and emotional bodies, allowing the body to return to homeostasis so it can heal itself. People with more severe imbalance would do well to seek out acupuncture since the acupuncturist can also prescribe healing herbs.
