01/03/2026
LATE SUMMER INTO AUTUMN - TIME TO LET GO:
As we move from LATE SUMMER, when the EARTH Element is at its peak, into AUTUMN, we often experience a spell of warm, still, hazy weather. The transition from warm to cool, expansion to contraction, and yang to yin is supported by the grounding energy of Mother Earth.
The growing season has come to an end, and as nature retreats, we too are encouraged to prepare for inward contraction and release what no longer serves us. This is a reflective time of consolidation and preparation for the cooler months ahead.
With this inward turn, our focus shifts to the METAL Element, which in Oriental Medicine is associated with the organs of purification and elimination - the LUNGS, LARGE INTESTINE, SKIN, NOSE, and IMMUNE SYSTEM.
In Western terms, METAL aligns with the AIR element, reflecting its deep connection to breath. The LUNGS (yin) connect the outer world with our inner landscape, filtering in fresh pure air and exhaling what is stale. The LARGE INTESTINE (yang) mirrors this process by releasing the body’s waste.
These organs can easily fall out of balance due to things like environmental toxicity, food additives, or unresolved emotions. Signs of imbalance include respiratory disorders, allergies, skin problems, digestive issues or a weakened immune system.
The METAL element also correlates with the colour WHITE, the sound of WEEPING, PUNGENT flavour, DRY climate, and the emotion of GRIEF or SADNESS. This emotion is reflected in nature as the leaves on the trees wither and fall. The action of ‘letting go’ of what no longer serves, is necessary to create space for what is fresh, new and of true importance.
Imbalance can make it difficult to let go, causing obsessive-compulsive tendencies, long-standing grief, or a feeling of being emotionally trapped or stuck.
When METAL is healthy and balanced, there is more clarity, discernment, acceptance, and a sense of openness which makes it easier to breathe deeply and adapt to change.
Exercise and regular deep breathing practice will be particularly beneficial when surrounded by the fresh, clean air of a forest or sea. Movement with mindful breathing - such as Qigong, Tai chi or Yoga – will be ideal this season.
Support digestion by chewing well and including foods in your diet that are white and pungent in flavour: onion, garlic, radish, turnip, white mustard, ginger, cabbage, horseradish, or white peppercorns.
Stay adequately hydrated with filtered water or herbal teas and keep your skin well moisturised with a natural moisturiser, like coconut oil. This is especially important while we are in a FIRE HORSE year, where the accumulation of heat and dryness can cause dehydration and be damaging to the organ systems of the METAL element.
On the cool, crisp AUTUMN mornings ahead, spend a few moments outdoors breathing through your NOSE, deep into your LUNGS, and all the way down into your belly.
A little reminder to EXHALE what feels stale, toxic, sad or stressful… and INHALE only what is fresh, clean, pure, happy and peaceful.
This is a great way to start your day, leaving you feeling positive, uplifted, and full of energy and clarity.
Simply breathe in… breathe out… and LET IT GO…
Aliki 🍂
