Care for Lungs and Colon with Acupuncture, improve your Wellbeing in Autumn. The time of Metal in the Five Element Tradition of Acupuncture.

Autumn, the Metal Element, and the Role of the Lungs and Colon

In the Traditional Five Element Acupuncture system, each season is associated with a specific element and corresponding organs. Autumn is linked to the Metal Element, which governs the Lungs and Colon. This is a time to focus on supporting these organs for overall well-being.  

The Metal Element

The Metal Element is associated with qualities such as structure, rules, boundaries, and fairness. Metal provides form and clarity, helping establish healthy boundaries within the body and mind. 

The Lungs: Guardians of Breath and Defence

The Lungs are essential for life, responsible for every breath we take from our first at birth to our last at death. They serve as the body’s first line of defence, making them especially vulnerable to environmental changes such as cold and damp weather. These conditions can lead to respiratory issues like coughs, colds, and sore throats. 

Lungs Protect 

Although the lungs may seem delicate, they play a powerful protective role for the organs below. In the Traditional Acupuncture principle, the Lungs are described as the Minister to the Emperor- the Heart. Together, the Heart and Lungs maintain harmony within the body. This partnership relies on strength and the presence of pure Qi, which is the vital energy that flows through the body. 

The Colon: Transformation and Letting Go

The Colon acts as a transmitter, facilitating transformation on physical, mental, and emotional levels. Its primary function is to discern what the body needs to retain and what it can release. When the Colon is functioning well, it helps us let go of physical waste as well as mental and emotional clutter. If the Colon is not working optimally, we may feel blocked or overwhelmed, both physically and mentally.

Practical Tips for Autumn Health

To support your Lungs and Colon during autumn, consider the following practical steps:

• Breathing exercises: Practise deep, mindful breathing to strengthen lung capacity and resilience.
• Stay warm: Protect yourself from cold and damp weather by wrapping up, scarves, warm long sock and vest! In sudden temperature changes ensure you have your coat. Try to avoid drafts.
• Eat warming foods: Choose cooked vegetables, warm soups, and foods that are gentle on the digestive system.
• Let go of clutter: Take time to clear out unnecessary items or thoughts, supporting the colon’s role in discernment and release. 

Key Concepts Explained

• Qi: In Traditional Acupuncture, Qi refers to the vital energy that circulates throughout the body, supporting health and vitality.
• Metal Element: Symbolises structure, clarity, and the ability to let go, much like the process of exhaling or releasing waste.

Acupuncture Treatment

For help to enhance your well-being in Autumn and beyond with Acupuncture – Contact Hannah Charles LicAc MBAcC– at https://www.southwellacupuncture.co.uk/contact/

Hannah Charles is a founder member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)

The BAcC is an advocate for traditional acupuncture professionals and maintains the highest professional standards to protect the general public. BAcC members belong to an accredited register, regulated and approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care (PSA). For More information, see the website – https://acupuncture.org.uk/