From Summer to Autumn: Moving from Earth to Metal
The Acupuncturist’s Toolbox – Pepijn Zuurdeeg on Combining Acupuncture Styles
From summer to autumn: Digestion according to the Five Elements
The Acupuncturist’s Toolbox – Liesbeth Kerkhoff on Dr. Manaka’s Japanese Acupuncture Style
From summer to autumn: letting go and finding balance
Fourth and final part of our series on the earth and metal element in the transition to autumn
In autumn, as nature prepares for winter rest, we are invited to turn inward, both physically and mentally. While late summer belongs to the Earth element, autumn is associated with the Metal element. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this element is linked to the ability to let go, filter, and clarify. This process affects not only the body but also our emotions and mind.
The Metal Element: Letting go and making space for the new
In TCM, the Metal element is associated with the lungs and large intestine. The lungs are responsible for taking in pure air, while the large intestine helps eliminate waste. Emotionally, Metal is connected to grief and sadness, but also to the ability to say goodbye and make space for what is new.
When the Metal element is in balance, we can process emotions such as sadness and loss in a healthy way. Imbalance may show up as excessive grief, melancholy, or difficulty letting go.
Mental and emotional balance
Mentally, Metal represents structure, clarity, and the ability to set boundaries. Imbalances can manifest as perfectionism, rigid thinking, or difficulty making decisions. Emotionally, Metal is connected to grief and letting go, which is essential for personal growth and achieving inner calm.
Practical tips to support the Metal Element
To strengthen the Metal element, small rituals and daily habits can help with letting go and creating clarity. Breathing exercises—slow, deep inhales and exhales—help open the lungs and regulate emotions. Walking in the crisp autumn air or practicing a morning ritual focused on breathing can do wonders for both body and mind.
Mindfulness, meditation, or short periods of silence support inner letting go and help organize thoughts, creating a sense of calm. Structure in daily life, such as clear planning or a fixed morning routine, promotes mental clarity and reduces stress. Creative expression, like writing, painting, or making music, provides a safe outlet for emotions and supports the natural process of releasing and renewing.
It is also important to consciously pay attention to what you want to keep and what you can let go of. This may involve clearing physical clutter, reorganizing your workspace, or evaluating personal habits and relationships. By consciously choosing what to carry forward and what to release, you strengthen the Metal element and create space for renewal.
A Natural Transition
The transition from summer to autumn is more than just a change in the weather; it is an invitation to turn inward and reflect on what we hold onto and what we release. The Earth element of late summer and the Metal element of autumn show us that balance arises from combining proper nutrition, movement, mental clarity, and emotional letting go.
The NVA wishes you a happy autumn, full of energy and calm, and hopes that these tips help you experience the season mindfully and keep the Metal element in balance.
