The Metal Element in Chinese Medicine: Lung & Large Intestine

A wide shot of a metal art piece to represent the metal element in Chinese Medicine.

How The Body Works

In Traditional medicine, certain body systems are associated with an organ name and a meridian.  Each system and its energetics are stronger during its season. 

Eating and working with acupuncture points and herbs that fall in line with that season helps us stay more in balance within our bodies and therefore maintain better health. 

Falling Into Autumn

As we transition into the autumn season, we should start to turn our energy inwards and place an emphasis on immune boosting systems for the upcoming winter months. It is a time to begin receding into the dark Yin time of winter. 

The autumn season supports the yin energetics of the Lung and the yang energetics of the Large Intestine.

The lungs support new breath that we bring inward, and the complementary Large Intestine is responsible for moving waste products out. This amplifies the autumnal season, during which we are receiving the seasons harvest and releasing the long days and yang energy we have enjoyed over the summer months. 

When the Metal element is out of balance, we may observe bronchitis, shortness of breath, nasal congestion and allergies, colds, sore throats, along with digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain. 

The Chinese symbol for "Metal."

Below Are More Categories Associated With The Metal Element:

  • Viscera: Lungs 

  • Bowels: Large Intestine

  • Sense Organ: Nose

  • Tissue: Skin and Hair

  • Emotion: Grief, Melancholy

  • Season: Autumn

  • Environmental Factors: Dryness

  • Color: White

  • Taste: Pungent

To read more on another Element, Fire, check out our other blog post HERE. And click HERE to schedule an appointment with us today.


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