Fall Food for Thought
STRENGTHENING OUR METAL
In Taoist medicine, Autumn is associated with the METAL element. The organs associated with Metal are the Lungs and Colon.
THE METAL ELEMENT IS BOTH OUR ARMOR AND OUR SWORD
Lungs Protect and the Colon Lets Go :
From a very macro of view, the role of the Lungs is to extract energy from the air like the digestive system extracts energy from food. Both systems work together: the digestive system provides the fuel (nutrients), while the lungs provide the oxygen needed to burn that fuel and create energy (ATP) for the body’s cells.
This is Air Qi and and Food Qi. This combination of qi and associated nutrients is then distributed throughout the body and is of particular importance in protecting the surfaces of the body (including the mucous membranes and interior surfaces of the lungs) from viruses, bacteria, and other invading pathogens. This is called Protective Qi.
The large intestines is on the other end of the digestive system (literally). Whatever waste made in the process of extracting Food Qi is excreted from the body via the colon.
This is why we consider the LUNGS and COLON as the associated organs of the METAL ELEMENT. They protect us and fight for us. They hep get rid of what no longer serves us. In Taoist healing traditions, this release is on emotional and psychic levels as well as physical.
PEOPLE WITH STRONG METAL ;
• Unified and orderly
• Steadfast
• Effective at what they do
• Hold onto their principles and keep commitments
• Sense when to let go of objects / relationships and do it without emotional repression
• Feel grief and sadness and then resolve it
PEOPLE WITH WEAK METAL ;
• Experience loss with confusion
• Attempt to stifle sadness and never let it go
• Disorderly
• Unreasonable attachments
WHAT WEAKENS OUR METAL?
• Grief and Sadness
Grief is the emotion tied to Metal, like a cool autumn wind signaling change. Like leaves falling from a tree, when grief is felt and released, it strengthens our core, nurturing health from within. But when we hold onto it, it tightens its grip on the lungs, blocking the flow of nutrients and qi. Over time, the lungs can grow heavy with what is unspoken, unprocessed. Almost everyone who struggles with their lungs or colon carries an unhealed sadness.
To heal, we must first look within. By acknowledging our pain, we create space for healing.
• Sedentary Lifestyle and Overeating
Insufficient activity encourages poor respiration and elimination. According to Pitchford (pg. 349), “Lung and colon problems are also aggravated by a faulty diet: overeating; not eating roughage; consuming too much meat, dairy, and other congesting foods; using drugs, cigarettes, and processed foods. Poor eating habits cause mucus to be deposited in the lungs, which blocks their proper functioning. Colds, allergies, sinus problems, bronchitis, and asthma are among the problems that may result. Furthermore, toxins build up in the lungs and colon and create tension, exhaustion, hair and skin problems, and pale complexion.”
STRENGTHENING OUR METAL ;
• Protective and Purifying Foods
Pungent (spicy) foods: Pungent foods help disperse the stuck, mucus-laden energy of the Lungs and Colon. All pungent foods such as hot peppers and chilies can be used to protect the lungs. Considering the color associated with Metal is WHITE, include members of the onion family, especially garlic; also turnip, ginger, horseradish. If there is any sign of heat in the body (yellow mucus, fever, red face, sore throat, hot palms and soles, night sweats), use cabbage, radish, daikon radish, and white peppercorn.
Dark green and golden-orange vegetables offer a protective effect to the surfaces and mucous membranes of the body, thus strengthening the immune system. These vegetables include carrot, winter squash, pumpkin, broccoli, parsley, kale, turnip and mustard greens, watercress, wheat or barley grass, common green, blue-green, and golden micro-algae, and the herbs yerba santa leaf, mullein leaf, and nettles.
‣ The green members of this group are especially important, as their chlorophyll inhibits viruses and also helps the lungs discharge the residues from chemical fumes, coal dust, cigarette smoke, etc.
Fiber: To cleanse the lungs and colon, emphasize fiber foods.
Moistening Foods: Moistening foods: Since the Metal element tends to dryness, it’s important to include moistening foods like pears, apples, honey, and sesame seeds to counterbalance the dry autumn air and protect the lungs and skin.
Warming foods: As the weather cools, begin to incorporate warming, cooked meals like soups and stews. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash, along with whole grains, provide grounding energy and nourish the body.
• BREATH
Long, deep breaths cleanse and strengthen our being. When we exhale longer than we inhale, we bolster the amount of oxygen that our blood cells will carry
Paying attention to our breath orients us in space and time, syncing mind and body
• Stay Active
Spend time outside in nature, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, to absorb the crisp autumn air. This helps attune your body to the shifting energies of the season. Observe the changing leaves, cooler air, and earlier sunsets as reminders of the impermanence of life and the beauty of each phase.
• Reflect and Simplify
Autumn is a time of reflection and simplicity. As nature starts to wind down, so should we. Simplify your life by reducing distractions and focusing on essentials. Take time for self-reflection, journaling, or meditation to process the emotions and experiences of the past year.
• Process and release unresolved sadness
Engaging in practices like qigong, tai chi, or gentle walking in nature can help harmonize body and mind.
• Slow, steady progress
When we change or let go of too much too soon, it may be all too easy to soon replace it with an even greater excess of another sort, or bouncing back and forth between “all in” and “all out”
The year is only half way done. There is still so much discover. Good luck to your harvest 🍁
