Fall and the Metal Element: Season of Refinement and Release

By Lauren Coffelt

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The Metal Element 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Metal element represents the concepts of purity, discernment, and the ability to let go, as well as the TCM meridians of the Lung and Large Intestine. It governs boundaries and the essential process of distillation, separating what we no longer need from what is most valuable. Metal rules the transition into autumn, a time of inward reflection and consolidation. The expansiveness of summer draws to a close, and energy turns inward. Trees pull their sap down to the roots, animals build stores for the cold months ahead, and we, too, are invited to release what no longer serves and clarify what is essential. 

The Energy of Metal

In the natural world, metals form through intense pressure and heat. Their ability to distill, sharpen, and shine speaks to the energetic properties of this element. Metal’s power lies in its ability to remove the unnecessary and distill the essence. It rules endings, completions, and the clarity that comes with proper closure. 

Metal and the Climate of Dryness 

The external climate associated with Metal is Dryness. Dryness reflects both the refinement and limitation of fluids. After late summer’s humidity, autumn dries out the landscape. In the body, this may show up as dry skin, dry coughs, or constipation, symptoms of fluids being depleted or improperly distributed. 

While dryness eliminates damp and excess, too much can lead to brittleness, cracking, and vulnerability. According to TCM, the Lungs and Large Intestine can become parched, and the skin, which acts as a boundary between us and the world, can become flaky or irritated. Emotionally, dryness relates to grief (the sorrow of release) and when out of balance, it may lead to rigidity, harsh judgment, or being emotionally parched. 

TCM Organs of the Metal Element 

Metal governs the Lungs and Large Intestine, which together manage the processes of receiving and releasing, the breath in, the waste out. These organs help us interact with our environment and internalise or eliminate accordingly.  

The Lungs: The Breath of Life 

The Lungs are the Yin organ of Metal and are responsible for taking in the pure Qi of heaven. They refine and regulate Qi, distribute it throughout the body, and eliminate impurities through exhalation. They also govern the skin and body hair, acting as a first line of defense against pathogens and environmental influences. 

Healthy Lung function supports clear skin, a strong immune system, and rhythmic, deep breathing. When deficient, we may see fatigue, asthma, frequent colds, or grief that won’t resolve. The Lungs also govern the nose and sense of smell, helping us “follow our noses” toward truth and clarity. 

The Large Intestine: The Eliminator 

The Large Intestine is the Yang partner of the Lungs. Its role is to let go of what the body no longer needs, both physically and emotionally. It rules elimination, not only of waste, but of outdated thoughts, habits, and grief. 

When functioning properly, the Large Intestine supports clarity, decisiveness, and the ability to release. When imbalanced, it may manifest as constipation, bloating, or the inability to let go of mental patterns or emotional wounds. 

Metal and the Control Cycle 

In the Five Element control cycle, Metal is controlled by Fire and controls Wood. Fire’s warmth and passion melt and temper Metal, keeping it from becoming overly rigid or cutting. Without this balance, Metal may become overly judgmental or emotionally cold. 

Metal controls Wood by restraining unchecked growth. If Metal is deficient, Wood may grow wild and unregulated, emotions flare, plans run unchecked. When in balance, Metal provides discernment and boundaries, refining our impulses and giving form to our visions. 

The Emotions of Metal 

The primary emotion associated with Metal is grief, the sorrow that comes with endings, loss, or letting go. Healthy Metal energy allows grief to flow and transform. It acknowledges loss without becoming stuck in it. In its refined state, grief becomes clarity, resolve, and wisdom. 

When Metal is out of balance emotionally: 

• Deficient Metal may result in inability to grieve, emotional detachment, perfectionism rooted in fear of judgment, or difficulty finishing things. 

• Excess Metal may show up as chronic mourning, harsh judgment of others, rigid perfectionism, or obsessive order. 

Grief, when honored and expressed, gives rise to resolve, a deeper understanding of what remains after loss, and the inner strength to move forward with wisdom. 

Metal in Balance 

A person with strong Metal energy shows clarity, integrity, and a powerful sense of self-worth. They are able to hold appropriate boundaries, make clear judgments, and honor both beauty and loss. Their breath is deep and even, their skin clear, their voice strong and resonant. 

They let go of what no longer serves, while preserving what is most essential, just as autumn trees release their leaves while storing vital energy in their roots. 

Metal in Imbalance 

Deficient Metal may present as: 

• Fatigue and exhaustion 

• Weak or asthmatic breathing 

• Frequent colds or low immunity 

• Constipation or sluggish elimination 

• Emotional numbness or inability to grieve 

• Weak or strained voice 

• Difficulty finishing tasks or projects 

Excess Metal may present as: 

• Rigid perfectionism and harsh self-judgment 

• Dry skin, nose, or mucus membranes 

• Profuse nasal mucus (yellow or green) 

• Inflammation or skin conditions  

• Chronic grief or emotional severity 

• Disconnection from joy, spontaneity, or creativity 

These imbalances can influence other elements, Earth may become depleted trying to support Metal, while Wood may become overactive without proper regulation. 

Cultivating Balance 

To harmonize and support the Metal element: 

• Spend time in fresh air and practice breathwork 

• Clear clutter and release what no longer serves 

• Allow space for grief, rest, and reflection 

• Maintain regular bowel movements and stay well-hydrated 

• Practice discernment over judgment 

• Use ritual to honor endings and transitions 

Herbal Support for the Metal Element 

According to TCM, the Lungs and Large Intestine may benefit from herbs that moisten dryness, strengthen Qi, and resolve phlegm. 

• Bai He Gu Jin Wan (Lilium Teapills): Nourishes Lung Yin and clears dryness-related heat, often used for dry cough or hoarseness. 

• Jie Geng Wan (Platycodon Teapills): Opens the chest and supports healthy Lung Qi circulation. 

• Sang Ju Yin Wan (Clear Wind-Heat Teapills): Clears heat from the Lungs and is often used at the first signs of dry cough or sore throat. 

• Bai He (Lilium bulb, tea): Moistens Lung dryness and calms the spirit. 

• He Huan Pi (Albizia bark, tea): Calms the spirit and helps ease emotional tension, particularly grief or sadness. 

• Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange, tea): Regulates Qi in the abdomen and supports healthy elimination. 

Always consult a qualified herbalist or licensed practitioner to choose formulas that are appropriate for your specific pattern. 

Final Thoughts 

As the Yellow Emperor’s Classic says: 

“The forces of autumn create dryness in Heaven and metal on Earth; they create the lung organ and the skin upon the body…and the nose, and the white color, and the pungent flavor…the emotion grief, and the ability to make a weeping sound.” 

The Metal element invites us to refine, release, and return to what is essential. Through grief, we honor what we’ve lost. Through breath, we receive the new. Like the trees in fall, we are asked to let go of what is no longer needed and prepare to hold our energy wisely for what lies ahead. 

References 

• Beinfield, Harriet. Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine. 

• Reichstein, Gail. Wood Becomes Water: Chinese Medicine in Everyday Life. 

• Eckert, Achim. Chinese Medicine for Beginners: Use the Power of the Five Elements to Heal Body and Soul. 

• Huang Ti, Emperor of China; Veith, Ilza (Translator). Huang Ti Nei Ching Su Wen: The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. Chapters 1-34. 

About the Author

Lauren is a Marketing Specialist for Mayway Herbs, where she hasdedicated over five years to supporting the company’s mission of promoting Chinese medicine and natural health. With over 10 years of marketing expertise, Lauren also brings a rich background in creativity and wellness. She apprenticed with the renowned energy worker Brenda Carolan, deepening her understanding of holistic practices, and is an accomplished writer and artist with a passion for storytelling. Lauren’sdedication to professional growth and personal development shines through in her work, blending innovation and insight to connect with diverse audiences.