Metal Element- Boundaries and Letting Sh*t Go

Although I’ve been drinking PSLs (pumpkin spice lattes) for over a month now, the Equinox, which occurred on Sunday, September 22nd, marks the official beginning of Fall. Around the Equinox there is a balance of the yin and yang energy. During this time, we transition from the yang energy of summer into the slower yin energy that will eventually lead us into winter.

In Chinese Medicine, this time of year corresponds to the Metal element. It’s a time to focus on setting boundaries and we may experience more grief and difficulty letting go of things—both literal and figurative. The organs associated with the Metal time of year are the Lungs and Large Intestine. In the body, we might see imbalances such as colds and flu, other respiratory illnesses, dryness, constipation, and IBS.

Fall Tips:

Get back into a routine: Use the remaining yang energy to establish routines for your health as we settle back into our groove after summer vacation. Setting up a routine can help things feel more automatic as our energy wanes with the approach of winter. (Consider meal prepping, scheduling your workouts, arranging monthly acupuncture tune-ups, planning screen time breaks, or setting an alarm to get to bed earlier.)

Focus on your breath: This season is associated with the Lungs. Try incorporating a new breath-work practice. I’ve been enjoying Jennifer Paterson’s online sessions.

Let Sh*t Go: This is a good time to release stories and beliefs that aren’t serving you.

Stay Warm: We may be getting our long overdue Summer in SF, but be prepared and wear a scarf, warm socks, and always have layers.

Get your updated flu and COVID shots: I am getting mine this week.