In Chinese Medicine, digestion—the transformation of food in the stomach—is governed by the earth element. But the elimination of waste through the large intestine belongs to the metal element.
When the metal element is out of balance, it could show up physically, in the large intestine, as constipation, ulcerative colitis, or certain presentations of irritable bowel syndrome. And this is by no means an exhaustive list.
Emotionally, metal element imbalance might look like holding grudges, clinging to stories or habits, perfectionism, or difficulty releasing inappropriate control – whether that’s of projects, shared bank accounts, or the lives of those you love.
Chinese Medicine also teaches that the body is a microcosm of the world around us. What happens within is reflected without. Stagnation in the body can mirror stagnation in life. Making changes in your life can bring movement to the body.
So when you’re feeling stuck—whether in your life or your intestines—try creating movement in one of these ways:
- Organize a cluttered drawer or closet or desk
- Release a family heirloom, wall art or gift that does not bring you joy
- Support your daily habits so that elimination becomes easier and more regular
And if the stagnation you’re dealing with feels deeper than a dose of magnesium or a junk drawer purge, it may be time for support. It’s powerful to work with an element’s themes in its own season.
I invite you to schedule your first or next acupuncture session to do that opens in a new window::HERE::
