Metal Element

Metal Element Introduction

The Metal element represents the understanding of boundaries. Shaping and defining are key qualities of this element. Metal element people know, and are able to convey, their own qualities and value.

They also have the invaluable ability of knowing when to let go. They know when enough is enough. This element type can acknowledge the value and worth of others and they can easily accept such acknowledgements from others.

Metal Element - Common Associations

The following are often associated with the Metal element; the colour white, autumn, late evening, night, Venus, contraction, sharpness, yawning, elimination, reduction, contraction, completion, rotting, yawning, sense of loss, end of summer, sense of smell, dryness, exchange, transference, energy flow from Yin to Yang

Body Parts Associated with the Metal Element

The lungs act like our body's head of Government and to keep the metaphor going they manage domestic matters and external affairs. All aspects of the lungs are related to breathing and respiration. Through respiration Ki is transmitted to every body part however if respiration is bad or inhibited then insufficient amounts of oxygen reach the brain. This can cause a lack of energy and even depression. The lungs are the Yin partner to the large intestines Yang.

The large intestines act like the minister for foreign affairs. It's responsibility is to implement the will of the lungs and to preserve the integrity of the body's boundaries. The large intestine receives partly digested food from the small intestine. It extracts any usable matter and then expels the remaining waste outside the boundary of the body.

Symptoms of physical imbalance can show up as diarrhoea or constipation. The psychological parallel is the ease at which people can release unwelcome emotions or attachments. If a person cannot let go of the sorrow or grief it can make someone develop feelings of detachment and hardness, just like metal.

The metal element also controls body hair, skin, the nose, sinuses, bronchi. The fluids that it controls are mucous secretions.

The Metal Element Personality Type

Metal element personality types are usually neat and tidy. Then tend to be house proud, fastidious and meticulous. The have a natural sense of good taste and their homes are normally roomy and spacious. They do not hoard bits and pieces and readily discard items that have outlived their usefulness.

They adopt the same approach in their professional and social lives keeping strict boundaries between both. This element type have a talent for systems design and reducing the effort in any task that they undertake.

They seek perfection at all times and cut straight through to the kernel of any issue. Any extraneous aspects are shorn away without any hint of sentimentality. The relentless pursuit of perfection can become problematic. There isn't one perfect person in the World. Constantly striving for perfection that can't be achieved can cause a rigidness that may make metal element types feel locked up and lacking spontaneity.

This stiffness can takes it's toll on the body causing respiratory difficulties such as asthma. Individuals may also experience problems with their bowel movements.

To create relief from these symptoms metal types can practice relaxation and breathing techniques. These can help them to let go and enjoy life more fully.

Health Issues for Metal Element Types

When the lungs are dominant they can easily inhibit the functions of the liver and the heart. While Metal exhibits almost total self control, Fire types and Wood types do not have the same ability over their impulses. If Fire energy is confined by Metal energy the individual may develop an aloofness and emotional coldness. This can lead to physical symptoms such as asthma and constipation.

Metal element types may also develop 'emotional constipation' and begin to bottle up feelings that should be released. This can lead to deep seated and trapped energy which in turn can manifest itself physically in the growth of tumours.

Metal Element - Visualisation Exercises

Look intently through a crystal or a diamond. Try to imagine that energy is confined within the structure of the crystal. Touch and feel the hardness of the surface and how it presents defined boundaries with the world outside of the crystal. Imagine that you ARE the crystal and how your energy cannot interact with the outside world.

Think about a year end. Think about the feeling of completion that comes with the end of the year plus the sense of anticipation of the year to come.

Imagine a fallow field in anticipation of ploughing. Think of the farmer trying to decide if the harvest was a success or not.

Metal Element Conclusion

Too much restraint is a real problem for Metal element types. They need to learn flexibility and to avoid exerting excessive self-control. If they can do this they can more easily adjust to living in social harmony with the passions of other elements. However if they become emotionally locked up then their special ability to cut through the mundane may never be successfully achieved.