Autumn leaves turn, and we let go.

Do you have a hard time letting go of stuff? Are you surrounded by clutter? Do you hold on to things with sentimental attachment? According to the Five Element theory of Oriental Medicine, otherwise known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the autumn is an ideal time to let things go. This season is also associated with the Large Intestines and the Lungs, both of which play a significant role in detoxification. Even the skin (known as the 3rd lung) plays a major part, when toxins unable to exit otherwise, manifest in various skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. However, within the broader context of our lives, not only environmental/dietary toxins and physical clutter - like paperwork, old clothing or broken items - but also emotional overload, such as pain, hurt, resentment and even trauma, from both your own physical history and ancestral history, can play their parts. Difficulty with letting go can be symptomatic of a weakness or imbalance within the Metal element of Five Element Theory. Whether it be material objects or people, everything comes to us for a reason, a season or a lifetime and it can be very difficult when their lifetime is shorter than expected - or than our own. If this imbalance is not addressed, the very real struggle with Grief and Sadness can emerge.

In the practice of Facial Intelligence, we liken the Metal Energy to that of the Royal Archetype. Those of us with significant Royal energy can be highly sensitive to the environment and energy of a space - whether it be managing the energies of many people, or dealing with the overwhelm of a cluttered household. This gets in the way of the highest intention for the Royal/Metal energy, which is about beautiful experiences. However , since all of us have access to the Metal energy, we may also simply be stuck in, or unable to move past the energy, due to the controlling effects of the other elements - Fire, Earth, Water and Wood. When we find ourselves in the season associated with the element, the issues with that element may be enhanced. Thus, we may find it especially difficult releasing and letting go during the season of Autumn.

.

To help support us in the process of letting go and moving through the emotions, or simply embracing the season, look to foods and spices that are warming to ensure that the mucous membranes of the lungs and large intestine are kept warm and moving/functioning smoothly. This provides support to the gut - which even Western medicine acknowledges as the location of a great deal of our immune system. Leaning into gentle spices such as cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger (the pumpkin pie spices) as well as cumin, coriander and turmeric, along with the pungency of onions, garlic and mushrooms will help create a warming and drying effect, especially at the onset of the sniffles.

Whereas, symptoms of dryness and heat might benefit from the moistening and cooling effect of foods like almonds, avocado, apples and pears. Reach for intestinal friendly fermented foods, like kimchi, saurkraut and kefir, to feed the good bacteria in your gut with healthy probiotics. It is not a coincidence that many of these foods are whitish or pale, the colour associated with the Metal element.

Many tools exist to help you move through this season with a new sense of purpose and fresh energy, preparing for release and detoxification. Are you feeling stuck and needing the impetus to finish up a project, or refine it before letting it go? Are you disturbed by difficult memories and emotional triggers? Do you have digestive or respiratory or skin issues, currently or chronically? Now is the time to reach out to a therapist in bodywork, such as shiatsu therapy, perhaps a grief counsellor, as well as a holistic health professional for guidance to create a cleanse or course of action catered to your very personal needs. Always look for current specials at Hand to Heart Being.