Autumn, the Metal Element & the Art of Letting Go
As autumn arrives, we begin to notice a shift in the world around us. The leaves change colour and fall, the air becomes cooler and crisper, the days grow shorter and nature gradually begins to turn inward.
It’s a season of transition, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is associated with the Metal element, representing contraction, refinement, letting go and gathering our energy before the quieter winter months ahead.
Autumn and the Metal Element
Within TCM, each season is connected to an element, organs, emotions and qualities within the body.
Autumn and the Metal element are traditionally associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine, with dryness as the dominant climate and pungent flavours such as ginger, garlic and radish traditionally linked with the season.
Metal is also closely associated with grief and letting go.
There’s a lovely parallel between this philosophy and what we see happening in nature. Trees release their leaves rather than continuing to hold onto them, conserving their resources and preparing for the months ahead.
TCM encourages us to consider doing something similar in our own lives: recognising what we may be holding onto and creating space for something new.
The Lungs are viewed as taking in the new through our breath, while the Large Intestine is associated with eliminating what the body no longer needs. Together, they reflect one of autumn’s central themes: taking in and letting go.
Supporting Yourself Through Autumn
As the season changes, there are some simple ways to embrace its slower rhythm and support your wellbeing.
Keep warm
As temperatures begin to drop, reach for an extra layer or scarf when heading outside. Paying particular attention to keeping the neck and chest warm is a traditional part of seasonal self-care in TCM.
Choose warming, nourishing foods
Autumn can be a lovely time to move away from the lighter foods of summer and towards warming, cooked meals.
Seasonal foods such as pears, squash, sweet potatoes, soups and broths can bring warmth and nourishment into your diet. In TCM, certain foods are also traditionally chosen to balance the dryness associated with autumn.
Make time to breathe
Our breath is something we rarely think about, yet it can be a powerful way to slow down and reconnect with ourselves.
Taking a few moments for gentle, deep breathing can create a sense of calm and provide a natural pause during a busy day.
Create space
Autumn is a wonderful opportunity to simplify.
That might mean decluttering a room, finishing something that has been sitting on your to-do list, creating a little more space in your diary or simply reconsidering the things that are taking up your energy.
Think of it as your own version of shedding leaves.
Allow yourself to let go
The Metal element is traditionally connected with grief, making autumn a particularly reflective season within TCM philosophy.
Rather than pushing difficult feelings aside, this season can be an invitation to acknowledge them and give yourself the time and space to process them. At the same time, it can be a chance to reconnect with the things that bring you inspiration, meaning and a sense of purpose.
Following the Rhythm of the Season
Nature doesn’t remain the same throughout the year, and perhaps we shouldn’t expect ourselves to either.
Autumn reminds us that slowing down, simplifying and letting go are all natural parts of a cycle.
So as the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, take a moment to notice the shift around you. Breathe a little deeper, make space for what matters and consider what you might be ready to leave behind before moving into the quieter months ahead.
If you’re looking for a little reminder to slow down, reconnect and find balance, Rachel Shrieves’ beautiful Chakra Crystal Necklace, featuring seven carefully selected gemstones representing the seven chakras, offers a meaningful way to carry that intention with you throughout the season.
