Stress and the 5-Elements: Metal

Stress and the Metal Element

In Chinese Medicine, the Metal element corresponds to the Lung and Large Intestine systems. Emotions such as grief, longing, attachment, and low self-worth can compromise these systems, and can contribute to emotional and physical stress when held onto for a long period of time.

From a functional standpoint, the lungs and large intestine have a receiving and releasing role in our health and survival. The lungs breathe in fresh, oxygenated air into our bodies, and breathe out carbon dioxide. The large intestine receives undigested food to absorb water and salt, and then gets rid of all the waste. In sum, both systems have an essential role of absorbing that which serves us, and expelling that which does not.

Those who tend toward a Metal imbalance may experience an exacerbation of the following physical symptoms when undergoing periods of stress:

Frequent upper respiratory infections and lowered immunity, asthma, dizziness or lightheadedness, heaviness in the chest, skin issues, irregular bowel movements, intestinal cramping, and hemorrhoids.

Going Deeper

The way we experience and handle emotional stress is unique to all of us. And the externals which may contribute to it differ depending on the individual. For those who tend toward the Metal constitution, the following may contribute to higher levels of emotional stress and resistance:

Perceived criticism and judgement from others.

The pressing need to be right or perfect all the time.

Holding on to things that impede our forward motion in life.

Reflect

If any of this resonates with you, it can be an opening experience pondering the following:

What could I get done if I didn’t take things personally?

Who would I be if I didn’t need to feel validated by myself or others?

What would I be capable of if I let go of [insert thing here]?