Inika Superfoods - April 21st, 2024

Five Daoist Elements: Connecting With the Metal Element

This journal is part of a five-part series about the Five Daoist Elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.These elements are in constant change and movement. Each element has its own characteristics, its own defined strengths and weaknesses, and plays its own unique role in the balance of the universe. We all have each element inside of us, however, one or two elements will usually resonate more with you than the others.

This week's edition is focused on the Metal element, and how you can connect and tap into its energy.

Source the chi of heaven

The element of Metal is the breath of life. It is with this element that we source the chi of heaven. Chi is a term from Traditional Chinese Medicine and can be translated to ‘life energy’. The Metal element equals the element of air, and this element has a lot to do with the breath. We start and end our lives with the breath, and this element also represents the decline of matter and the state of return. This element is responsible for the communication and regulation of energy.

The energy of Metal is introverted, inward focused and retreating. It is also with this element that we let go of what we no longer need so we can create space for the new .Metal is hard and strong, but it will adapt and change under pressure (when we make metal very hot, it becomes flexible). Therefore this element is often perceived as unyielding, rigid and determined.

A person who has a lot of metal in them tends to be very introverted and minimalistic. A metal person is ambitious, strong, competitive, independent, self sufficient, highly organized, determined, analytical, disciplined, focused, and it’s a person who has high values and standards. However, when this element becomes unbalanced we become stubborn, unreasonable, pessimistic, we have a feeling of being stuck, and unbalanced metal can lead to sadness and ultimately depression.

How to connect to the metal element

Here are some great things for you to try if you wish to connect with the element of Metal:

• Breathing exercises (pranayama). Remember that this element is connected to the breath, and that it is with this element we source the chi of heavens? Therefore, pranayama exercises are especially ideal for this element. Whether you decide to do deep belly breathing, Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) or a different breathing technique you will connect to the element of Metal.

• Read books, listen to podcasts, join a course...the element of Metal likes to learn. Generally speaking, Metal people tend to be very intelligent people with a strong urge to learn. Therefore, education (in any way, shape or form) is absolutely brilliant to connect with this element. So never stop learning.

• Do acupressure on Lung 7. The Lung meridian is connected to the element of Metal (along with the Large Intestine meridian). Lung 7 is a great point for respiratory diseases, a runny nose, a scratchy throat, sneezing and body aches. It is also the main point for releasing neck pain. You can easily find this point by doing the ‘thumb shake’ and placing your index finger on the other hand behind the inside wrist.

• Breathe in lots of good, clean, fresh air. Because this element is so connected to our lungs and therefore our breath it’s important to breathe in high-quality air. So perhaps, get out of the city and breathe in the fresh, clean air in nature.

• Communicate and talk to the people around you. One of the worst things you can do for this element is bottling up your emotions and thoughts. If something is on your heart and mind, speak to a close, trusted friend, a family member or even a coach or a therapist. Let it all out so you can let it go.

We hope that this post has left you feeling inspired to connect more to the 5 Daoist Elements, and live more in tune with mother nature.

Love,
Inika Superfoods