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                                      The Metal Element

                                      In Chinese Medicine, Five Element Theory is one of the major systems of thought. From a historical perspective it is an important underpinning of medical theory and serves as one of the major diagnostic and treatment protocols. Five Element Theory is based on the observation of the natural cycles and interrelationships in both our environment and within ourselves.

                                      The Five Elements are Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. Each element has a list of correspondences. For instance, the Metal Element corresponds to the fall season (autumn) and is associated with the Lungs and Large Intestine. It’s sense organ is the nose and the environmental correspondence is dryness. The emotion associated with the Metal Element is grief and its sound is crying. Its taste correspondent is pungent.

                                      During the autumn, the lungs and large intestine become more vulnerable to the changes in the season. The air becomes dry affecting the lining of the nasal passages, the throat, and the lungs. For some, the coming of the cold weather brings on arthritic pain, colds, allergies, sinus infections, and seasonal depression or sadness.

                                      Click Here to View Five Element Chart
                                      Suggestions
                                      The following list suggests ways to help your body transition into the cold weather with more ease   
                                           Use
                                      a humidifier at home and at your job    
                                           Dress warmly and avoid drafts
                                           Open your windows on occasion to bring in some fresh 
                                           air and clear stale air
                                           Stay hydrated and drink warm beverages
                                           Wash your hands frequently and avoid large crowds
                                           Shop online for Holiday gifts
                                           Add some pungent foods into the diet

                                      About Pungent Foods

                                       Pungent is the hottest of all tastes. It is found in certain vegetables (such as chili peppers, garlic, and onions), and in spices (such as black pepper, ginger, and cayenne). Chinese consider cruciferous vegetables, such as alyssum, candytuft, cabbage, radish, broccoli, and many weeds, as pungent foods.Pungent and spicy foods are vivifying and decongesting. Pungent foods induce perspiration by helping clear dampness from your body.

                                       Pungent Flavors
                                      • move energy upward and outward...
                                      • stimulate digestion
                                      • clear sinuses
                                      • promote sweating
                                      • promote detoxification
                                      • dispel gas
                                      • aid circulation
                                      Pungent & spicy foods are not good for those who have
                                      • Excessive heat or dryness in the body
                                      • High temperature
                                      • Ulcers
                                      • Inflammatory conditions