Torbay Acu, the Torbay Acupuncture Centre in Torquay, Torbay. The Metal Element. Five Element Acupuncture for metal elements in Torbay, Devon.

Metal Element

The Metal Type

Emotion: Grief and Loss
Season: Autumn
Struggle with: Arrogance
Need: Respect
Strength: Honest and Reliable
Organs: Lungs and Large Intestine

The Metal Element

In metal the organs are the lungs and the large intestine. These are the only two organs that are actually in direct contact with the world. Breath comes into the lungs from outside the body and the LI evacuates what is no longer needed. Therefore, metals are extremely vulnerable, both to physical attack from the outside world, and emotional affronts from other people. On a physical level this means that it is the lungs that are in charge of the defensive Qi of the body, which circulates just under the surface of the skin protecting us from the extremes of the weather and various contaminates and bugs. Emotionally the inherent vulnerability of the lungs tends to lead to similar ‘protective shields’ being thrown up often at a very young age.

Through life metals can then begin to feel that they are missing something. They begin to doubt themselves and don’t quite believe that they contain the “nuggets of gold” that they see in others. Metals often describe a feeling of ‘something being missing’. This grief can create a drive in them, either to achieve according to societies parameters – by becoming very ambitious, successful and wealthy, or to find a deeper meaning in their lives that gives it some value beyond the hum drum.

What ever path they choose the motivating desire is the same – the need to feel successful, valuable and respected and within that, to be able to value and respect themselves.

If we look at metal within nature this need begins to make sense. Metal is precious and rare, and it is also a tiny fraction of the ‘stuff’ the earth is made from – nevertheless, it is vital. Without the trace elements such as iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and nickel in the soil healthy growth is impossible – and that means life itself is impossible.

Metals have to learn that though their contribution to the whole is not as flashy as the sun, not as stable as the soil, and not as immediate as water, it is just as vital for growth as all the others and therefore intrinsically, just as valuable.

Rachel Geary

Rachel Geary BA(Hons), Lic. Ac. MBAcC is a fully qualified acupuncturist, having graduated from the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in 2002. She has previously practised in Inverness and Barnstaple. "I first became interested in acupuncture whilst I was at university studying History and Philosophy. I was particularly drawn to eastern philosophy, which I found particularly elegant and beautiful. I then went on to complete a three and a half year course of study in acupuncture and discovered it to exemplify these very same qualities. I feel very privileged to have been able to learn so much about the Chinese understanding of health and to be able to use this knowledge to help others." Rachel Geary is a Registered Acupuncturist, she is registered at The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), and The Association of Community and Multibed Acupuncture Clinic (ACMAC).