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Clear Your Lungs, Clear Your Mind – Autumn Healing Starts Here

  • Writer: Jean Donati
    Jean Donati
  • Sep 24
  • 3 min read
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Autumm's Whisper: The Season of Metal in Chinese Medicine

Jean Donati Acupuncture – East to West Medicine

- 604 E Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286

-410-984-3700


As the vibrant days of summer fade into the crisp stillness of autumn, we enter the season

governed by the Metal element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). At Jean Donati

Acupuncture, this seasonal shift is honored with compassionate, individualized care that

nurtures both body and spirit.


Autumn encourages us to slow down, reflect, and release what no longer serves us—mirroring

the trees shedding their leaves. This natural rhythm is echoed within the Metal element, which is associated with clarity, boundaries, and the sacred act of letting go.


The Essence of Metal

In TCM, each season corresponds to one of the Five Elements. Autumn aligns with Metal, which embodies qualities of structure, order, discipline, and purity. It governs our ability to discern what is valuable and to release what is not—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

  • Emotion: Grief, the process of releasing loss and embracing healing

  • Color: White, representing purity and clarity

  • Sound: Weeping or sighing—an emotional release of pressure

  • Odor: Rotten, indicating stagnation or decay when the element is out of balance

  • Taste: Pungent/spicy—stimulates circulation and clears stagnation


Lung and Large Intestine: The Metal Meridians

The Lung and Large Intestine meridians are the organ pair associated with the Metal element.

Together, they help us take in the new and eliminate the old—an elegant metaphor for both

breath and life.


The Lung Meridian

The Lungs are considered the "commander of Qi" in TCM. They govern respiration, control the

skin and sweat, and regulate the immune system. The Lungs also play a vital role in emotional

health, helping us process grief and open up to inspiration.


When in balance, the Lung energy supports:

  • Strong immunity

  • Clear, deep breathing

  • Healthy skin and hair

  • Emotional resilience and ease in letting go


When out of balance, you may experience:

  • Chronic cough or shortness of breath

  • Frequent colds or allergies

  • Dry skin or eczema

  • Feelings of sadness, isolation, or unprocessed grief


The Large Intestine Meridian

The Large Intestine is responsible for elimination—not just of waste, but of thoughts, emotions, and patterns that no longer serve us. It clears the body and mind, making space for renewal.


When in balance, the Large Intestine supports:

  • Regular digestion and elimination

  • Mental clarity

  • Adaptability and emotional release


When out of balance, symptoms may include:

  • Constipation or loose stools

  • Abdominal bloating or discomfort

  • Difficulty letting go of emotions, perfectionism, or stubbornness


Common Health Concerns Related to Metal Imbalance

During autumn, it’s common for Metal imbalances to surface in both physical and emotional

forms. These may include:

  • Respiratory conditions (asthma, allergies, sinus issues)

  • Skin conditions (dryness, rashes, eczema)

  • Digestive complaints (constipation, bloating)

  • Emotional concerns (grief, sadness, rigidity, suppressed emotion)


How Acupuncture Can Help

Acupuncture gently restores balance to the Lung and Large Intestine meridians, enhancing your body’s natural ability to heal. By targeting specific points, we help regulate immune function, support healthy breathing, and assist with emotional release.


Common benefits of acupuncture during the Metal season include:

  • Stronger immune response

  • Relief from respiratory and sinus issues

  • Improved digestion and bowel function

  • Healthier skin

  • Greater emotional clarity and lightness


At Jean Donati Acupuncture, we take a whole-person approach—addressing not just symptoms, but the underlying energetic patterns that contribute to imbalance.


Self-Care Tips for Autumn

Support your Metal element this season with simple, nourishing habits:

  • Practice deep breathing daily to strengthen Lung Qi and calm the mind

  • Eat seasonal foods that are white or pungent, like pears, onions, radishes, and garlic

  • Hydrate well to combat autumn dryness

  • Declutter your space and mind—release what no longer serves you

  • Honor your grief and emotions with compassion and patience

These practices help align your body with nature’s rhythms, making you more resilient and

grounded as we transition into the colder months.


Why Choose Jean Donati Acupuncture in Towson?

At Jean Donati Acupuncture – East to West Medicine, we provide more than just

treatment—we offer a healing experience. With years of expertise in Traditional Chinese

Medicine, we deliver high-quality, individualized care tailored to your unique constitution and

needs. Our goal is to help you thrive in every season of life, with respect, empathy, and lasting

results.


Ready to Align with the Season?

Whether you're looking to boost immunity, ease emotional weight, or simply feel more balanced this fall, acupuncture can help. Experience the wisdom of East to West Medicine and discover what healing feels like when it’s done with heart.

-Visit us at: 604 E Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286

-Call us today: 410-984-3700



 
 
 

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