Staying Healthy with the Seasons by Elson M. Haas

Author:Elson M. Haas [Haas, Elson M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
ISBN: 978-1-60774-506-8
Publisher: Potter/TenSpeed/Harmony
Published: 2012-09-04T04:00:00+00:00

These feelings can be a healthy response, but if extreme or prolonged may injure the lungs or large intestine, which are the two body organs associated with the Metal element. Worry may cause poor, shallow breathing or the holding back of proper elimination, both important functions of the lungs and large intestine. Characteristic of Metal is the sound of weeping or crying, which can be a good outlet for sorrow or grief.

Appropriately, the sense organ for the metal element is the nose, and the associated sense is smell. The flavor corresponding to this element is the pungent or spicy one, as found in certain aromatic cheeses, like Roquefort, Brie, and Camembert, as well as peppers, mustard, and other spices. This flavor “opens up” the senses, clears the sinuses, and stimulates the lungs, but too much can also be injurious to the lungs. Often, a craving for spicy foods or a frank distaste for them may suggest an imbalance in the Metal element.

Metal’s body fluid is mucus, and the climate is dryness. However, extreme dryness can injure this element, as can its opposite climate, dampness. On the one hand, being very attracted to dry weather, or on the other, intensely disliking dryness, may suggest an imbalance in the Metal element.

The mucous membranes contain two types of cells: serous, producing a watery fluid, and mucous cells, which produce a thicker secretion. It is the mucus that protects and coats the mucous linings, while the serous fluid helps wash debris and bacteria, for example, from these sensitive membranes. Normally, there is a higher percentage of serous cells along these linings. Excessive mucus is actually a relative state of dryness from inadequate water intake, too much mucus-producing food, or from a Metal element imbalance. This increased mucus is a place of potential stagnation and thus a good growing medium for microorganisms. The association of the Metal imbalance with a runny nose, sinus congestion, coughs, and the incidence of colds is important.

When a person whose Metal energy is imbalanced experiences excitement or other change, he or she will respond by coughing. Coughing expels mucus from the airway and the lungs, or can just cause more irritation in an already inflamed respiratory tract. On a symbolic level, coughing resists and attempts to expel anything not wanted: communication, emotions, or an unwelcome change.

Breathing involves both the intake of new air (energy) during inspiration, and the elimination of the old (that which is no longer needed) in expiration. These words, “inspire” and “expire,” suggest a living and dying process and that’s what breathing is truly about, from your first breath on arriving into Earth’s atmosphere to your last one when you exit. The Buddhists see each inbreath as giving new life and each breath out as a little death. Thus, your deepest attitudes toward living and dying may affect your breathing process and the health of the Metal element in your body.

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