Prepare for the Metal Rat

Renee Lehman

(2/2020) If you read the January article on the Year of the Rat, you may remember that the Chinese New Year began on January 25th. We are now in the Year of the Rat, and specifically, the Year of the Metal Rat.

What does it mean for this year to be a Metal element year? In previous articles I have written about the Five Elements, the cyclical pattern of expression in nature, as observed by the ancient Chinese. These Elements or energies are felt to be the prime energetic building blocks from which everything in the material world is composed and were never seen as five "distinct things." So, every living thing and every person is a unique embodiment and combination of these Five Elements. The Five Elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. Together, they help us to understand the process of dynamic harmony and balance in the whole system of energy. Therefore, when it comes to our health, if all Five Elements are in balance within us, then we are at a state of optimal health/wellness.

This year is governed by the Metal element. Metal, which is considered priceless (just think of Gold), cherished, and transformative, will be the primary energy throughout the year of the Rat.

To explore the details of the "essence" of the Metal Element, let’s first look at the season and the gifts that the Metal Element corresponds to: Fall. Then we’ll look at the bodily organs that correspond to the Metal Element: Lungs and Large Intestine.

Some of the gifts of Fall include letting go and pruning (to make room for new growth in the Spring); crisp, dry air that allows us to breathe deeply; acknowledging of nature’s awe; and acknowledging the intrinsic value of everything of creation.

The organs that correspond with the Metal Element are the Lungs and the Large Intestines. In Chinese medicine, the Lungs and Large Intestines have many functions on a body, mind, and spirit level. Overall, they allow for the natural flow of "letting go of the old and taking in the new." They are so interdependent, that if one does not function well, the other will fail.

The Lungs are the Minister and Chancellor to the Heart. They regulate the rhythm of your life. Think about how your breathing is very rhythmical without you having to concentrate on it. On a physical level, the Lungs literally receive the pure Heavenly Qi (also known as, air). The Lungs then release the waste product of carbon dioxide to the outside environment. We breathe in a very matter of fact way. However, in many world cultures and religions, meditation and prayers are done by being mindful of one’s breathing. The Lungs also regulate the strength of your voice. When the Lungs are in balance, you will have a strong voice, breathe easily, and have no problems with phlegm/mucus.

On an emotional and mental level, the Lungs are responsible for receiving inspiration, the feelings of self-worth, and realizing the richness of life. How many times have you had an "Ah Ha" moment? Suddenly, you "see" the answer or understand something so clearly. That "spark" of inspiration comes from the Lungs. If the Lungs are out of balance, then you may experience life as dull or "cold," feel inert and uninspired, lack respect for and devalue yourself and others, or even strive for perfectionism (instead of excellence).

On a spirit level, the Lungs are responsible for your inspiration that "feeds" your spirit. Since the Lungs relate to the Heavens, they give our life a sense of quality and higher purpose. We need this guidance from the Heavens to inspire us. Possible examples of this would be religious experiences or even your own experience of the connection with the Heavens that bring you joy.

The Large Intestine is the "Drainer of the Dregs," and removes the waste products from within us. As it carries away the impurities of the body, mind, spirit, it leaves us pure and brilliant. Letting go of the old and worn out ideas, beliefs, and actions allows for us to make positive life transformations.

On a physical level, the Large Intestine is the "Great Eliminator". It receives the transformed food/drink from the small intestine, absorbs any remaining fluid and minerals, then eliminates the waste, also known as the "mundane qi" (the qi that has lost its value). When the Large Intestine is out of balance, you may have constipation, diarrhea, or find yourself over-collecting things that are of value to you.

On an emotional and mental level, the Large Intestine is responsible for letting go of impurities of the mind. It judges the value of things that will affect our quality of life and releases the worthless thoughts and behaviors that could keep our life unpleasant. When the Large Intestine is in balance then we can let go of the past, impure thoughts, and grudges; while at the same time keeping things of value.

On a spirit level, the Large Intestine is responsible for the letting go of things that no longer serve us. This allows space for new growth and changes in your life. For example, a balanced Large Intestine would allow for you to extract the "gems" from rubbish that you are exposed to daily and allow you to grieve the loss of a loved one and then move through the grief, allowing space for new growth in that area. It would also give you a sense of quality to your life, because it removes the things that could "contaminate" your spirit.

2020 and the Metal Element

Grand Master Nan Lu states, "You must let go in order to receive." When we let go, we make space for what is waiting for us. If we cannot let go of what is not serving us any more, we will keep repeating behaviors and experiences. Life will continue to go on as it has in the past. As Henry Ford once said, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got."

As we look forward to 2020 with a fresh, new perspective, can you shed the old and allow the new to enter? You may be pleasantly surprised with how doors may begin to open and lead you to more joy and happiness.

Since the Lungs correspond with the Metal Element, if your Lung (and Large Intestine) energy is not strong this year, you may notice issues with your lungs, skin, or digestion. You can, though, support your Lungs and its partner. How? Eating pungent/spicy and white foods. Pungent foods are acrid, bitty, and sharp. Aromatic foods like garlic, green onion, ginger, chili pepper, black pepper, radish, and mustard all are pungent. Think about how your sinuses open after you have eaten garlic or used black pepper. These types of foods can open the pores of the skin and cause sweating to release toxins.

Throw out clothes, books, and anything that you don’t need anymore. Keep yourself warm and bundled up in the cold and windy weather (especially your neck and chest area). Do qigong to build your Lung energy: Dragon Stands Between Heaven and Earth posture will strengthen your Lung and overall body’s energy.

Remember, you can always start fresh, to support your Metal Element, and to align yourself with Nature’s energetic flow. Right now, it is Winter and mother nature is quiet and restful. Can you bring that quiet within? This will help you to prepare for the Metal Rat year.

So, welcome to a new decade, the beginning of a new 12-year cycle and a powerful year for your Metal Element! Can you see this Universal light shining through you? This is the year to let yourself shine, shine, shine!

Renee Lehman is a licensed acupuncturist and physical therapist with over 30 years of health care experience. Her office is located at 249B York Street in Gettysburg. She can be reached at 717-752-5728.