In Classical Chinese Medicine, your personality can be linked or classified according to the five-element theory. This includes all aspects of your physical structure, emotional tendencies, behaviors and propensity to certain illnesses. Since we are all part of nature and cycle through the seasons, we are a manifestation of all of the elements but we have a more dominant element in relation to the others. Each element can manifest in both positive and negative tendencies, depending upon the state of health and balance in the person at the time.
TAKE OUR QUIZ TO FIND YOUR DOMINANT ELEMENT
SO YOU'RE A METAL ELEMENT 金
If you've taken the quiz and you've been classified as a dominant Metal Element, according to Classical Chinese Medicine, you possess the following personality traits, constitution and facial structure:
—sophisticated, idealized, detail oriented, disciplined, organized, and discerning with an ability to make anything happen no matter what the obstacle
YOUR INTENTION: ABUNDANCE
You're a humanitarian and you place great importance on living authentically and doing meaningful work in your life.
YOUR SEASON: AUTUMN
Autumn is a time of year that prepares us for the colder temperatures, shorter and darker days and the winter months ahead. If our energy is aligned with the season, it is a healthy endeavor to reflect on our current state of being and to release what is not serving our highest and best so we can move towards greater evolution of ourselves and our life's direction—just like the trees releasing and letting go of their leaves so they can prepare for new growth in the Spring.
During this season, it's especially important to tap our inner Metal Element which provides us the space for greater self inquiry and self awareness. Look for queues from others that allow us to become for flexible and open to change--pushing us out of our comfort zone to do or think about something in a new way. Like actual metal, its physical properties can be rigid, hard and unwavering but it also has the capacity for change when its melted, chiseled or molded. When we channel our inner Metal Element we possess the energy to change to a higher and better self.
YOUR PERSONALITY: THE ARTIST, ARCHITECT, AND ALCHEMIST
Metal types are highly disciplined, organized and detailed orientated. They are captivated by beauty and focus on their appearance reflecting their stylistic choices for clothing, their home furnishings, and how they express themselves in their work.
As introverts, they can seem reserved and might be difficult to get to know. Once you're deemed trustworthy, they will relax and open themselves wholeheartedly into their tight knit circle with an ability to be generous with their ideas and gifts. With a tendency of being overly self critical and perfectionist, they're motivated to a continual process of refinement and improvement to reach their true potential. As a Metal Element, hard work is deeply rewarding as well as completing a task/goal.
When out of balance, Metal types can be overly critical of themselves and others while being overly obsessive with performance. To avoid criticism from others, Metal types can cut off others and isolate themselves to protect themselves from feeling vulnerable or uncomfortable feelings. Finding their true purpose in life is what guides them--both personally and professionally. With a gift of making something out of nothing, they can be creative and inspirational.
APPEARANCE: ROUND FACE, ANGULAR FEATURES, SHINY SKIN + SMALL BONED FRAME
Metal Element types are very muscular and have broad shoulders but small boned frames. They tend to have oval faces widely set cheekbones and pale complexions and often have straight hair. They are known for their fast metabolism and rarely have problems with their weight.
MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES: GRIEF, RIGIDITY, LONELINESS + SENSITIVITY
The Metal Element is positioned in the lungs (the minister of the body) and large intestine (associated with the emotions of sadness and grief). When we are predominant in the Metal Element, you have the potential for sophistication, mastery, and perfection yet you are also challenged by rigidity, isolationism, a critical tongue, and an inability to handle the roughness of the world.
DIET & EXERCISE PREFERENCES: PUNGENT
The taste associated with Metal is pungent which is similar to spicy but have more aroma such as wasabi, mustard, and mint. To support your immune system, lungs, and digestive system, eat foods the moisten the lungs (such as pears and honey) and herbs that boost immunity (such as astragalus) and avoid mucus-forming foods such as dairy and sugar. It is also important to support skin moisture so moderate your fluid intake and eat higher fiber food to support the Large Intestine.
Aerobic exercise also supports the lungs as well as deep breathing exercises and meditations that encourage you to let go. Avoid very dry weather (use a humidifier in your home). Talk to your acupuncturist about setting up seasonal balance treatments to boost your immune system and keep your digestive system in good health.
HEALING PRACTICES: GRATITUDE + SELF-LOVE
Gratitude Practice: Each day, write down at least three things that you're thankful for to develop your capacity to resonate with positive feelings in a way that nourishes you. Over time, this will help you overcome some of the cynicism that may be preventing you from maturing and growing as a person. The practice of daily appreciation cancels out the negativity and focuses our energy towards building Qi flow (instead of depleting it).
Practicing Imperfection: As a natural born perfectionist, everything you do is aligned with this goal. The danger in perfectionism is how it focuses us on a specific outcomes and beliefs and sets you up for self-criticism. When we open ourselves up to new awareness and possibility, then we become more focused on the journey and all the potential learnings. Take small steps in disabling the patterns or beliefs allowing oneself to be less curated in person, on social media or others areas where you show up in the world.
Always be true to your nature.
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