Letting Go This Fall: A Guide Through Five Element Theory and Nervous System Science

Episode 161 • 9 mins 02 secs

What if the thing you're struggling to let go of right now is something this season is asking of you?

In this solo episode, host Elizabeth Mintun explores the seasonal pull toward letting go that so many people feel each fall through the lens of Five Element theory from Traditional Chinese Medicine. She explains why autumn is governed by the Metal element according to TCM (and what that has to do with your lungs, your grief, and your need to slow down), and connects it to nervous system science. This episode is for anyone who's noticed themselves wanting to slow down, say no more easily, or quietly grieve something as the season turns - and wants to understand a perspective on why.

Key Takeaways:

Five Element theory (Traditional Chinese Medicine) links each season to specific organs, emotions, and energies - autumn is governed by Metal

Shortening daylight and cooling temperatures create real physiological shifts toward parasympathetic (rest and restore) nervous system states

A simple longer-exhale breathing practice can help the body practice release in real time

Resources:

Previous episodes on autumn and the metal element:

Episode 105 - The Metal Element and Fall Self Care: How to Release and Refine

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-calming-ground-podcast/id1704337948?i=1000728174111

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5N7TcpFQoMq2AKcrWopz2m?si=da1289b1cb154c8b

Episode 53 - Breath, Balance, and Release: Aligning with Fall through the Metal Element.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-calming-ground-podcast/id1704337948?i=1000671506561

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3XtQCz4OvVqvOiXxP2Pd3v?si=21fc16dc4d6e4a75

For 1:1 coaching and/or to ask any questions or share reflections, contact Elizabeth at [email protected]

Website: https://thecalmingground.com/

Follow along: @thecalmingground on Facebook & Instagram