Manifest Health and Vitality Using Intention (Yi) and the Metal Element in Qigong
One of my dedicated students is deepening his qigong practice by learning to use intention—Yi—to manifest health and well-being within his body. He has researched the topic of neuroplasticity of the brain and is applying his understanding when he practices Qigong. As he focuses his mind, he’s guiding(Yi) energy (Qi) toward his organs and systems, using his practice to bring balance and vitality. It’s a beautiful reminder of how much intention can shape not just our practice but our lives. This idea of Yi is central in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), especially when we explore the Metal element, which governs the fall season.
With fall upon us, it's the perfect time to tune into the qualities of the Metal element and discover how its properties—both energetically and through the actual metals that surround us—can help bring balance into our lives. Today, we'll explore the connection between Yi and the Metal element and how incorporating metals into your environment, like jewelry, sculptures, or even furniture, can support your well-being.
Metal Element and Yi in Qigong
In TCM, the Metal element represents structure, clarity, and focus—qualities that align perfectly with the power of intention, or Yi. As you move through your qigong practice, your Yi helps guide the flow of Qi (energy) within the body, just like how metal conducts electricity. In the same way that my student is learning to use Yi to focus on his internal systems, you can also harness your intention to bring balance and health into your life—especially during the fall season when the Metal element is at its peak.
Just as metal can conduct and hold energy, your Yi can help direct energy where it's needed most, strengthening both mind and body. But beyond qigong movements, the Metal element also speaks to the actual metals around us and their energetic properties.
The Energetic Qualities of Metals
Different metals resonate with different energies, and by paying attention to the metals you surround yourself with—whether it's the jewelry you wear or the metals found in your home—you can create a more balanced environment. Let’s take a look at the unique qualities of several metals and how they may influence your energy:
Iron: Think of iron as a soft, muddy field—challenging to walk through but full of potential for growth. While it may feel heavy or difficult, iron can symbolize perseverance. It grounds you, helping you stay connected to the earth, even when things seem hard to move through.
Bronze: Bronze is waiting, unformed, ready to be shaped into something meaningful. Its energy is flexible, making it a perfect metal for periods of transformation or when you need to tap into potential.
Platinum: Platinum holds immense power—like a singularity waiting to explode with life-giving energy. It is potent, focused, and life-enhancing, a metal that can help you manifest your highest potential when you are ready to embrace change.
Copper and Zinc: These metals are polarity agents. Copper is warm, like blood circulating through your body, nurturing and sustaining life. Zinc, on the other hand, is like a dry riverbed waiting to be filled. It creates space, a vessel for potential. Together, these metals balance each other, offering both warmth and space for new energy to flow.
Silver and Gold: These metals are a yin-yang pair. Gold represents the sun, bright and radiant, like a ray of light over a fertile field. It symbolizes abundance, growth, and action. Silver, on the other hand, is cool and reflective, like nourishing rain washing away what no longer serves you. Together, they bring balance between activity and rest, energy and reflection.
Bringing Metal Into Your Life With Intention
Just as my student is learning to direct his Yi toward health and healing, you too can develop a relationship with the metals in your life. Begin by noticing the metals that surround you. What jewelry do you wear? What metals are present in your home—furniture, sculptures, even the utensils you use? Pay attention to how each one makes you feel. Do certain metals make you feel grounded and balanced, while others seem to disturb your energy?
By setting an intention with Yi, you can consciously choose the metals that resonate most with your energy and health. Consider wearing or placing metals in your environment that support your intention for clarity, balance, and well-being. For example:
If you’re looking for grounding, iron or copper may be helpful.
If you want to invite more abundance and action, gold could be your go-to.
For reflection and cool clarity, consider surrounding yourself with silver.
You may even notice that some metals feel imbalanced for you—perhaps platinum feels too intense or bronze feels too uncertain. By tuning into these sensations, you can better understand which metals help you feel aligned with your health and well-being.
Start Exploring Metal’s Energies
This fall, as we embrace the energy of the Metal element, I encourage you to explore the metals in your environment with intention. Use your Yi to cultivate a sense of balance and healing through both your qigong practice and your surroundings. Whether it’s the jewelry you wear, the metals in your home, or simply the energy of fall itself, begin developing a relationship with metal, inviting it to support you in your journey toward health and well-being.
If you're ready to deepen your qigong practice or learn more about how the Metal element and Yi can enhance your health, I invite you to join my classes. Let’s work together to manifest balance, clarity, and vitality in your life!
