Metal hand: A long hand, with long palm, knuckles like a knot in a tree, double-jointed or crooked fingers, rectangular nails with vertical lines. Often seen wearing many rings or elegantly lighting a cigarette.

The person with the Metal hand is vulnerable in the lung and large intestine areas. Chi can become a problem when it is deficient or stuck. Possible emotional issues for the Metal person are related to breathing and elimination. They may have trouble taking in enough air to feel strong. Some smoke to feel calm or to "put up a smoke screen." Addictions are said to be more common for this type of person than for others. A Metal person's issues involve distance to or from others: Such a person may keep you waiting for a phone call, but react with surprise if you accuse him or her of coldness.

Sometimes Metal persons feel quite at ease when isolated from others. Solitude protects their energy, inspiration, and calm, allowing them to do the spiritual or artistic work they love. It's as though they want to take in just enough of the outside, but not too much. Other, less fortunate Metal types may feel the sting of isolation and become antisocial.

Metal types with a large-intestine imbalance will have problems regarding elimination or letting go of the past. Cleansing or weight-loss teas help with constipation. Otherwise, for the Metal person who suffers from stress-related diarrhea, a few drops of gentian extract, taken with water, will often do the trick.