-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
cutaneous system
psoriasis
psychospiritual approaches
metaphors and correlations
Mixed feelings of anger and grief combining in a context of severe turmoil, confusion, and frustration about social relationships; many of these feelings go into a "deep freeze" in the psoriasis patient. (Epstein, p. 169)
Course of the disease intimately related to changes in cortical functioning in psychological treatments and to fluctuations in the degree of dilation of peripheral vasculature. (Locke, 1986, p. 171)
Persian text written in 1155 C.E. demonstrated the relationship between the outbreak of psoriasis and the existence of interpersonal conflicts. (Locke, 1986, p. 173)
Fear of being hurt; deadening the senses of the self; refusing to accept responsibility for hurt feelings. (Hay, 1988, p. 58)
Skin problems represent anxiety, fear, being threatened; old, buried stuff. (Hay, 1984, p. 183)
Chinese psychophysiology:
Liver ~ Gan is the home of the Hun (Ethereal Soul); it relates to decisiveness, control, and the principle of emergence; stores and cleanses the Xue (Blood); maintains smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); and reflects emotional harmony and movement.
» Healthy expressions are kindness, spontaneity, and ease of movement.
» Liver Xu (Deficiency) signs include impotence; frigidity; pain in thighs, pelvic region, and throat; ready tendency to "the blahs" (Seem, p. 28); timidity; depression; irritability; vertigo; pruritus; dry eyes, skin, and/or tendons; asthma; aching at the waist; hernia; and difficulty raising head up and down. Liver Yin Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to the Shi (Excess) conditions of Liver Wind, Liver Yang Rising, and Liver Fire Blazing.
» Liver Wind derives from Liver Yin Xu (Deficiency) and/or Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) and their subsequent inability to embrace the Yang, and can manifest as joint stiffness, dizziness, tremor, paralysis, convulsions, rashes, itching, and neurological problems. Wind can also be internalized after exposure to inclement, especially windy, weather and any concomitant influences of Damp, Cold, and/or Heat.
Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion; transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); governs the Xue (Blood); resolves Dampness and Phlegm; and relates to the ability to assimilate, stabilize, and feel centered and balanced.
» Healthy expressions are fairness, openness, deep thinking, and reminiscence.
» Spleen Xu (Deficiency) signs include slightness (deficient "form"); abundant elimination; morning fatigue; cold, wet feet (Seem, p. 28); abdomen taut and distended like a drum; craving for sweets; flatulence; nausea; mild edema; memory failure; heavy feeling in legs; pale lips; loose stools; muscular weakness; and, indirectly, obesity. Unresolved Spleen Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to Spleen Shi (Excess), particularly accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm, as the Spleen's functioning declines. The Heat produced by Liver Stagnation may then transform the Dampness into Damp-Heat.
therapies
behavior modification:
Biofeedback using skin temperature plus relaxation techniques. (Locke, 1986, p. 171)
Psoriasis has the characteristics of an adaptive reaction and retraining through behavior therapy, hypnosis, autosuggestion, or a relaxation and visualization program help. (Locke, 1986, p. 172, 173)
Systematic desensitization by reciprocal inhibition as described by Wolpe. (Locke, 1986, p. 174)
Compulsive scratching: Suggested treatment techniques include aversive conditioning, relaxation, reinforcement for not scratching, and training in social skills. (Locke, 1986, p. 153)
Intervention: Pediatric treatment for injurious scratching using a combination of time-out for scratching and tangible reinforcement for reductions in the number of body sores. (Locke, 1986, p. 203)
Intervention: Pediatric behavioral treatment, centering on reinforcing desirable
behavior and noncritical communication. (Locke, 1986, p. 205)
imagery:
oil well: cleansing (Chavez)
skin deep (Chavez)
star shine (Chavez)
affirmation:
(Skin) I lovingly protect myself with thoughts of joy and peace. The past is forgiven and forgotten. I am free in this moment. (Hay, 1984, p. 183)
I am alive to the joys of living. I deserve and accept the very best in life. I love and approve of myself. (Hay, 1988, p. 58)
theotherapy:
(skin problems) Dionysus, Heracles, Orestes, Pelops (Lemesurier, p. 115)
hypnotherapy:
Hypnosis was started in the form of simple suggestion. Varying degrees of hypnotic trance were obtained, and during the hypnotic state the suggestion was given that the skin condition would resolve and return to normal and the irritation, if present, would disappear. In most of the conditions treated pruritus was a marked feature, and it was certainly found that the anti-pruritic effect of simple hypnosis was often very striking. It was also apparent that the doctor-patient rapport was considerably enhanced. Patients became more willing to speak. (Locke, 1986, p. 188)
Hypnosis followed by use of posthypnotic suggestions: use of fingertip application whenever feeling or noticing the beginning of a rash. Return for hypnotherapeutic reinforcement sessions 3-4 times a year. (Locke, 1986, p. 155)
psychotherapy:
Whatever happens to the skin corresponds to an inner process. The diverse functions of the skin (protection, contact, expression, excretion, respiration, temperature regulation, sexuality, etc.) are associated with a common theme that alternates between the two poles of separation and contact. Something is bursting through our limits, or trying to armor an inner sensitivity. Questions to ask in the event of skin problems:
» What is it that is getting under my skin? What is trying to burst through barriers?
» How easy/difficult is it to make contact with other people? Do I desire intimacy?
» Have I condemned myself to solitary confinement? What is useful about this?
(Dethlefsen, p. 162, 170)
process paradigm: (experientially oriented)
What is the symptom preventing me from doing? What is the symptom making me do? (see process interview: cutaneous system)
related materia medica listings:
the shadow and physical symptoms
skin metaphors and correlations
converting a signal to a symptom
behavior modification techniques
(see also: biofeedback, systematic desensitization)
imagery: precautions
imagery: techniques
affirmations: guidelines and precautions
theotherapy
hypnotherapy
process paradigm
footnotes