-IBIS-1.7.6-
tx
cardiovascular system
atherosclerosis
Psychospiritual Approaches
Metaphors and correlations
Coronary artery disease is associated with type A behavior pattern. (Gentry, p. 55)
Among the multiple factors having to do with occlusion, gradually mounting stress of emotional origin may be significant. Evidence for gradually mounting tension will often be denied by the patient, but suggested by a member of the family, often the spouse. (Locke, 1986, p. 120)
involves being heart-sick, having a heart-ache, eating your heart out (Epstein, p.79)
guilt feelings that eventually harden; guilt and fear relating to disappointing the expectations of others (Shealy, p. 163)
Common psychologic responses to chest pain and diagnosis of coronary artery disease include mild to severe depressive reactions, marked hypochondriasis, and denial that the illness exists. The symbolic meaning of coronary artery disease also varies greatly in patients. The most common problem is the 'hard driver' who has depended on his activity level for his self-esteem. A principle of management is making the patient aware of the neurotic character of some of the activity patterns, and helping him to gratify his drives in alternative ways. Sexual activity is an area of great concern. Drugs are of limited usefulness. (Locke, 1985, p. 120)
resistance; tension; hardened narrow-mindedness; refusing to see good; Arteries carry the joy of life. (Hay, 1984, p. 153)
Patients gather strength more quickly and so avoid post-operative coronary bypass shock when there is an affinity between the patient, a doctor, and a particular nurse. There is a reason why patients seem to get better more easily under one nurse than another; perhaps a healing gift. (Locke, 1986, p. 215)
"hardened and stony" hearts. The vessels leading to the heart have become hardened and constricted, so that it no longer receives nutrients. Fear of activity forces these patients to constantly observe their hearts and to subordinate their entire lives to the needs of their hearts. One can see the wisdom and irony with which the illness operates. (Dethlefsen, p. 200)
Reduce stress and maintain regular exercise: Stress reduction and regular exercise contribute to higher levels of HDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Individuals over 40 and those who have not been engaged in vigorous activity on a regular basis should consult with their physician and consider starting with less strenuous activities such as walking.
(N Engl J Med 1988;318:110-112; Jiang W, et al. JAMA 1996;275:1651-1656; Kawachi I, et al. Circulation 1996.)
Chinese psychophysiology:
Heart ~ Xin houses the Shen (Spirit); governs Fire and Heat; rules the Xue (Blood) and its vessels and directs the circulation; and relates to the integration of the organs and the personality.
» Healthy expressions are warmth, vitality, excitement, inner peace, love, and joy.
» Heart Xu (Deficiency) signs include sadness; absence of laughter; depression; fear; anxiety; shortness of breath (Seem, p. 28); cold feeling in the chest and limbs; palpitations; cold sweat; inability to speak; memory failure; nocturnal emissions; and restless sleep.
» The Heart is the Emperor of the bodily realm so that when the Heart is disturbed all the other organs will be disrupted.
Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion and manifests in the muscle tissues; governs the Xue (Blood); resolves Dampness and Phlegm; and relates to the ability to assimilate, stabilize, and feel balanced and centered.
» Healthy expressions are fairness, openness, deep thinking, and reminiscence; » Spleen Shi (Excess) signs include heaviness (excess "form"); large abdomen; great sighing; sadness; obsessions and nightmares (Seem, p. 28); abdominal pain; irregular appetite; stickiness in the mouth and on lips; red lips; chest congestion; fatigue; and constipation.
» The excessive use of the mind in thinking, studying, concentrating, and memorizing over a long period of time tends to weaken the Spleen and may lead to Xue Yu (Blood Stasis). This also includes excessive pensiveness and constant brooding. (Maciocia, p. 241) Likewise, inadequate physical exercise, overexposure to external Dampness, and excess consumption of sweet and/or Cold foods will also deplete the Spleen.
Liver ~ Gan is the residence of the Hun (Ethereal Soul); it relates to decisiveness, control, and the principle of emergence; 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 Qi Stagnation reflects and accentuates emotional constraint as the Liver's function of facilitating smooth flow in the body is constricted. Stagnation is associated with frustration, irritability, tension, and feeling stuck. With time this pattern tends to produce a gloomy emotional state of constant resentment, repressed anger or depression, along with tightness in the chest, frequent sighing, abdominal tension or distension, and/or a feeling of a lump in the throat with difficulty in swallowing. (Maciocia, p. 216)
» Liver Shi (Excess) signs include discontent; anger; pain in lumbar region and genitals (Seem, p. 28); muscular tension; excessive sex drive; insomnia; moodiness; excitability; genital diseases; red, tearing eyes; compulsive energy; and bitter taste in the mouth. Chronically suppressed anger can implode and give rise to Fire in the Liver and Gall Bladder with symptoms of irritability, bitter taste, headaches, etc.
Kidney ~ Shen stores Jing (Essence) and governs birth, growth, reproduction, development, and aging; houses the Zhi (Will); expresses ambition and focus; governs Water to regulate body fluids; and displays the effects of aging, chronic degenerative processes, and extreme stress.
» Healthy expressions are gentleness, groundedness, and endurance.
» Kidney Xu (Deficiency) signs include indecisiveness; confused speech; dreams of trees submerged under water; cold feet and legs; abundant sweating (Seem, p. 28); hearing loss; fearfulness; apathy; chronic fatigue; discouragement; scatteredness; lack of will; negativity; impatience; difficult inhalation; low sex drive; lumbago; sciatica; and musculoskeletal irritation and inflammation, especially when worse from touch.
» Intense or prolonged fear depletes the Kidney. Often chronic anxiety may induce Xu (Deficiency) and then Fire within the Kidney. (Maciocia, p. 250) Overwork, parenting, simple aging, and a sedentary or excessively indulgent lifestyle all contribute significantly to Kidney Xu (Deficiency).
Therapies
behavior modification:
autogenic training (related materia medica listings: relaxation technique) and EEG biofeedback as combined therapy to modify personality traits which predispose to coronary artery disease, and enhance the learning with biofeedback methods. (Locke, 1985, p. 119)
Stress management training and relaxation training combined showed significant improvement, and six-month follow-up showed patients continuing to practice newly acquired coping skills. (Locke, 1985, p. 118)
imagery:
related materia medica listings: imagery for heart conditions
affirmation:
I am completely open to life and joy.
I choose to see with love. (Hay, 1984, p.153)
I bring joy back to the center of my heart.
I express love to all. (Hay, 1984, p.168)
Joy, joy, joy. I lovingly allow joy to flow through my mind and body experience. (Hay, 1984, p. 168)
theotherapy:
(heart disease) Atlas, Poseidon, Prometheus, Typhon (Lemesurier, p. 99)
hypnotherapy:
used to treat various arrhythmias and in cardiac catheterization. (Locke, 1985, p. 86)
Two cases were reported where major surgical operations were avoided by hypnosis. (Locke, 1985, p. 118)
psychotherapy:
Modification of coronary risk behavior: rehabilitation for coronary artery disease included education about ischemic heart disease including risk factors, help with social problems, and treatment of emotional upset. This should include individuals with less severe work problems, mild upset, and with a previously unhealthy lifestyle. (Locke, 1985, p. 119)
With heart disturbances and heart conditions, the following questions are possibly worth exploring:
» Are my head and heart, my intellect and feelings, in harmonious balance?
» Am I giving enough scope to my feelings and trusting myself to express them?
» Am I living and loving 'heartily', or only 'half-heartedly'?
» Is my life borne along by a living rhythm, or am I subjecting it to a rigid way?
» Does my life still contain enough combustible materials and explosives?
» Am I listening to, seeing, feeling, moving my heart)? (Dethlefsen, p. 202)
process paradigm: (experientially oriented)
What is the symptom preventing me from doing? What is the symptom making me do? (see process interview: cardiovascular system)
related materia medica listings:
the shadow and physical symptoms
converting a symptom to a signal
type A behavior pattern
behavior modification techniques (see also: biofeedback)
relaxation techniques
imagery for heart conditions
imagery: precautions
imagery: techniques
affirmations: guidelines and precautions
theotherapy
hypnotherapy
process paradigm
Footnotes
[No author listed.] A perspective on type A behavior and coronary disease. N Engl J Med 1988;318:110-112. (Review)
Jiang W, Babyak M, Krantz DS, et al. Mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia and cardiac events. JAMA 1996;275:1651-1656.
Kawachi I, Sparrow D, Spiro II A, et al. A prospective study of anger and coronary heart disease. Circulation 1996.