-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
eyes/ears/nose/throat
otitis media
psychospiritual approaches
metaphors and correlations
Anger; not wanting to hear; too much turmoil; parents arguing. (Hay, 1988, p. 29)
Chronic ear infections associated with fear, poor kidney function, and a posture which may be expressed as a stooped walk and hunched shoulders. (Harrison, p. 75)
Our capacity for hearing is a bodily expression of how obedient and submissive we are. Those who are hard of hearing are people who will not listen to that which they do not want to hear, revealing a certain egocentricity and lack of submissiveness. (Dethlefsen, p. 153)
Chinese psychophysiology:
Kidney ~ Shen stores Jing (Essence) and governs birth, growth, reproduction, development, and aging; houses the Zhi (Will); expresses ambition and focus; provides the nourishing and stabilizing qualities of Yin and Water that balance the Yang and the Fiery qualities; carries the constitutional endowment from the parents; manifests through the ears; and displays the effects of 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); 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. As always, chronic Yin Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to Empty Heat and/or acute inflammation.
» 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).
Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion; transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); resolves Dampness and Phlegm; maintains upbearing; 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; and muscular weakness. 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.
» The excessive use of the mind in thinking, studying, concentrating, and memorizing over a long period of time tends to weaken the Spleen. This also includes excessive pensiveness and constant brooding. (Maciocia, p. 241) Likewise, inadequate physical exercise and excess consumption of sweet and Cold foods will also deplete the Spleen. Environmentally, the Spleen is highly susceptible to attack from external Dampness and Cold.
therapies
affirmation:
Harmony surrounds me. I listen with love to the pleasant and the good. I am a center for love. (Hay, 1988, p. 29)
psychotherapy:
In the cases of hearing or ear problems, it may be useful to ask:
» Why am I not prepared to lend other people an ear? What am I refusing to hear?
» Are the poles of self-centeredness and submissiveness balanced within me?
Those who are prone to inflammations are attempting to avoid conflicts. The following questions may be useful:
» What conflict am I failing to hear? see? feel? admit? (Dethlefsen, p. 108, 154)
process paradigm: (experientially oriented)
(see process interview: eyes/ears/nose/throat system)
related materia medica listings:
the shadow and physical symptoms
converting a symptom to a signal
affirmations: guidelines and precautions
process paradigm
footnotes
Reprinted from The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Maciocia, Giovanni, 1989, by permission of the publisher Churchill Livingstone, a division of Elsevier Limited.