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respiratory system
influenza
psychospiritual approaches
metaphors and correlations
Epidemics cleanse the energy of the collective unconscious; cleansing of emotional stress. (Shealy, p. 210)
Belief in statistics; response to mass negativity and beliefs. (Hay, 1984, p. 171)
Emotional dysfunction; susceptible, as result of emotional exhaustion brought on by living 'busyness.' (Shealy, p. 211)
Any minor respiratory complaint is used to rebalance the psyche and internal organs. (Harrison, p. 138)
Rhinitis or influenza permits us to withdraw somewhat from the particular situation that is oppressing us and devote all of our attention to ourselves. Now we can give full vent to our sensitivity on the bodily level. The nose is blocked and makes all communication (as a form of contact) impossible. We get further impressive backing to this defensive attitude by sneezing, and expiration is turned into a highly aggressive defense-weapon. Even language's role as a means of communication is reduced to a minimum by a sore throat, and if the tonsils swell up, one might wonder what is is that we are no longer prepared to swallow, to accept. (Dethlefsen, p. 123)
Chinese psychophysiology:
Lung ~ Fei governs the Qi; facilitates the immune function by assisting the dispersal of the Wei (Protective) Qi; regulates the rhythm of respiration, the pulse, and all bodily processes; relates to strength and sustainability; moves and adjusts fluid metabolism; includes the throat; opens at the nose; and controls the pores.
» Healthy expressions are righteousness and courage.
» Weakness, dysfunction, and illness are associated with excessive grief, sadness, worry, and depression. Worry depletes the Lung Qi.
» Lung Shi (Excess) signs include panting; yawning; sneezing (Seem, p. 28); pain in the upper back, shoulder, and chest; colds with stuffed nose; hoarseness; wheezing respiration; frequent urination with small amounts; heavy chest; reduced lung capacity; coughing; and nasal discharge. Lung Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to acute Excess.
Large Intestine ~ Da Chang absorbs water; governs transformation and conveyance of waste from food to form stool; is paired with the Lung and relates to strength and sustainability as the Yang aspect of Metal.
» Weakness, dysfunction, and illness associated with sadness, grief, and worry. Worry depletes the Lung Qi which fails to descend and assist the Large Intestine in its functions.
» Healthy expressions are righteousness and courage.
» Deficiency signs include skin eruptions; itching; cold; difficulty warming up (Seem, p. 29); shivering; rumbling in the bowels; and diarrhea.
» Excess signs include dry mouth; parched lips; hot body (Seem, p. 29); warmth and swelling along the course of the channel; distended abdomen; dizziness; constipation; yellow-orange urine.
» Stagnation of Qi in the Large Intestine produces spastic abdominal pain and constipation, with small stools alternating with diarrhea.
» Mental signs of Large Intestine channel disorders include mental confusion; defective elimination of ideas; stubbornness; complacency in being wrong; rigidity of thinking; and vulnerability to cold. (Seem, p. 27)
Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion and manifests in the muscle tissues; 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. Spleen Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to acute Excess.
» 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 and excess consumption of sweet and/or Cold foods will also deplete the Spleen. Environmentally, the Spleen is highly susceptible to attack from external Dampness and Cold.
therapies
imagery:
related materia medica listings: imagery for immune enhancement
affirmation:
I am beyond group beliefs or the calendar. I am free from all congestion and influence. (Hay, 1984, p. 171)
psychotherapy:
In the event of breath-related illness, the following questions may be asked:
» What is it that takes my breath away?
» What is it I am unwilling to accept? . . . to give out? . . . to come in contact with?
» Am I afraid to take a step towards some new freedom? (Dethlefsen, p. 122)
In the case of infectious illness, there is an attempt to avoid conflict. Consider:
» What conflict am I dodging? What conflict am I failing to admit to?
» What conflict am I failing to see, hear, feel, take in? (Dethlefsen, p. 108)
process paradigm: (experientially oriented)
What is the symptom preventing me from doing? What is the symptom making me do? (see process interview: respiratory system, process interview: immune system
related materia medica listings:
the shadow and physical symptoms
converting a signal to a symptom
imagery: precautions
imagery: techniques
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.