-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
cardiovascular system
hypertension
psychospiritual approaches

metaphors and correlations

• type A behavior pattern (Korn, p. 177; Bry, p. 28; et al !!)
• personality characterized by increased psychomotor activity; dynamic, hyperactive individuals, with a large steady output of energy; they tend to be sensitive and quick tempered, but without serious mood fluctuations. (Locke, 1986, p. 23)
• associated with anxiety, ambition, and anger. (Epstein, p. 128)
• "Blood and anger are boiling over and need to be cooled." (Epstein, p. 131)
• suppressed rage. (Harrison, p. 37)
• fear. (Locke, 1985, p. 28)
• repressed hostility resulting from frustration of dependent needs and resentment. (Locke, 1985, p. 23)
• Hypertensive patient are "overreactive sounding boards." (Locke, 1985, p. 29)
• increased anxiety, inappropriate coping behaviors in socially distressing situations; dependency needs. (Locke, 1985, p. 24)
• Treatment procedures derived from a cognitive-behavioral base and consisting of training experiences for coping effectively with stress showed significant decreases in state anxiety and systolic blood pressure. There were no significant differences among groups with regard to trait anxiety and diastolic blood pressure. (Locke, 1985, p. 3)
• Inhibited aggressive impulses and hostile tendencies (Alexander, p. 289)
• Heart represents center of love and security; Heart problems are associated with longstanding emotional problems; lack of joy; belief in strain and stress. (Hay, 1984, p. 168)
• Person feels threatened with being harmed by an ever-present danger; as a result, he feels the need to be on guard, and prepared to meet all threats. (Gentry, p. 43)
• Those persons who habitually express anger when provoked by others have on the average lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure than do similar persons who habitually suppress such feelings. The relative risk for hypertension is approximately 1:64 for "anger-out" vs. "anger-in" individuals. (Gentry, p. 103)
• A suitable psychological approach can play a very important part in treatment by changing the way of life of hypertensive patients. (Locke, 1985, p. 69)
• "The blood pressure is an expression of a person's general dynamism. It arises out of the mutual effects of the behavior of the liquid blood on the one hand and the behavior of the limiting walls of the blood vessels on the other. When considering the blood pressure we always need to bear in mind these two mutually contradictory components: the fluid and the flowing on the one hand, and the limitation and the resistance on the other. To the extent that the blood corresponds to our own inner being, the walls of the vessels correspond to the limits that the unfolding personality sets upon itself and the resistances that stand in the way of our development.
In the case of hypertension, the circulatory system maintains a long term excitation in the expectation that it will eventually be translated into action. If the action fails to materialize, the patient stays 'under pressure'. Of even greater importance is that the same relationship applies where conflict is concerned. These patients take refuge in superficial 'busy-ness', attempting through great external activity to divert both themselves and others from the challenge to come to grips with their conflict." People with hypertension have a good deal of aggression which they repress by exercising self-restraint. (Dethlefsen, p. 195-197, 201)

Chinese psychophysiology:
Liver ~ Gan is the residence 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 Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) predisposes to Xue Yu (Blood Stasis). Liver Yin Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to the Shi (Excess) conditions of Liver Wind, Liver Yang Rising, and Liver Fire Blazing.
» 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) Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) often begins with Qi Stagnation.
» Liver Shi (Excess)
signs include discontent; anger; pain in lumbar region and genitals (Seem, p. 28); muscular tension; excessive sex drive; insomnia; moodiness; excitability; tinnitus; 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.
» 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.

Gall Bladder ~ Dan is the source of courage and initiative, and is responsible for decision-making as the bodily Minister of Justice; controls circulation of the nourishing and protecting energies [Ying Qi and Wei (Protective) Qi]; and opens into the eyes. Its channel purifies Yang energy in the body.
» Healthy expressions are kindness, decisiveness, control, and spirit of initiative.
» Gall Bladder Shi (Excess) signs include tiredness; sighing; irritability; bitter taste in the mouth in the morning; pain in all joints; edematous knees and legs (Seem, p. 29); tinnitus; lateral headache; heaviness in head and stomach; muscular spasms; and limbs slightly cold. Chronically suppressed anger can implode and give rise to Fire in the Liver and Gall Bladder.
» Anger, frustration, and resentment can cause Liver Qi Stagnation which, in turn, can produce Heat which affects the Gall Bladder.

Heart ~ Xin houses the Shen (Spirit) and reveals itself through the brightness in the eyes; governs Fire and Heat; rules the Xue (Blood) and its vessels and directs the circulation; opens into the tongue and controls speech; and relates to the integration of the organs and the personality.
» Healthy expressions are warmth, vitality, excitement, inner peace, love, and joy.
»
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; 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.
» 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. Dampness and Phlegm Shi (Excess) usually derive from Spleen Yang and/or Qi Xu (Deficiency).
» 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.

Kidney ~ Shen stores Jing (Essence) and governs birth, growth, reproduction, development, and aging; houses the Zhi (Will); expresses ambition and focus; provides the stabilizing and nourishing qualities of Water and Yin to temper the Fiery Yang qualities and functions, 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; tinnitus; fearfulness; apathy; discouragement, and scatteredness
» 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:
• Self-monitoring blood pressure: since hypertension is asymptomatic, having patients monitor their blood pressure may help increase motivation (study found it did not appreciably decrease blood pressure). (Locke, 1985, p. 25)
• Any relaxation techniques such as meditation, Transcendental Meditation, yoga, progressive relaxation, autogenic training will be beneficial. (Korn, p. 177; Locke, 1985, p. 2-69)
• Qigong (breathing exercise) treatment indicates that breathing exercise may reliably regulate the internal autonomic functioning. (Locke, 1985, p. 58)
• Relaxation techniques may fail if underlying behavioral factors are not addressed. (Locke, 1985, p. 24)
• Study using relaxation and meditation aided by biofeedback reinforcement significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in 77% of patients. In 50% of patients it was also possible to reduce antihypertensive medications. Biofeedback-assisted training showed a significantly greater fall in blood pressure (11 mm systolic and 9 mm diastolic) than other combinations. Results were maintained eight months after the training. (Locke, 1985, p. 54)

imagery:
related materia medica listings: imagery for heart conditions
• Visualize anything because the best treatment is relaxation. (Fanning, p. 225)
• reducing blood flow to the coronary arteries. (Rossi, p. 110)
• cooling down with ice cubes. (Epstein, p. 122)
• Remote mental healing in study of ninety-six patients and eight healers: treatment involving healer accessing state of relaxation and attunement with a higher power or infinite being, and then visualization or affirmation of patient being in a perfect state of health, closing with expression of thanks to God or to the source of all power and energy. Four of the healers had a 92% statistically significant improvement rate in systolic blood pressure. (Locke, 1985, p. 23)

affirmation:
• I joyously release the past. I am at peace. (Hay, 1988, p. 19)
• 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)

psychotherapy:
• 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 relaxation, biofeedback)
healing power of meditation
imagery for heart conditions
imagery: precautions
imagery: techniques
affirmations: guidelines and precautions
theotherapy
hypnotherapy
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.