-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
urinary system
nephrosis
psychospiritual approaches

metaphors and correlations

• Kidney problems are associated with indecision. (Epstein, p. 140)
• Kidney problems represent criticism, disappointment, failure; shame; reacting like a child. (Hay, 1984, p. 172)
• Kidneys represent the realm of partnership, and appear when we are engaged in conflicts with our partners (not just sexually but in the fundamental way we approach other people). The encounter with a partner is an encounter with the unknown aspect of our psyche, and we are attracted to that which we feel we lack in ourselves. The kidneys job is to act as the central filtration plant and to control balance (acid/alkaline, blood pressure, water balance through diuresis).
(Dethlefsen, p. 171-179)

Chinese psychophysiology:
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; controls the bones; produces the Marrow which generates the spinal cord, "fills up" the brain, and possibly manifests through the immune system; nourishes the brain to sustain concentration, clear thinking, and memory; carries the constitutional endowment from the parents; and displays the effects of sexual dissipation, overwork, 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); 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. Overwork, parenting, simple aging, and a sedentary or excessively indulgent lifestyle all contribute significantly to Kidney Xu (Deficiency).

Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion; resolves Dampness and Phlegm; governs the Xue (Blood); 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.
» 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. 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

imagery:
• self-cleaning drain (Chavez)

affirmation:
• Divine right action is always taking place in my life. I release the old and welcome the new. Only good comes from each experience. It is safe to grow up. All is well. (Hay, 1984, p. 172, 177)

psychotherapy:
• Kidneys represent the realm of partnership (see metaphors) and asking the following questions may prove useful:
» Are there problems in my current relationship?
» Do I regard my partner's problems as his or hers alone?
» Am I refusing to recognize myself in my partner's quirks of behavior?
» Am I clinging to old problems and so stopping the flow of my further development?
(Dethlefsen, p. 171-179)

process paradigm: (experientially oriented)
• What is the symptom preventing me from doing? What is the symptom making me do? (see process interview: urinary 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.