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tx
digestive system
dysentery
psychospiritual approaches
metaphors and correlations
Fear; rejection; running off. (Hay, 1984, p. 162)
'Shit' corresponds to fear, for example, 'scared shitless'. When we are afraid, there is no time to analyze incoming impressions; instead we let them all pass through undigested, and nothing 'hangs around', as we let 'things run their course'. In the process we loose a lot of fluid, which symbolizes the flexibility that is needed if we are to extend the constricting (and thus worrying) confines of the ego and so overcome our fear. Fear is always connected with constriction and tightness, and the remedy for fear is always to let go and expand, to become flexible and let be. The therapy for diarrhea corresponds: to intake large amounts of fluid, to acquire fluidity. Diarrhea, whether chronic or acute, always feels us that we are afraid, over-anxious to hang onto things, and teaches us to let go and let things run their course. (Dethlefsen, p. 135)
Chinese psychophysiology:
Large Intestine ~ Da Chang absorbs water; governs transformation and conveyance of waste from food to form stool; relates to strength and sustainability as the Yang aspect of Metal.
» Weakness, dysfunction, and illness are 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.
» Large Intestine Xu (Deficiency) signs include skin eruptions; itching; cold; difficulty warming up (Seem, p. 29); shivering; rumbling in the bowels; and diarrhea.
» Large Intestine Shi (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; and yellow-orange urine.
» Stagnation of Qi in the Large Intestine produces spastic abdominal pain and constipation, with small stools alternating with diarrhea.
therapies
affirmation:
My intake, assimilation, and elimination are in perfect order. I am at peace with life. (Hay, 1984, p. 162)
psychotherapy:
In cases of stomach disorders and digestive complaints, ask some related questions:
» What is it that I am unable or unwilling to swallow? Assimilate? Let go of?
» Is something eating me up inside? What am I feeling so sour about?
» How am I handling my feelings? How am I coping with my aggression?
» To what extent am I avoiding conflicts? Am I longing for the conflict-free time of childhood when I was secure, loved, and cared for? (Dethlefsen, p. 134)
Those who are prone to inflammations are attempting to avoid conflicts. The following questions may be useful:
» What conflict am I failing to see? hear? feel? move?
» What conflict am I dodging? What is my relationship to it?
» What conflict am I failing to admit to? (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: digestive system)
related materia medica listings:
the shadow and physical symptoms
converting a symptom to a signal
affirmations: guidelines and precautions
process paradigm
footnotes