-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
immune system
systemic lupus erythematosus
psychospiritual approaches
metaphors and correlations
Giving up; better to die than stand up for one's self; anger and punishment. (Hay, 1984, p. 174)
Some pathogenic mechanisms in classic schizophrenia may be similar to those suspected in the development of CNS-SLE. These include immune complex mediated phenomena, lymphocyte antibodies which cross react with brain antigens, specific antineuronal antibodies, and a direct or indirect effect of a viral agent. It is unclear which, if any, of these mechanisms are involved in the development of CNS disturbances seen in SLE. (Locke, 1983, p. 194)
Since SLE is strongly associated with schizophreniform psychoses and reveals immune complex deposits in the choroid plexus, SLE might provide a model for schizophrenia. Both are viewed as expressions of combined transport dysfunction syndromes: The choroid plexus is part of a second blood-brain barrier guarding the limbic system and is one of a set of 'transport organs' sharing common vulnerability to basal lamina immune complex pathology. (Locke, 1983, p. 178)
Most patients on chlorpromazine (Thorazine@, a phenothiazine antipsychotic drug), develop one or more immunologic abnormalities (63% positive ANA, 40% antibodies to native DNA, 58% antibodies to nucleoprotein, 30% decreased T- lymphocytes, plus elevated serum IgM and development of a lupus-like anticoagulant with long term use. (Locke, 1983, p. 63, 75)
Chinese psychophysiology:
Lung ~ Fei is the home of the Po (Corporeal Soul); 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; extends through the skin, controls the pores, and manifests through the body hair.
» Healthy expressions are righteousness and courage.
» Weakness, dysfunction, and illness associated with excessive grief, sadness, worry, and depression.
» Lung Xu (Deficiency) signs include cold shoulder and back; changing complexion; and inability to sleep (Seem, p. 28); shortness of breath; changes in urine color; rumbling in the bowels with loose bowel movements; pallor; malar flush; chills; sniffles; sneezing; light cough; and sensitivity to cold. Chronic Lung Yin Xu (Deficiency) increases susceptibility to rising Heat.
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; provides the "Fire of Life" through its Yang functions; provides the nourishing and stabilizing qualities of Yin and Water that balance the Yang and the Fiery qualities, especially of the Heart; produces the Marrow which generates the spinal cord, "fills up" the brain, and possibly manifests through the immune system; relates particularly to chronic conditions because it carries the constitutional endowment from the parents; and displays the effects of overwork, aging, chronic debilitation, and extreme stress.
» Healthy expressions are gentleness, groundedness, and endurance.
» Kidney Xu (Deficiency) signs include indecisiveness; confused speech; dreams of trees submerged under water; abundant sweating (Seem, p. 28); fearfulness; apathy; chronic fatigue; discouragement; scatteredness; negativity; impatience; lumbago; 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).
Liver ~ Gan is the home 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); opens into the eyes; 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 (Blood) Heat.
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; transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); governs the Xue (Blood); 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.
» 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
behavior modification:
Multidimensional approach to pain relief: techniques associated with behavioral therapy (deep muscle relaxation, systematic desensitization), hypnotherapy (trance states, guided imagery, anesthetic induction and transfer, self-hypnosis), and psychodynamic therapy (dyadic interchange, suggestion, interpretation of resistance, and transference/countertransference). (Locke, 1986, p. 110)
biofeedback: Patients with SLE and scleroderma had greatest elevations of digital temperature with thermal biofeedback. (Locke, 1986, p. 107)
imagery:
related materia medica listings: imagery for immune enhancement
affirmation:
I speak up for myself freely and easily. I claim my own power. I love and approve of myself. I am free and safe. (Hay, 1984, p. 174)
psychotherapy:
Those who are prone to inflammations are attempting to avoid conflicts. The following questions may be useful:
» What conflict in my life 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:
What is the symptom preventing me from doing? What is the symptom making me do? (see process interview: immune system)
related materia medica listings:
the shadow and physical symptoms
transference/countertransference
converting a symptom to a signal
behavior modification techniques (see also: biofeedback, systematic desensitization)
relaxation techniques
imagery for immune enhancement
imagery: precautions
imagery: principles: receptive or programmed?
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.