-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
eyes/ears/nose/throat
rhinitis/common cold
psychospiritual approaches

metaphors and correlations

• The common cold is not a disease so much as institution. It is employed by those who don't want to be particularly ill, but want a period of incapacity. (Harrison, p. 138)
• A study of 128 patients with allergic rhinitis were divided into two groups: those with hay fever (91 patients) and those with perennial allergic rhinitis (37 patients). Conclusion was that psychogenic factors are practically of no importance in hay fever but play a great involvement in perennial allergic rhinitis. (Locke, 1983, p. 89)
• 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 it is that we are not longer prepared to swallow, to accept. (Dethlefsen, p. 123)
• Too much going on at once; mental confusion, disorder; small hurts; belief system that it happens every winter, etc. (Hay, 1984, p. 160)

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; includes the throat; and opens at the nose.
» 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 acute Shi (Excess) conditions such as Phlegm, Wind, Heat and Cold.
» 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.

» Mental signs of Bladder channel disorders include changeable moods, over-enthusiasm, suspicion, jealousy, lack of confidence, and mental lassitude. (Seem, p. 28)

» Mental signs of Gall Bladder channel disorders include bitterness, lack of control, irritability, unfaithfulness, lack of courage, timidity, and hypochondria. (Seem, p. 28)

Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion and manifests in the muscle tissues; transforms food into Qi and 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; and muscular weakness. 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. (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:
• imagery for immune enhancement

affirmation:
• I allow my mind to relax and be at peace. Clarity and harmony are within me and around me. (Hay, 1984, p. 160)

psychotherapy:
• In the event of respiratory-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.