-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
digestive system
diarrhea
psychospiritual approaches

metaphors and correlations

• Fear; rejection; running off. (Hay, 1984, p. 162)
• 'Shit' corresponds to fear; for example, 'scared shitless'. When we're 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 lose 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 take in 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:
Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion; transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); resolves Dampness; maintains upbearing; 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; chronic diarrhea; 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/or Cold foods will also deplete the Spleen. Environmentally, the Spleen is highly susceptible to attack from external Dampness and Cold.

Small Intestine ~ Xiao Chang receives and transforms food by separating the Clear (Pure) from the Turbid (Impure), with the Clear becoming bodily fluids and the Turbid becoming urine - this function also operates on the emotional, mental, and spiritual levels; and is responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption.
» Healthy expressions are love, joy, and the ability to discriminate; and, as the Princely Fire, warmth, vitality, and excitement.

» The Small Intestine is affected by sadness which grips a person and destroys the mental clarity and capacity of sound judgment for which this organ is responsible. (Maciocia, p. 273)
» Weakness, dysfunction, and illness are associated with cruelty, hate, indiscretion, and impatience.

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.
» Stagnation of Qi in the Large Intestine produces spastic abdominal pain and constipation, with small stools alternating with diarrhea.


therapies

imagery:
• Focus on literal images of loops of intestine lying quiet and still. The only movement is the long, slow flex of normal peristalsis as it squeezes along digestive materials. Change harsh colors to cool ones, rough seas becoming tranquil, discordant music to pleasant melodies, calm an angry animal. (Fanning, p. 228)
• OR, follow the harsh colors, rough seas, discordant music, etc. and see where it leads patient. DON'T calm the angry animal! (Mindell)

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)

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
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.