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The anxiety

The anxiety

by | 3131,Aug, 2021 | medical

Anxiety is the emotion associated with the spleen in tcm

 Anxiety is related to the element Earth, and to the organ of the Spleen. It covers the following range of emotions: worries, obsessive thoughts, worry, mental rumination, intellectual overwork etc.

The Spleen is located in the left hypochondrium. In TCM, the Pancreas is attached to the function of the Spleen and forms an energetic couple with the Stomach, both belonging to the Earth element.

Anxiety, called “Jiao Lu” in Chinese medicine, is a state that everyone may experience occasionally when faced with a difficulty in life. However, if this state is persistent and repeated, it can seriously affect daily life. At this point, we speak of neurosis or psychological disorders.

Apart from the phenomenon of unjustified intense fear, in pathological anxiety states various symptoms are observed such as difficulty in concentrating, memory loss, sleep disorders, irritability, sweating, palpitations, shortness of breath, discomfort in the chest, etc. People with anxiety are no longer able to solve their problems themselves.

Excessive intellectual work, for example in students, as well as excessive worry, often causes a dysfunction of the Spleen/Pancreas by tying up the Qi. Conversely, a Spleen/Pancreas imbalance will tend to make the person anxious.

The spleen houses the Thought (Yì 意)

Indeed, TCM considers that the Spleen houses the Thought (or Yì). It is through the Spleen that we can concentrate, memorize and think. If the Spleen Qi is weak, these functions become difficult. Thinking can turn into mental rumination. When Yì is correct, the brain understands and analyzes with ease, and memorizes easily. If the Yì is deficient, memory will be weak and conceptualization difficult. Finally, a disturbed Yì can generate melancholy, a recollection of the past.

The main symptoms of an emptiness of the Spleen Qi are:

  • Mental weariness,
  • Rumination of thoughts (looping),
  • Worrying,
  • Mental confusion,
  • Physical fatigue,
  • Difficulty falling asleep,
  • Loose stools,
  • Lack of appetite.
Femme épuisée

Functions of the spleen

The spleen transports and distributes nutrients throughout the body. It extracts qì from food to extract pure qì, brings it up to the lung to form, together with qì extracted from the air breathed, the complex qì zōng qì (宗气) usable by the body. From the chest, the zōng qì is divided into yíng qì (营气, nutritive qì) and wèi qì (卫气, defensive qì), which are then distributed to the rest of the body.

Having separated the pure from the impure from the substances received from the stomach, the Spleen thus brings up the pure, and down the impure parts to the small intestine, then the large intestine and the bladder for elimination. This is why it is called the “patron saint of digestion and appetite”.

The Spleen also has the function of controlling the blood and keeping it in the vessels. If the energy of the Spleen is low, there will be a tendency to hematoma, or hemorrhage. The Spleen plays an important role in balancing menstruation for women. If the Spleen is empty of qi, it will not produce enough blood, so the Liver will not store enough blood or the uterus will lack blood. Menstruation will be absent or scanty. If the Spleen Yang is weak, this will lead to heavy or bleeding menses, as the Spleen lacks the strength to keep the blood in the vessels.

Spleen and muscular tonus

The Spleen holds the organs in place, thanks to the rise of the Spleen qi. If this qi collapses, there may be organ descent which may affect the stomach, uterus, intestines, kidneys, bladder, vagina, anus or rectal veins with the appearance of hemorrhoids.

The Spleen is in charge of flesh and muscle tissue. A deficiency in the energy of the Spleen can lead to flaccidity of the flesh, lack of tone, especially of the limbs. This is what the person feels and expresses it by “My legs are cut”, or “I have no strength in my arms”.

Finally, the Spleen “opens to the mouth” and manifests itself through the lips. Thus the observation of the tongue and lips allows us to diagnose the state of energy of the Spleen. If the lips are pink, fleshy and without cracks, the Spleen energy is correct.

If the Spleen blood is insufficient, the lips are dry. In TCM, moisture is harmful to the Spleen.

People living in a humid environment will tend to have dysfunctions at this level.

Similarly, a spleen void can predispose the individual to invasions by humidity.

Cold, by injuring the yang of the Kidney, can also generate a void in the yang of the Spleen, by preventing the Kidney (article on fear) from warming the Spleen.

Clinical case

Lucy – 26 years old

Lucy came to see us just after she moved to Cambodia. During her first consultation, she explains her situation and the conditions that cause her anxiety. She had just arrived from her hometown (San Francisco) and this was the first time she had been separated from her twin sister. She is a very sensitive person and suffers from anxiety. This change of life has caused her anxiety to increase. She doesn’t sleep well and sometimes feels frightened at night. We started the acupuncture treatment. Five days later, she returned for a second session. She feels much better already. Five more days, after two acupuncture sessions, she is sleeping well and feels emotionally stable.

We continue to treat her with acupuncture once or twice a week.

At her last session with us, a month after her first visit, she still has ups and downs which are usually due to stressful external situations. But her anxiety has decreased considerably. She can now manage it. She usually sleeps well.

Eating habits that are harmful to the spleen

 

  • eating too many moistening foods: industrial dishes, cold cuts, milk, fried foods…
  • drinking or eating too cold
  • drinking too much alcohol
  • eating too many raw vegetables
  • eating too much sugar and sweet foods
  • eating too many meals and too late at night
  • eating at irregular hours

If you suffer from anxiety, you will find here 10 natural solutions to treat it.

The anger

The anger

by | 1111,Aug, 2021 | medical

Anger is associated with the wood element and the Liver.

Expressed anger

 

    The anger is related to the energy of wood, and therefore to the organ of the Liver. It is a rising energy, powerful and explosive. Think of the power it takes for a seed to sprout and become a tree! In TCM, anger is therefore an energy of movement and creativity.

This energy will become pathological when anger is expressed excessively, over a long period of time, or repeatedly, or conversely if it is repressed. The unspoken is a source of imbalance of the liver.

Anger in the broadest sense encompasses many emotions such as irritability, aggressiveness, impatience, resentment, irritation, bitterness, hatred, resentment, rage…

Anger causes a rise in qi, which manifests itself as a red face. In TCM, this rise in energy is called “Liver fire”. This can sometimes generate headaches.

Suppressed anger

Conversely, repressed anger or frustration leads to another type of imbalance, “Liver qi stagnation”.

One will then find symptoms of frustration, irritability, anxiety, fullness in the chest, menstrual disorders and indigestion. Over time, these symptoms can turn into premenstrual syndrome, depression, chronic fatigue and in some cases, hepatitis.

Anger or frustration can therefore lead to liver imbalance and conversely, liver imbalance can produce symptoms of anger or frustration.

Pathologies

The liver manages energy and ensures its harmonious distribution in the body. According to the control (or attack) cycle, if the wood element is out of balance, it can attack the earth element. This will affect the functions of the spleen and stomach. Over time, if this imbalance continues, it can spill over to the water element and create weakness in the kidneys. And so on…

Repressed anger generates a stagnation or an emptying of the liver energy, which is accompanied by digestive problems (bloating, constipation, gas…), mood swings, fatigue and even depression. It can also generate menstrual disorders in women.

The Liver Qi rises and the Lung Qi falls. If they are both in harmony, the Qi flows freely and smoothly. However, sometimes the Liver Qi does not rise and does not diffuse; this is one of the main causes of Qi stagnation.

This can occur in various parts of the body, such as the hypochondria, epigastrium, abdomen, uterus, throat and head. It can affect the Lung, altering the descent function of the Lung Qi, (which results in a feeling of distension in the chest, depression, coughing and shortness of breath.

The rise of Liver Qi can also become “rebellious” (rise of Liver Yang), reach the head and cause headache and irritability; it can also disturb the descent of Lung Qi and cause coughing, shortness of breath, and headache. Liver Fire can have the same effects, plus redness of the eyes.

Eyes, muscles & tendons

All the pathological situations described above can be found in the Five Elements theory under the terms “Liver outrages the Lung”.

The descent of the Lung Qi brings down the Qi and liquids to the Kidney and Bladder. If the Lung Qi fails to descend, it will stagnate in the chest and cause coughing and asthma.

The Liver is also associated with the eye organ. Any imbalance of the liver can therefore cause visual disorders. It is also associated with muscles and tendons. An unbalanced liver can therefore affect muscles and tendons.

Treatment

If the liver is out of balance, Chinese medicine can treat the organ with a proper diet, herbs and acupuncture. But if the patient lives in a situation that regularly triggers anger and leaves him or her feeling angry all the time – whether or not this anger is conscious or expressed – the liver will continue to be damaged.

In this case, outside medical help may not be enough to bring it back into balance, and the patient will also have to reduce the factors that trigger anger, and also learn to manage this anger. Breathing exercises, relaxation, techniques like yoga, meditation, qi gong will be beneficial.

The liver and diet

A good diet is fundamental for the health of our liver. Very often liver and gallbladder diseases are caused by an excessive, indigestible and inappropriate diet. The main enemies of the liver are :

Sugar (and alcohol)

One of the main enemies of the liver in our diet is sugar, and in particular refined (white) sugar. It is of course consumed in an excessive way (4 times too much on average). Glucose is a vital fuel for our body but in very small quantities. Any excess will lead to an imbalance in the liver.

Processed foods

The food industry offers us a wide range of processed foods, containing colorants, flavor enhancers (flavors, sugar and salt, vanilla) and preservatives. These synthetic substances contain a large number of chemical molecules that overload our liver. They should ideally be removed from our diet.

Stimulating drinks

To stimulate our physical and/or mental abilities we consume alcohol, tobacco, tea, chocolate and coffee, which are certainly stimulants but also toxic. Their active substances (theine, caffeine and theobromine for chocolate) belong to the family of alkaloids which are poisonous for our liver. It seems that the “boost” effect felt after consuming these “foods” is actually our body’s reaction to the stress caused by these toxic molecules, which it seeks to eliminate. Moreover, these substances block digestion and promote fermentation.

Low back pain

Low back pain

by | 44,Aug, 2021 | medical

Low back pain (or Yāo tòng) as seen by Chinese medicine.

    The Chinese term yāo tòng refers to back pain, whether unilateral or bilateral. Low back pain is often encountered in clinical practice. It is not uncommon that behind this apparently simple complaint, other complications may be hidden such as :

  • a herniated lumbar disc,
  • lumbar disc protrusion (collapse of the vertebral discs),
  • kidney stones,
  • spinal osteoarthritis (degeneration of the intervertebral disc).

Sciatica or back pain (especially in the lumbar region) affects between 50 and 70% of the population. The origin is variable. It lasts from a few days in acute phase to several years. Traditional Chinese medicine links these pathologies to the Kidneys and the Bladder.

Low back pain is pain of the back that originates from the muscles located on both sides of the spine (the quadratus lumborum). The spasms of these muscles cause significant pain. This starts below the last dorsal vertebra (L1), to go down through the buttocks, extending behind the thigh, then behind the knees, and sometimes to the toes.

Less well known is cruralgia, a pain that focuses on the front part of the thighs and the outside of the buttocks and that can go down to the front of the knee, the shins and the toes.

Both types of pain are often only felt on one side of the body.

Etiology

These low back pains can have very diverse origins:

  • Excess of physical activity
  • Unsuitable physical activity
  • Bad posture (or prolonged position)
  • Sudden movement (without respect for joint physiology)
  • Exaggerated repetition of a movement
  • Heavy loads lifted
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Excessive sexual activity
  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Overwork

Clinical signs

Chinese medicine identifies through its diagnosis different syndromes at the origin of the pathology:

  • A cold wet wind: this is a pervert that can invade the Bladder meridian. The cold contracts the muscles of the back. Moisture hinders the circulation of Qi and Blood, thus causing obstruction, which is a source of pain.
  • Heat-humidity: when pathogenic factors (heat – humidity) penetrate and stagnate in the body, there is a feeling of heaviness.
  • The stagnation of Qi and Blood: localized, it causes muscular contractures, and therefore pain.
  • Emptiness of the kidneys: this reinforces the impact of the above-mentioned perversions, as the kidneys can no longer nourish and strengthen the back muscles.

Depending on the syndrome, the pain may have different characteristics:

  • acute or chronic,
  • sensation of cold or heat,
  • heaviness,
  • more intense during the day or night,
  • at rest or in motion,
  • tingling, numbness,
  • fixed or erratic,
  • dull or sharp,
  • revived by emotions,
  • more intense after effort…

The lumbar region, home of the Kidneys

Low back pain is pain in the lumbar region, an area that is connected to the Kidney, Bladder, Governing Vessel and sometimes the Belt Vessel meridians.

According to TCM, the lumbar area is connected to the Kidney. This organ is also coupled to the Bladder. The Bladder meridian is a long meridian that runs down the spine, continues behind the thigh, joins the calf and ends on the side of the foot at the little toe.

“The lumbar region is the home of the Kidneys and the root of the Qi.” Their deficiency promotes the penetration of perverts into the lumbar region. The Zu Tai Yang (Bladder) meridian as well as the Du Mai (Governor) meridian run through the lumbar region. If perverts invade and obstruct these meridians and the Kidneys fail to defend their home, lumbago occurs.

The invasion of external perverts

Sweating, living in a cold and damp environment, working in water or in a humid environment, etc. can all make the body prone to the attacks of external perverts such as Wind, Cold and Humidity. If we add other internal factors, such as the excessive consumption of hot, spicy and fatty foods, these perverts can, in a second stage, turn into Dampness-Heat.

When attacked by these external perverts, the meridians are obstructed. Wind is a Yang pervert which often starts with the Yang meridians when it invades the body.

Cold and Damp are Yin perverts, which often start by attacking the feet and then spread upwards.

The latter two do not necessarily cause low back pain, unless there is a Kidney Yang Emptiness.

If you sweat a lot or work in a cold, damp place, your body may be prone to these attacks. The Wind is mainly involved because it is a Yang pervert which attacks the Yang meridians, i.e. the Bladder and Biliary meridians.

However, the attack will remain superficial, affecting mainly the muscular tissues.

Mechanical trauma

Low back pain can develop gradually following a trauma to the lumbar vertebrae, for example, following an accident. It often occurs as a result of prolonged muscular tension related to: a state of tension, stress, poor posture, an accident or carrying an excessive load.

In case of sprain or tension, the local meridians are affected, which leads to a stagnation of Qi and blood stasis, and consequently to pain. The consequences can be more or less serious, for example, up to the displacement of a vertebra or the pelvis. Without rapid intervention, the body may quickly compensate by correcting its posture, thus generating new tensions and new pains.

It is then recommended to consult an osteopath or a physiotherapist to restore a correct posture.

Emotions and aging

Any intellectual overwork or sexual excess can affect the Kidney organ, draining its energy and therefore having an impact on the lower back.

Strong emotions related to the Kidney, such as fear and anxiety, can trigger delayed pain in the lower back.

Chronic illness will also consume the Qi and Blood, as will aging. The function of the Qi and Yang of the Kidneys is to warm and circulate the Blood so that it fills the meridians and nourishes the muscles, tendons, bones, tissues, etc.

 

If the Qi and Blood are weakened, they will not be able to fulfill this function, which will generate internal cold and an accumulation of mucus. As a result, the loins will receive less heat and nutrition. This will result in, among other things, low back pain.

The Kidneys also govern the bones. A weakness at this level can of course trigger lower back pain.

Therapeutic techniques

Acupuncture and moxibustion can give quick and satisfactory results. The work will consist in clarifying the heat, teasing the meridians and dispersing the cold to eliminate the perverts. It will also be necessary to regulate the Qi and Blood to nourish the Kidney.

It is important to use Chinese pharmacopoeia to reinforce the work of acupuncture. Qi gong is highly recommended to strengthen and nourish the Kidneys, and to promote the circulation of Qi throughout the body.

We also use cupping and Chinese Tuina massage. But the use of Chinese pharmacopoeia is essential.

Osteopathy and exercise

A certain number of tests are to be performed to identify muscular hyper or hypotonia, an osteoarticular imbalance, localized or distal.

Low back pain can therefore occur as a result of different body situations :

  • badly treated ankle sprain,
  • trauma to the knees (ligaments, menisci…),
  • a locked shoulder,
  • a hypertonic lumbar spine (it accentuates the lumbar lordosis),
  • a hypotonic abdominal belt…

Osteoarticular normalizations are therefore to be performed in order to restore the balance allowing the free circulation of blood and energy, and to calm the pain.

Physical exercises are also recommended to strengthen the back and the abdominal muscles (static exercises in particular).

Duration of treatment

Finally, as in any pathology, it is important to adapt one’s lifestyle (work, leisure, rest, sports activities…) while limiting stress factors. This includes, of course, dietetics, but also activities such as yoga, qi gong or meditation that help build a more stable emotional state.

The duration of care will of course depend on the duration of your condition. An acute attack can be relieved in a few days. Chronic low back pain will take longer to treat. Results will be faster and more durable if the patient makes the appropriate changes in his or her life.