Meridians of Energy through the Organs, and Their Emotional Links
On a physiological level one of the main reasons that organs malfunction and become diseased is because they are poorly synchronized with other parts of the body. The functioning of an organ is not an isolated case unto itself. The organs are like the musicians of a symphony working together to create an incredible musical inspiration through synchronization with the other systems. In the medical perspective these organs can be regarded physiologically or they can be associated with the 12 main meridians in the Chinese system. Each of these meridians has a function through their accompanying specific organ that runs through the body, and each of the specific emotions we feel as a human being is expressed through these meridians into the immune system. The Chinese clock is synchronized by the sun, therefor it moves between longitudes. The meridians also move within latitudes and longitudes of the body. ( Mod 3 Veltheim/ Pilipovich Pg. 56)
This is the work of psycho-neuroimmunology and the most recent fascination of my life. “The brain has only recently been recognized as the most crucial organ involved in creating an exit strategy to disease. The overdue recognition of the role of the nervous system in regulating immunity stemmed from the very technologies that permitted the advances in understanding how the rest of the process works.” (Pg.53 the Balance Within, Sternberg, Esther). The hypothesis of this paper is view the connection of our emotions through the organs in the meridian system, thereby predicting the future tension of disease in the body. In the case of the immune system, it took many more decades before science developed tools to measure the functions of immune cells and track these changes over time. I believe the meridians show us the way very quickly, in a subtle way as ancient Chinese medicine shows us, if we follow the QI.
“Beginning in the early 1908’s Pert (1997) and others at the National Health Institute reported the receptors for neurotransmitters and neuropeptides were discovered on cells in the immune system. Gallo (1999) concurred with Diamond (1985) that most problems begin with the energy level. (1) Both authors referenced the use of acupuncture or the art of rebalancing the life energy. The Chinese refer to this life energy as CHI, or Qi and believed that this energy was electro- magnetic. This energy is believed to flow through the body in specific meridians.” (2) (pg. 45. Psychoanalytic Energy Psychotherapy: Karnac)
“Kaptchuk (1983) states that the meridians make up an invisible network that serves as a means to link together all fundamental substances and organs. The meridians serve to connect the interior of the body with the exterior of the body. Gallo and Sheets agreed with Kaptchuk that this energy system is comprised of specific pathways or meridians through which the energy flows, many of the meridians are identified by the name of the bodily organ through which the meridian has passed, twelve primaries and two collector meridians employed in energy psychology. (3)
According to Sheets (1997) as the negative emotion is eliminated at the energy field of the body, the client may notice changes in other levels such as chemical (the person is less depressed), or neurological (the person is less confused) or cognitive (the person thinks with more objectivity and confidence). “ (4)
“Sheets (1997) indicated that Energy Psychology, based on the work of Robert Becker and Nordstrom (1983) both of whom worked to demonstrate the existence of acupuncture meridians in the human body and the overall concept of kinesiology which is incorporated into Energy Psychology.” (Pg. 45. Psychoanalytic energy Therapy, Karnac.) (5) Dr. Veltheim, the founder of Bodytalk used kinesiology, acupuncture, Eastern medicine and Energy psychology to create the Bodytalk system, which I believe is the most comprehensive system to healing humanity today.
Phil Mollon stated in his abstract, “ ( Psychoanalytic Energy Psychotherapy, Pg. 7) that the soma-sensory stimulation of tapping creates bodily and brain state that is conducive of plasticity in hitherto inflexible and entrenched cognitive emotional patterns.” (6) This is the reason for this paper. I have many times tapped an enlarged organ, sometimes for as long as five minutes or as little as a minute or two, such as a liver or a spleen, and the person lying on the table is stunned at the relaxation of the organ upon tapping and later touch. It is the attempt of this paper to discuss both the movement and flow of Qi as well as the connection to the emotions linked to the organ which have crated the imbalance.
“When I began using my new cure, I wasn’t sure that it would work. I certainly was not prepared for its spectacular effect. I was amazed. More amazed possibly than my patients. “Callahan, 1985) (7) this is exactly my sentiment in doing my daily work. I am continually amazed at the instant results, and find myself scrambling for patients constantly because of the speed with which Energy Psychology works, especially through the emotions related to the organs and the meridians.
“Qi travels through the body flowing in and out of the physical organs and up and down the head, trunk arms and legs. A network of pathways provides the routes along which the Qi energy flows. In the early years of the practice of acupuncture in the west, English speaking acupuncturists called these pathways, “meridians”, thinking the lines encircled the globe. However, since Qi has a depth dimension as well as a linearity dimension, it is suggested the term” Channel” and vessel have gained acceptance recently. The terms meridians, channels and vessels all describe the pathways that direct Qi. “ (Pg. 57. The Basics of Chinese Medicine, Dr. Gary F. Fleishman)
What is the connection between the Channels and the Organs?
The twelve channels are known by the names of the twelve organs through which they pass to receive Qi energy from the Source. Each channel either begins or ends at a finger or a toe. The organ’s Qi rides this pathway. As the organs are coupled in yin and yang pairs, the channels connecting them are paired also, allowing this Qi energy to flow in a circular movement between the paired organs.
The organs follow a distinct side to side pattern in the body; the meridians also follow a north to south pattern as well as east to west direction of the body. That is how the meridians run through the organs and the lymphatic system, as well. Balancing the negative emotions that accompany the functioning of the actual organ can be viewed as self-preservation of relaxing future tension in an organ and mitigating disease, thereby allowing the body-mind to utilize all its resources in a coordinated manner.
This system of organ energy channels is as complex as the physical systems of nerves and blood vessels known to Western medicine. In addition to the twelve organ channels that connect to one another, there are eight extra meridians that we inherited from our parents at birth, as well as special pathways that lead to muscles and tendons. There are also micro-sets of vessels that interact with acupuncture systems. This system has 356 basic points and over 2000 micro points.
For people suffering from illness and symptoms, the time of day and the intensity of their pain and symptoms are linked. Symptoms happening at the same time every day are an indicator of a Chinese clock problem. The kidneys are at their strongest between 5pm and 7pm so it means they are at their weakest between 5 and 7 am. And so, the emotions of fear need to be addressed in that time of day.
“Thought field therapy proposes to deliver immediate, lasting healing to those who are treated with this technique. Thought field therapy sessions supposes to affect the body’s energy field theorized to hold the essence of the problem or disturbance, such as a specific phobia or trauma. The negative energy from these emotions is stuck in a specific meridian location. (pg. 45. Psychoanalytic Energy Psychology, Karnac. ) (8)
“Diamond conducted an extensive study of the body’s acupuncture system in relation to achieving emotional balance. Using kinesiology, or muscle testing, Diamond identified many of the acupuncture sites associated with the specific emotions. These centers have been identified as “tap sites” of thought energy procedures. (Pratt & Lambton 2000).” (pg. 47 Psychoanalytic Energy Psychotherapy, Karnac). (10)
What is the relationship between Qi energy and disease?
“Qi energy flows smoothly everywhere in a healthy person’s body. When qi energy ceases to flow by becoming stagnant because it is blocked or depleted, or when it is stirred up or afflicted with excesses, disease occurs. “(Pg. 57. The Basics of Chinese Medicine, Gary F. Fleishman), If the energy flow is blocked from one two hour period to the next, then the meridian energy will be compromised and disease will set it in. Qi can get stuck in transition and cause excess where it is stuck. Then all aspects of the meridians on the other side will be in excess. A common place for qi to get stuck is within the meridian when it is switching over from its yin aspect to its yang aspect. Another place for Qi to get stuck is when one meridian flows into another or when a person is also in transition between their houses. This would cause blockage or restriction of the expression of their houses as well.
“When the client stimulates the associated meridian while focused on the thought field associated with it, the stimulation eliminated the emotion. “ (Mollon, Phil, Pg.46 Psychoanalytic Energy Psychology,)As Bodytalk practitioners, when we tap the organ associated with the discomfort or disease, the emotion also leaves.”
As Body talk practitioners we look to the Innate as the organizing principle of life force. When we tap out a link or formula we are highlighting issues to the innate wisdom of the client. The heart center gives us access to the information in the collective consciousness and the secrets that reside there. In individuation of the heart, we discover who we truly are. It is the process of asking “who am I?’”, we are also asking the organs to discuss who they are and what they do. How many people do you know who speak to their heart?
Individuation refers to the process of becoming an individual. This process begins in the heart. Anchoring healing to the individuation of the heart helps us to see the world from our heart and see the world as we are connected to it, not separated from it. Those of us who have a greater understanding of neuroanatomical functions therefore also get very specific links in the formulas that link the brain to the heart. In quantum physics, there is no energy or matter, just the potential for energy or matter. So our thoughts, caused by our emotions, are paired to our organs, and when the immune system fails due to overload, it then creates disease when not observed by our consciousness. Most people are just interested in getting through the days traffic jams never mind looking at the process of individuation of their heart, or their
or their own consciousness when it comes to their personal creation of disease.
Disease does not happen to you. It flows from you, just like the energy of the meridians do. It is created by you as a life lesson from the school house, this planet Earth. It does not happen because you have sinned or did something “bad” to yourself or someone else, it happens because the body has internalized small traumas time after time and finally come to overwhelming threshold. Nothing is determined or exists until it is observed by the consciousness. That is why the function of Body talk Practitioners is so vital to health care on this planet in this time and space, because we (as an organization and a body) observe consciousness in the human body. In bringing this valuable information to an unconscious disease ridden society, we can heal the planet of creation of disease, and the false, unconscious western beliefs that have not withstood the test of Eastern ancient wisdom and thousands of years of time.
“According to Lambrou and Pratt (2000, the subtle energy systems of the body termed by Albert Einstein due to their difficulty to detect and measure are based on the understanding of Eastern meridians systems of the body. Energy systems or thought field therapies use the same concepts as acupuncture. “(Mollon, Phil, Energy Psychology, Pg. 41) (11)
The discovery of the receptor cells on the white blood cells revealed the brain receptors cells. Scientists began to understand that the brain does not merely send impulses in straight lines down the axons or trunks of the neurons, rather, researchers are now beginning to understand that these impulses freely circulate as intelligence throughout the body.
This important discovery raises the question about how and where memoires are stored and whether or not the entire body has the capability of memory function. I believe that it does. “Pert (1997, 1985) indicated that a person’s emotional state requires the production of neuron peptides and neuron transmitters in the within the brain cells. If in fact, these cells are carried to parts of the body other than the brain, then the immune cells might have a corresponding emotions such as happy, sad, lonely, and excited. The idea of intelligent cells take son new meaning and purpose. “(Mollon, Phil, Psychoanalytic Energy Psychology. Pg.41) (11)
“Foss (1999) thought that this research and the corresponding contextual analysis may provide the missing link, connecting messages of the mind to physiological responses in the body. Block (1999) suggested that the inter relationships between the behavioral as well as psychological factors plays a role in understanding the dynamics of physical illness and its treatment. The neuropeptide is not a thought, it moves with a thought, serving as a point of transformation. (Pg. 42 Mollon, Psychoanalytic Energy Psychology) (12).
That is why linking one organ to another encouraging the movement of Qi from say the Bladder meridian of yang energy to the Kidney meridian of yin energy by linking the times of the Chinese clock from 4-5pm to 5-6 pm. and balancing the emotions of being “annoyed,” or “pissed off”, fear, lack of ancestral support, clears the meridian and the point of transformation into healing.
The Lung Meridian (Yin)
I am discussing the pathological consciousness of each of the organs and how the internal tensions of disease presents over time. In western medicine, we only observe the physiology of the organs. For example, in western medicine, the function of the lungs is to allow oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to leave the blood. Gas exchange is essential to maintain the ability to generate energy within the cells. Health and vitality is essential due to the health of our lungs.
“In Chinese medicine, the lungs are observed to also distribute QI into the body. Emotionally the lungs generate grief to allow us to dissolve attachments to people, animals and life circumstances that are no longer a part of our lives. Because the consciousness of our lungs is surrender, because we have to release our attainment to the past as we let go of life in every breath. When we hold onto our breath, it becomes shallow. We become suffocated and unable to grow. (Sixth Edition, Mod.3 “, Veltheim /Pilipovich, Pg. 45). We also cannot grow spiritually or financially in our lives without the power of breath. Between 3-5 am is a good time to do Qi Gong exercises and working with the breath.
When we can’t grieve, we cry into our lungs. How many of us have suffered with asthma, and secreted infection into our lungs? How have we also created pneumonia with no observable infection due to deep grief of a threshold trauma of loss or loss of a loved one?
The job of the lungs is to allow us to breathe in life and accept life. The key job of the lungs is to surrender our attachments to people as we make graceful life transitions, such as death of a relationship or a person. The key emotions for the lungs include: letting go, vitality, acceptance, reactiveness, responsiveness, grief, release, surrender, courage, holding, taking in life fully, being in the past, and being out of control, depression.
When we have a person presenting with grief or depression, we must observe the lung meridian. The lungs balance between 3-5 am. Between 3-5 am is a good time to do Qi Gong exercises and working with the breath.
People waking up at this time, are grieving emotionally. This is frequently time that small children wake up with nightmares, or people who create innovative ideas wake up at this time. People in fear wake up at this time. Waking up at this time is an indicator of deep grief and loss. Sleeping through the night at this time is indicative of surrender to the current circumstances. What do you choose to be unconscious of in your lung meridian? The lung meridian is the Yin; the large intestine is the Yan. Energy can be stuck as it passes form one meridian to another.
The Large Intestine (Colon) Meridian (Yang)
The large intestine meridian heals between 5-7 am. This is also a good time for elimination. People showing distress at this time have issues with the consciousness of letting go, choosing repetition rather than creativity, and possessiveness of objects, people and circumstances.
The consciousness of the large intestine meridian is to HOLD on to the crap of the past. Those suffering with digestive issues, IBD, lack of proper daily elimination are deliberately holding on to circumstances, events or problems that no longer serve them. If you can bring these events to consciousness by Active Memory (Body talk) as to the time and date of the occurrence, you can cure a sluggish large intestine, easily. Women, who come to me with fertility issues, usually have large intestine problems. On one hand, we need a clear colon so that the ovaries are not impeded to produce fertile eggs. Women having clogged colons, and bellies that stick out due to colon enlargement, usually resort to investor fertilization to have a baby. On the other hand we also need to balance the pineal gland with the pituitary gland to create beautiful round fertile eggs. Not only is it not honoring to the body to have sex in a patria dish, it is also not honoring to the soul that wants to create a “life form” or “baby” of joy.
I have seen four pregnancies in my clinic this year outside of invitro fertilization, due to following my protocol. Clearing the colon emotionally, then physically, then balancing the pineal and pituitary glands, and VOILA, the ovaries want to produce round beautiful fertile eggs. Pregnancy is very easy for women over 40 using these protocols. The consciousness of this organ is also harmony and order, affection, the need for social activity, fear of solitude, and desires. When we create the environment for harmony, order, and affection, pregnancy/ creation results. You can also use this protocol to produce other life forms such as music, art or films.
“In western physiology the large intestine reabsorbs water that is absorbed in the digestive system to facilitate digestion. This maintains proper fluid balance in the body. Waste products are eliminated from the body.”
“In Chinese medicine the large intestine also eliminates impure thoughts and emotions. Our liver synthesizes new wisdom from life experiences and directs the emotional fiber and roughage, the large intestine is paired with the lungs and so the large intestine also generates grief to help us let go and move on. The desire to be in control of every situation leads to surrender yesterday’s emotions, which we call constipation. When this desire for control is strong enough we become compulsive and unable to let go of dysfunctional behavior. The primary function of the large intestine is to release the past and enter each day with an open mind.” (Page 46. Sixth edition, Mod 3 Consciousness, Veltheim/ Pilipovich).
The sense to which this meridian is connected is the nose. Words associated with pathological consciousness of the nose, are clarity, sensitivity, sexuality, and acceptance. In Chinese medicine good circulation is the key to good health and a large percentage of illnesses are attributed to the flow of vital blood and energy to critical parts of the body. That is why I began to examine my blood and its contents as a regular part of my own health regimen.
It only took one active blood smear that showed me all the green fat cells in my red blood cells to convince me to drop all fatty foods out of my diet and examine what I eat and when. With that one blood smear, I decided to drop 35 lbs. in 6 weeks. I have since maintained a regular examination of a blood smear to see my general internal health and health of my blood cells including the lymph.
The element ruling these organs is metal. If the body feels the harshness of anger, metal cannot be in harmony in these organs, it cuts the next element which it controls in the body, wood. Wood is the symbol, for growth. All life forms are connected in growth in Chinese medicine.
The Stomach (Yang)
The stomach heals between 7-9 am every morning therefore it is a good time for eating. That is why the ancient mystics advise that you eat should breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. It is not the way that Western civilization enjoys food. In western physiology the stomach receives food and liquids and begins digestion by breaking these substances down to smaller pieces. It also allows the gag reflex.
In Chinese medicine, the stomach is responsible for allowing thoughts to enter the mind and is associated with the conscious mind. The stomach helps us to digest and assimilate our food and or lives. When we worry, we upset the stomach, trying to digest these conscious thoughts.
The words associated with the pathological consciousness of the stomach include conscious mind, digestion of life, and assimilation of life events into coherent form, rejection of reality, intolerance worry or thinking.
We all remember when we have been upset about an event or life circumstance or perhaps a speaking engagement where we want to lose our lunch. When the worries of our conscious mind are overwhelming we choose not to eat or to overeat. Often when we have digestive issues we must first ask the question, “What is eating you?”
Spleen (Yin)
The spleen repairs between 9-11 am. This is the time busy mothers are running out the door to get kids to school and themselves to work. Or fathers are stuck in traffic or on the subway heading to the office. This is the time of day, morning papers are being read, and we are rushing around. Or we are at the office up to our necks in work.
With women, the power of the spleen, governs the rhythms of the body including the menstrual cycle. In western physiology the spleen is responsible for cleansing and purifying both the lymph and the blood. Mentally the spleen gives us the ability to clear out old and stagnant thoughts from the mind. These old and stagnant thoughts cause the spleen to be imbalanced in worry. When the body is imbalanced, worry resides in the spleen and it becomes enlarged.
When the spleen is in threshold trauma, the immune system organizes depletion of itself and viruses or disease enters the body. The spleen becomes enlarged and you can actually feel the size of it on the outside of your body. When a person comes in with immune issues, frequent pneumonia, frequent viruses, leukemia, I always ask them to run their hand down the left side of their body. (While they are lying down on a massage table) Is there an enlargement there? Always, YES!
The spleen also houses the negative active memories of our lives, so an overdose of negative occurrences and the spleen will become supersized. The spleen generates worry to give us the energy to think. It is this thinking that causes more worry, and hence more spleen enlargement: a vicious never ending cycle.
The sense to which the spleen and stomach are connected to is the mouth, giving us communication, sensitivity, acceptance, and gullibility. The element that the spleen and stomach are linked to be the earth element.
The Heart Meridian (Yin)
The heart meridian balances and heals between 11 am and 1 pm. In western physiology the heart is just considered to be a pump, one that we can go in, repair a few arteries or replace the entire organ, like you would a watch battery. New research from the Institute of Heart Math shows us that the heart also has an electrical function and it produces hormones that govern the brain. “The key function of the heart seems to be a seat for the personality.” (As we can see when heart transplants take place.)
In Chinese medicine however, the heart houses the mind and is the center of perception in the body. This is where a center of connection to our universe takes place. The heart center provides us with awareness of our world, our families and our nature. When the earth is in balance it feels a connection to acceptance of the SELF and others as well as self-love, love of others and self-respect. Because the earth can only generate two emotions, joy and sadness, a person with depression would represent a weakness in the ability to generate joy in their lives. Due to the economic situation of the country, cases of depression have more than doubled in the last two years and are expected to double again in the next two years. Adding antidepressant drugs only exacerbates the situation making it worse. All those anti- depressants are really depressants that depress the body and mind.
It is also the job of the heart chakra to maintain the balance of the chakras, upper to lower, also balancing and harmonizing the mind. People receiving heart attacks have closed the door to their hearts or are steeped in rage and anger. When the heart attacks itself, it is because that person has chosen to ignore their own self-love and self-acceptance. The primary job of the heart is to provide acceptance of ourselves, our personality and our environment so that we can be present in the moment.
“Chinese medicine recommends cultivating love and compassion to counter balance excessive heat energy and calm the resulting disturbances of the spirit; this is a basic tenet of the Taoist science of longevity, believing that the human body is highly regenerative. By providing it with the right nutritional foundation and supporting glandular functions any and all natural substances including hormones can be restored naturally. (Pg. 197. Second Spring, Dr. Maoshing, Ni)
Key words of the heart are, awareness, acceptance, centeredness, self-love, love of others, respect, joy/sadness, depression, harmony, peace, protection and balance. The heart also houses the desire for creativity, procreation, social activity and blesses our “inner child” to go out to play.
“In China chili peppers are used to reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and decrease fibrin (which forms blood clots) thus lowering the rate of heart attack and stroke. Another benefit of eating chili peppers is that” thermogenesis “, the action of producing all that heat can promote weight loss. “ (Pg. 215, Second Spring, Dr. Maoshing, Ni). By staying physically active and engaging in weight bearing, impact exercises regularly we stimulate bone health and exercise our hearts.
Small Intestine (Yan)
The small intestine heals itself from 1 pm to 3 pm. Have you ever craved a chocolate bar at 3 pm or a cup of coffee? That is your small intestine feeling overwhelmed with the tasks you asked it to do today. How many decisions did you ask your brain to do today, that the small intestine must process?
In western physiology the job of the small intestine is to separate the nutrients and waste products from our food. This is critical to our digestion. This process is the same process that the intellectual mind uses to discern useful information of what we read and what we hear. When this consciousness is balanced we are able to recognize the activities, work and people that balance and nurture us. When this organ is in imbalance we absorb everything and become poisoned by our own thoughts.
“In Chinese medicine the link between good discernment in the intestine and good discernment in the mind is explicit. Both the small intestine and the heart are of the Fire element; therefore the intellect should be of service to the wisdom of the heart. Because the small intestine is a part of the fire element, it also helps to generate joy and sadness.
The primary job of the small intestine is to discern food and knowledge and helps us to discern appropriate behavior in each moment so that we are less reliant on coping mechanisms.” (Pg. 48. Sixth Edition Mod 3, Veltheim/ Pilipovich).
Digestive conditions including fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, IBD, are all affected by the function of the small intestine. Key words affecting the small intestine are intellect, discernment, separation, self -poisoning, nourishment from food and environment, overwhelm, clarity, and the emotions of joy/sadness that do not allow us to process food.
The sense that is processed by the heart and the small intestine is the tongue which provides us with both nourishment and taste. The element that the heart and small intestine are associated with is fire or passion.
The Bladder (Yang)
In western physiology the bladder stores urine. Every told one of your friends that you were “pissed off.” This is the organ associated with the feeling. In eastern medicine the bladder releases emotional waste products along with anger. When we are unwilling or unable to release our anger, this turns into resentment and the feeling that you are “pissed off!” You feel that you may have a urinary tract infection, without the bacterial component.
The bladder represents the active part of our sensuality and influences our sexuality. Frequently anger that we are afraid to express in our sexual relationships lead to the resentment that causes painful or urgent urination for men and women.
The primary job of the bladder is to express healthy sexuality and release of emotions, especially anger. Key words for bladder are willpower, fear, resentment, release, sexuality and control. The bladder heals between 3-5 pm. Again, finishing off at work, rushing home through traffic, picking up kids, a myriad of things that must be done in a very short time.
“Venus is the ruler of the bladder so that harmony and order, affection, need for social interaction, fear of being alone and desires are all aspects of the bladder. The sense associated with the bladder are the ears; afraid of hearing the truth, afraid of listening, tuning into the current surroundings and understanding of the NOW.” (Sixth edition, Mod 3, Veltheim/ Pilipovich.)
Influence of water in Chinese elements and season of winter, (cold).
The Kidneys (Yin)
The kidney is singled out from all the other organs because it is the primary source of Qi in the body. The other organs depend on the kidneys on one way or another. Everything including the heart is affected by the power of the kidney. It regulates the heart, takes Qi from the lungs, invigorates the spleen and nourishes the liver. In western medical science sexuality encompasses reproduction, gender differences and the gratification of sexual desires. In Chinese thought these energies are also associated with personal growth. It was Napoleon Hill who called the suppression of sexual desires “Transmutation of Sex”, whereby the person’s energy is directed to the creation of business rather than just having mindless sex. He said that men particularly in their 40’s who subjugated their sexual prowess into their businesses became fabulously wealthy in their later life.
“The kidney generates the will to live and meet challenges. The kidneys generate fear that keeps us surviving. When the focus in your life is on separation, and you need more control, the willpower is distorted and so is the personality. When we are so concerned with control that we let our weaknesses show, and coping become too important this is a time where the kidneys prove their worth.
The primary job of the kidneys is to generate enough fear to keep us out of danger. The kidneys give us the control to take on new big projects without being attached to the outcome or being afraid of being judged. The kidneys also preserve our family lines in the genealogy of reproduction. “(Pg. 53 Sixth edition Mod 3, Veltheim /Pilipovich)
“According to acupuncture, general vitality sexual energy , reproduction and the potentiality for self- development all dwell in the essence of a person, which is the special life giving substance that the kidney stores. Therefore the kidney takes charge of sexuality reproduction vitality and personal growth. The kidney’s role is to direct the action of the organ while motivating the essence of the person.
Key words for the bladder are willpower, release, sexuality, control, resentment and fear. Also included here are bone marrow, stability, fear, ancestors, coping depression, and wisdom. Have you ever been afraid of an outcome and needed to go to the bathroom right away? This is your kidney proving to you that it is in charge of the big events of your life!
The Pericardium
The pericardium protects the earth systems of your heart. This meridian causes distress in the Qi between 7-9 pm. The pericardium is the first indicator that something may be amiss with the heart. Take a look at the disturbances of the day within the key words of spirituality, heart protection, sleep and psyche interaction. What happens at 7pm. Kids go to bed, the day winds down, maybe a class, maybe exercise. What does the end of your day look like? When people come to me with sweaty hands and palms I look to see if the pericardium is in balance. According to Chinese medicine the cause so diabetic coma, hormonal imbalance, blood pressure, temperature and respiration al have their origin in the pericardium, as does hot and cold mucus and blockages.
“The governing vessel located two thirds of the way between the groove of the nasal septum and the upper lip below the nose, is a special channel that ascends the back and goes over the head and the brain. This point can be used to treat allergic reactions, collapse, coma, debilitated breathing, fainting, heat exhaustion, epilepsy, motion sickness and seizures.
Pericardium 6 is the pressure point two thumbs width back from the furthest wrist crease that will treat all heart related dysfunction including chest pain, heart. This is a good point to know for children as well as the elderly.” (Pg. 119, 120, 122 Acupuncture, Dr. Gary F. Fleishman)
The Triple Heater
The triple heater or Triple burner is not a single Organ but represents Qi energy on three functional areas, the upper, middle and lower portions of the back, moving up into the cerebellum. When these areas are out of balance, I also check the spine in T2-T5 to see if the alignment of the bones structurally is in place. Usually they are not. The triple heater balances between 9 pm to 11 pm. When heart meridian comes up, one should ask the body if this is imbalance is connected to pericardium or triple heater also.
In Chinese medicine if heat drops into the pericardium or cold mucus can mist the heart openings so that the heart does not function to capacity. Since the heart controls the blood vessels. Blood circulation and bleeding, it also shelters the mind; we can see states between bleeding and emotional states. As protector of the heart and circulatory of Kidney Yang Qi, the pericardium pushes energy to every part of the body. Someone with fire in their back in the upper middle or low back needs to have this heat dispersed. I usually recommend icing the pericardium, clearing the brain, calming the Spirit, eliminating Phlegm and strengthening the heart through yoga poses, such as camel and rabbit.
“Hot phlegm agitates the heart and can yield to brain inflammation and stroke, once consciousness is restored. The integration of both acupuncture and Body talk in emergency rooms could save many lives.” (Pg. 120, Acupuncture, Fleishman, Gary F) words associated with the triple heater are balance, impotence, frigidity, fascia and transition. The triple heater provides yang energy of movement to the body connects to the season of summer and is the fire element for passion.
Gallbladder (Yang)
The gall bladder stores, concentrates and releases bile into the body in western physiology. This gives us the energy to digest out lives and get things done. The gall bladder serves as a catalyst to send plans and instructions for completion to the liver. The gall bladder restores between 11 pm and 1 am. That is why people should be in bed at that time to allow the gall bladder to renew and restore.
I had my gall bladder removed when I was 24, right after the birth of my first child. Giving birth was a piece of cake compared to the pain of a gall bladder attack. It is interesting to me that “birth “is associated with the liver, as in giving birth. And that the liver and gall bladder are connected as pairs in their yin and yang energies. I never wanted to experience a gall bladder attack again. I am convinced that the Demerol I took for the pain during that time was a major contributor to the hole in the heart my first born daughter was born with.
So when people come to see me at my clinic and they say they have no anger or resentment issues in their body, I usually just poke my hands deep into their gall bladder. They jump about three feet off the table, mission accomplished. Quickly, they remember who they are mad at and why. In Chinese medicine the gall bladder also releases anger along with bile to keep us moving and determines our ability to make decisions. It also regulates the strength and flexibility of our tendons, to allow us to get physical work done and implement the plans and organization of the liver. The primary job of the gall bladder is to give us courage and confidence in our decisions. The gall bladder also assimilates external input from our environment.
Words associated with the gallbladder are hinge, Wei chi, discernment, filters. Fluidity, synthesizing. Other more clarifying words are anger, decisions, motivation courage, catalyst, release and mobility. The element associated with the gall bladder is wood, a time for growth. The season associated with the gall bladder is spring. (Pg. 50, Sixth edition Mod 3, Veltheim/ Pilipovich)
Wow, when I read this, it surprised me. No wonder I as such a wimp in conquering my life all these years. I needed the energy of that angry gall bladder that was removed to get things done!
Liver (YIN)
In western physiology, the liver synthesizes and is responsible for breaking down of nutrients essential for life from the micro-nutrients that are absorbed from our intestines. The liver also manages blood sugar and stores its reserves for the future. These actions of the liver correlates with our ability to process life and synthesize wisdom from our experiences organize our lives and plan our days. The physical reality of the liver is that it brings blood to the heart.
I wonder how much alcohol you would drink if you knew that tiny little fact? All the blood cleaned up in the liver returns to the heart. In Chinese medicine, the primary job of the liver is to guide the evolution of our soul. It stores all experiences in the connective tissue or fascia so that we can remember our lessons already learned and continue to grow. It helps to strengthen and tone our muscles to help in providing protection to the body. It also generates anger to alert us to an invasion of our boundaries. Anger is a healthy emotion that keeps us moving forward in our lives. Only when anger is denied its expression, does it lead to pathological results. How many times do you choose to choke your voice about an issue or sweep it under the rug?
The liver helps us to see our path in life and move forward with our destiny. In Chinese medicine it is believed that the liver is the mother of the heart, and takes care of the heart to give it fresh blood. Key words for liver are planning, organizing, processing, synthesizing, vision, anger, resentment, muscle strength, protection, Wei, chi. Storage in fascia and the seat of the soul. The liver also helps us to adapt our activity so that it is more honoring to the soul and our lives.
The liver is associated with the element of wood, and its season is spring. Its positive emotion is assertiveness and courage. When masks are destroyed the person can fully integrate the energy of the liver to live life fully.
Here are some facts I got about alcoholism that may shed some light on the real damage this disease creates in our society. I got this clinical study from the medical files at the library.
Source Citation: “Alcoholism.” Katherine E. Nelson, N.D. and David Edward
Newton, Ended. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Ed. Laurie
Fundukian. 3rd ed. Detroit: Gale, 2009. 4 vols.
Alcoholism is the layman’s term for alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association and commonly called DSM-IV, the essential feature of substance abuse (in this instance, alcohol
abuse) is maladaptive use of the substance with recurrent and significant adverse consequences related to its repeated use. Dependence is a physical addiction with psychological, social, and genetic components. Despite damage to health, finances, reputations, and relationships, the alcohol dependent
person continues to drink unless successful intervention occurs. Abuse is distinguished from dependence by the individual’s retaining some control over the use of alcohol. Nevertheless both conditions result in many of the same consequences over time, and abuse increases risk of dependence.
In the 2000s, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are often associated with abuse of, or dependence on, other substances, including nicotine, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, sedatives, and anxiolytics (anti-anxiety drugs). Alcoholism is more common in males than in females, with an estimated
male-to-female ratio as high as five-to-one. A U.S. study conducted between 1990 and 1991, using DSM standards, found that 14% of the adult population (ages 15-54) had, at some time, met the criteria for alcohol dependence; and 7% had been alcohol-dependent in the past year. An earlier, similar
study showed that about 5% of Americans qualified for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse at some point during their life. In 2006, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that 18.2 million Americans over the age of 12 met the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence in
the preceding year. Although it is difficult to develop accurate statistics worldwide, experts know that the incidence of what is called alcoholism has been steadily rising around the globe for several years.
Description:
The effects of alcoholism are quite far-reaching. Alcoholism affects everybody system, causing a wide range of drinking-related health problems, Including lower testosterone, shrinking gonads, erectile dysfunction, interference with reproductive fertility, weak bones, memory disorders, difficulty with
balance and walking, liver disease (including cirrhosis and hepatitis),high blood pressure, weakness of muscles (including the heart), disturbances of heart rhythm, anemia, clotting disorders, weak immunity to infections, inflammation and irritation of the entire gastrointestinal system, acute and chronic problems with the pancreas, low blood sugar, high blood fat content, and poor nutrition.
The mental health implications of alcoholism include marital and other relationship difficulties, depression, unemployment, poor performance at school or work, spouse and child abuse, and general family dysfunction. Alcoholism causes or contributes to a variety of severe social problems, such as homelessness, murder, suicide, injury, and violent crime. Alcohol is a contributing factor in half of all deaths from motor vehicle accidents. In fact, 50% of the 100,000 deaths that occur each year due to the effects of alcohol are due to injuries of some sort. By some estimates, alcohol-related problems cost the United States over [dollar] 150 billion yearly in lost productivity and alcohol-related medical expense. Causes and symptoms a physical dependence on alcohol develops insidiously, over time. The body is a magnificent adaptor; therefore, with persistent use, many adaptations occur physically and psychologically, resulting in both a higher tolerance to and increased need for alcohol. The physical adaptation to alcohol involves changing levels and altered balances of neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain which not only affect physical abilities such as muscle coordination, but also an individual’s mood.
The abuse of alcohol is associated with desire to feel better and to avoid feeling poorly. Initially a stimulant, it eventually acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and issued in a majority of societies or cultures in the world as an accepted part of dealing with life events, except where religious opposition bans, discourages, or prohibits its use, as in most Muslim communities. It is included in celebrations and, ironically, its use is perceived as an appropriate response to sadness and loss, such as at wakes. No single known factor causes some people to be alcohol-dependent and others not. Some genetic studies have demonstrated that close biological relatives of an alcoholic are four times as likely to become alcoholics themselves. Furthermore, this risk holds true even for children who were adopted away from their biological families at birth and raised in non-alcoholic homes, without knowledge of their biological family’s difficulties with alcohol. Factors that increase the risk of experiencing problems with alcohol include: being male; being the child of an alcoholic parent or parents; having an extended family history and being of Irish (Celtic), Scandinavian, German, Polish, Russian, or Native American ancestry; beginning drinking as a teenager; and being depressed or highly anxious. Further research may determine if genetic factors are accountable, in part, for differences in alcohol metabolism and increase the risk of an individual’s becoming an alcoholic. Other factors contributing to the development of alcoholism include high levels of stress and turmoil or pain, and having drinking friends, drinking partners, and enablers–people who facilitate a drinker’s habits and denial mechanisms. Ample advertising that makes drinking appear to be sexy or the basis of good time also contributes. For example, numerous televised sporting events are sponsored heavily by alcohol-related companies.
In conclusion, it is conceivable that as Body talk practitioners, we will be taken to the cellular level of healing an organ to help with its consciousness or cellular repair. The more specific the balancing, synthesizing and communication the faster the person will get better. There is also balancing of a sugar allergy that goes along with the balancing of the liver in alcoholism cases. Mental work with changing the neuron pathways of the disease is also required.
I would also like to refer to the attitude and orientation of the therapy, its basic assumptions and attitude toward suffering, healing and human potential. Vaughan (1979) maintained that holding a transpersonal context for therapy rather than just specific techniques. I would like to close with the quote from Boor stein (2000). (13)
“Foremost is the spiritual context within which I hold all of my patients. To convey to my patients that you see in him or her a piece of the Divine, is incredibly powerful a beginning to counter a life- long view of worthlessness. “
This is the root cause of disease, it is linked to a” feeling of worthlessness “caused by words, or actions onto the Divine soul of the human being. Show the human, the touch of the Divine, and the disease leaves.
References: Books
Body talk: The Body talk System, Fundamentals, Dr. John Veltheim/ Sylvia Muiznieks
Bodytalk: The Bodytalk System Module Three, 6th edition, Dr. John Veltheim, Kami Pilipovich
Bodytalk: The Bodytalk System Module Six, 5th edition, Dr. John Veltheim/ Sylvia Muiznieks
Acupuncture: “Everything you ever wanted to know, “Fleishman, G.
Balance Within: “The Science of connecting Health with Emotions”, Sternberg, Esther
Medical Journals:
Source Citation: “Alcoholism.” Katherine E. Nelson, N.D. and David Edward
Newton, Ended. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Ed. Laurie
Fundukian. 3rd ed. Detroit: Gale, 2009. 4 vols.
“Rationale for Psychoanalytic Energy Psychology”, Mollon, P
“Reality Therapy and the Human Energy Field”, Schoo, A.
Citations:
“Transpersonal Integrative Approach”: Lukoff, D. and Lu, F.
Corporate responsibility 