The energetics of getting sick

[Guest guest]

DAMP HEAT is a descriptive term referring to the energetics of diseased or

unhealthy tissue states. It's one part of a system I learned as a practicing

herbalist.

All descriptive words are limited to their understanding and their origin. This

type of talk comes NOT from what passes for modern medicine (no energetic

terminology there) but from a combination of TCM's 5 Elements, the

Ayurvedic doshas, and some of the better Western herbal traditions such as

humoral medicine.As an example of terminology, the TCM definition of

constriction or tension (we all know that one!) is referred to as " wind " . That

takes many years to understand. The nerves of the GI autonomic system are

area of the body most commonly affected by wind.

Ten people with GALLSTONES and GB COLIC could have ten completely

different energetic dynamics and imbalances which have caused the problem.

They therefore need 10 completely different treatment plans. This is why it's

important to get a competent holistic diagnosis. Pulse, tongue, and eye

diagnosis. along with a good history-taking, never lies, whereas x-rays, blood

tests and all other scientific scans are lifeless pathology reports and

virtually

worthless for determining the correct treatment plan.

As I said before, a modern medical doctor would grind up a Rolex watch in a

blender then use the lab to calculate the percentages of gold, steel, plastic

and other ingredients to figure out what time is.

DAMP-TOPOR-STAGNATION

Thickened fluids, swollen tissue, weakened conditions, and stagnation.

Elimination and metabolism is diminished and toxins accrue, this used to be

called " canker " in the old days. This leads to " bad blood " , " impure blood " or

even " toxemia " and the symptoms that entails, mostly a toxic or " hangover "

feeling, and the joint fluid, bile, lymph get thick as well. When it is really

progressed sepsis can occur and then you are in big trouble.

TREATMENT = bitters, laxatives, astringents, tonics, purifiers, cathartics,

and, in some cases, thyroid activators

HEAT

Associated with heat, swelling, redness, tenderness. There is over-activity,

excitement of function and things get inflammed. If it DRY heat, there is a

lack of fluids in all cases. You need moistening agents while the DAMP heat

generates sepsis and deterioration and does best with stimulants, not

sedatives nor moistening agents.

TREATMENT = Many of the sour herbs especiall the fruity plants. Some

plants do both in that they prevent capillary congestion and open up the

venous circulation and lymph. Soothing, cooling herbs help too.

Based on this discussion, an herbal combination such as GALLSTONEX

should be perfect for my GB condition since I think I have damp heat, but

may be worthless for someone else with gallstone prediliction.

Hahnamann, the father of homeopathy said " there are no diseases, just sick

people " .

Will in Minneapolis

PS A must-have book on understanding this is " THE PRACTICE OF

TRADITIONAL WESTERN HERBALISM---Basic Doctrine, Energetics, and

Classification: by MATTHEW WOOD. Also read his " THE BOOK OF HERBAL

WISDOM " and others.