Muscular+Dystrophy

Dystrophies are diseases in which muscle strength is lost. They are usually caused by genetic defects. Examples are progressive spinal myodystrophy, ALS, and progressive muscular dystrophy

[Dang Shen (15g.), Bai Zhu (15g.), Huang Qi (15g.), Shu Di Huang (12g.), Bu Gu Zhi (9g.), Xu Duan (9g.), Tu Si Zi (9g.), Huai Niu Xi (9g.), Gou Ji (9g.), Dang Gui (15g.), Bai Shao (15g.), Ji Xue Teng (15g.), Gui Ban (12g.), Lu Jiao Shuang (9g.), Huang Bai (5g.), Zhi Mu (5g.)
 * Herbal Treatment:** Yi Sui Tang (Benefit the Marrow Decoction)

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 * IBIS:**

Definition:
A slowly progressive demyelinating disease of the brain and spinal cord, recognized by exacerbations and remissions of neurologic symptoms.

Etiology:
The cause is idiopathic; though there are theories about autoimmunity, slow viruses, and myelinic enzymes, etc., no specific mechanism has been proven. Most cases begin between 20 and 40 years old, and rarely after 50. Females are affected slightly more than males. MS seems to be a disease of temperate latitudes, in either the Northern or Southern hemispheres, and is rarely seen in equatorial regions. The characteristic lesion in MS is one of patchy demyelinization of the myelin sheaths in the CNS, particularly in the white matter.

Nutrition:
therapeutic foods: • increase foods rich in Calcium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Sulfur, Iodine, tryptophan (Jensen, p. 63) • egg yolk, kale, celery, fish, raw goat's milk, veal joint broth, cod roe, rice polishings, brewer's yeast, nutritional yeast (Jensen, p. 63)

fresh juices: • celery, carrot, prune (Jensen, p. 63) • prune and rice polishings (Jensen, p. 63) • raw goat's milk and 1 tsp. sesame, sunflower or almond butter, 1 tsp. honey and sliver of avocado (Jensen, p. 63) • black cherry and egg yolk (Jensen, p. 63)

Botanicals
• Strophanthus hispidus: muscle weakness, muscle atony in prolonged diseases (Sherman)

Chinese Formulae
• Eucommia and Achyranthes F.; Jian Bu Hu Qian Wan (Chen Pu Hu Chien Wen) (patent): Kidney Yin Xu (Deficiency) with Empty Fire Blazing: muscle atrophy, limbs without strength. (Eucommia and Achyranthes F.: Hsu, 1980, p. 274; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 266; Jian Bu: Naeser, p. 289) • Lithospermum 15 (patent) plus Gecko A (patent): Kidney Xu (Deficiency) with Xue Yu (Blood Stasis): autoimmune disorders (Dharmananda, 1990; Lithospermum, p. 85: Gecko-A, p. 17)

Acupuncture
• after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns: Damp-Heat with Xue (Blood) and Qi Xu (Deficiency); Jing Xu (Essence Deficiency); Lung Xu (Deficiency); Spleen Xu (Deficiency); Liver Yin Xu (Deficiency); Qi Stagnation; Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); Kidney Xu (Deficiency); Spleen Xu with Damp causing Liver Wind

» therapeutic notes: • acupuncture can be very effective if treated early, within the first 3 years (Ambrose) • supplemental tips: no Phlegm-producing foods; gentle exercise; qigong; work with emotional rigidity (Ambrose)

» illustrative combinations: • Group 1: GV-11, GV-9, hua tuo jia ji of T5 to T8, UB-23, UB-25, GB-30, UB-54/40 and UB-57; Group 2: CV-12, St-21, St-25, CV-6, CV-3, St-36, Sp-9, Sp-6 and ba feng; daily rotate group 1 and 2 for multiple sclerosis due to Damp-Heat with Xue (Blood) and Qi Xu (Deficiency) (Jirui and Wang, p. 108) • Sp-6, Sp-9 and St-36: build the Spleen and resolve Damp (Eisen) • GB-37 and UB-1: if UB-1 alone is not effective in treating the eyes (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 322) • LI-4, GB-20 and UB-12: open and brighten the eye, benefit the vision, and clear Wind from the eyes; prevent blindness (Eisen) • Kd-4 and Ht-5 for lazy speech and prostrate exhaustion (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 168) • Kd-3, Sp-6, LI-4, GB-20 and Lv-2: reinforce Kidney and nourishes Yin (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Kd-3 and UB-23: nourish Kidney Yin and facilitate Jing (Essence) (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Kd-3, UB-23 and UB-15: adjust disharmony of Heart and Kidney (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Kd-3, UB-23 and GV-4: invigorate Kidney Yang (Finkelstein, p. 53 ) • Kd-3, UB-23, GV-4 and CV-4 (all: D): support Kidney Yang (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Kd-3, UB-23 and CV-4 (all: +:) strengthen Kidney Jing (Essence) (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Kd-3, UB-47/52 and GV-4: strengthen Kidney (Finkelstein, p. 53) • Sp-3, UB-20, Lv-13 and CV-12 (+ and D): invigorate Yang of Spleen (Finkelstein, p. 26) • St-36 and CV-4: tonify Spleen and Kidney to strengthen vitality (Finkelstein, p. 20) • UB-38/43, CV-4 and St-36 (D) for general weakness caused by prolonged illness (Shanghai, p. 201) • GV-16 and GV-20: treat brain disorders (Finkelstein, p. 81)

» palpate and consider: • GV-20 (+ and/or D): awakens the Brain, Mind and senses; pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the Will; regulates and tonifies the Qi (D); adjusts Qi of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel); elevates the Clear Qi; spreads Liver Qi; extinguishes Liver Wind from upper body and pacifies Liver; stimulates the pineal; Sea of Marrow point; Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the six Yang channels and the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) • GV-17 (=): stimulates the Brain and regulates the Marrow; stimulates the pituitary; encourages optimistic attitude (Finkelstein, p. 81); builds strong Shen and psychic energy; controlling point of the Sea of Marrow; Sea of Marrow point; sends vessels directly into the brain • GV-16 (-): calms the Shen and quiets the Soul; benefits and clears the Brain; subdues Internal Wind; eliminates Yang Shi (Excess) from upper body and cleanses Yang which has been obscured by Phlegm; stimulates the pituitary and central nervous system (Finkelstein, p. 80); restores speech; facilitates the joints; Window of the Sky point; Sea of Marrow point; sends a vessel directly into the brain • GV-11 (-): pacifies the Heart and Shen; extinguishes Wind and settles tetany; sedates pain • GV-9 (-): regulates the Qi functions; expands the chest and diaphragm; transforms Damp-Heat; clears Liver Fire and Heat; regulates the Liver and Gall Bladder • GV-4 (+): pacifies the Shen; clears the Brain; restores collapsed Yang; relieves mental and physical exhaustion; nourishes the Yuan (Original) Qi; strengthens the Kidney; tonifies and replenishes the Kidney Yang aspect of Jing (Essence) - note: use only when Yang Xu (Deficiency) underlying Jing Xu (Essence Deficiency) (Maciocia, p. 257); reinforces and astringes the Jing (Essence) • GB-20 (-): pacifies Liver Wind and dissipates Internal Wind, esp. Wind affecting the eyes; brightens the eyes, assists vision and prevents blindness; subdues Liver Yang and Fire to calm and regulate the Liver; harmonizes Qi and Xue (Blood); frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels • ashi (tender) points in back (=): facilitate flow of Qi and Xue (Blood) to resolve Stagnation • UB-10 (=): clears the head; modulating effect on the medullary functions; special point for vago-sympathetic action; stimulates autonomic nervous system; tonifies motor function (Finkelstein, p. 38); brightens the eyes; calms the Heart; opens and clears channels of the neck; regulates the sinews and tendons; Window of the Sky point; Sea of Qi general point • UB-12 (-): dissipates Wind; dispels Dampness; transforms Phlegm; opens and volatilizes the Lung; regulates and spreads Lung Qi; strengthens the dispersing function of Lung; Gate for entrance and departure of Feng Qi (Wind Qi); Shu point of Bones and Xue (Blood) (Banever, p. 59) • UB-13 (+): eliminates Wind; clears and disperses Fire and Heat, esp. Xu (Deficiency) Heat, from the Lung and Upper Warmer; tonifies the Lung and promotes the circulation of the Lung Qi; transforms Phlegm; expands and relaxes the chest; regulates the Upper Warmer; warms the Lung (D); harmonizes the Ying and Xue (Blood); Lung Shu Associated point • UB-38/43 (+): regulates the Shen (hence called the "Happy point"); strengthens Xu (Deficiency) conditions; treats all chronic disease; clears Empty Heat; supplements the Lung and fortifies the Spleen; tonifies Heart Qi; releases unresolved emotions; strengthens the Xue (Blood); tonifies the Kidney and warms the Yang; restores Yuan (Original) Qi; transforms Phlegm; Pericardium psychospiritual associated point • UB-17 (+ and/or D): tonifies, nourishes and invigorates the Xue (Blood) (esp. with D); transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); enriches Yin; strengthens Xu (Deficient) conditions and increases stamina; Diaphragm Shu Associated point; Hui Reunion and Master point of the Xue (Blood) • UB-18 (+ or =): stimulates the Brain; benefits the eyes and improves vision; tonifies the Liver and extinguishes Liver Wind; moves Stagnant Qi; strengthens Xu (Deficiency) conditions; nourishes and regulates the Xue (Blood); nourishes Liver Yin; facilitates generation of fluids; Liver Shu Associated point • UB-20 (+): regulates Spleen Qi; tonifies the Spleen and Stomach to facilitate digestive transportation and transformation; benefits the Ying (Constructive) Qi; enhances Spleen Yang to mobilize Stagnant Qi; nourishes and harmonizes the Xue (Blood); resolves Dampness and Phlegm; provides strength to the extremities; Spleen Shu Associated point • UB-23 (+): tonifies and adjusts the Kidney; nourishes Yin, Xue (Blood) and Kidney Jing (Essence); strengthens the Brain and Marrow; prevents or relieves general stress fatigue or premature senility (Finkelstein, p. 44); benefits the ears and brightens the eyes; spreads and clears Obstructed Kidney Qi; strengthens Yang and Qi Hai; counterbalances Liver Fire; drains Heat from the Lower Warmer; resolves Dampness; regulates fluid system, volatilizes the Bladder, and promotes diuresis; Kidney Shu Associated point • UB-47/52 (+): strengthens Will power; tonifies Kidney Qi, Kidney Yang, Kidney Yin, Jing (Essence) and Yuan (Original) Qi; influences the pituitary, adrenals and testes (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); regulates and facilitates the Water Pathways; resolves Dampness; esp. for tonification of Kidney in chronic problems; Kidney psychospiritual associated point • UB-25 (-): regulates the Qi of the Fu (Yang organs); regulates the Intestines and Stomach; transforms Stagnation; resolves Damp-Heat and dries Damp-Cold; Large Intestine Shu Associated point • UB-54/40 (-): clears Heat from the Xue (Blood) and transforms Damp-Heat; benefits Kidney Qi and regulates Bladder; strengthens the waist; benefits the lower back, hips, legs and knees; Bladder He Sea Uniting and Earth point • UB-57 (-): clears Heat; regulates Qi in the Yang organs, esp. the Large Intestine; transforms Damp-Heat • UB-1 (=): clears the vision and brightens the eyes; enriches Yin (esp. in relation to the eyes); controls the pituitary gland and its secretions via the hypothalamus and the autonomic nervous system; opens the channels and invigorates circulation; Bladder Entry point; Polarization point of the Yin and Yang Qiao Mai (Motility Vessels); Master point for the eyes (Mann, p. 30) • PC-6 (+): pacifies the Shen; awakens the Brain by improving intracranial circulation; regulates the Qi; builds Zhong (Ancestral) Qi in the chest; harmonizes, regulates and facilitates the Qi function of the Upper and Middle Warmers; opens Qi and Xue (Blood) flow into the hands, esp. to resolve tinging and numbness; releases and expands the diaphragm; regulates Liver Qi and relieves Liver Qi Stagnation; opens the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel) to distribute Qi to the Stomach, chest and Heart; Pericardium Luo Connecting point; Master point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel); Couple point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) • Ht-5 (- or =): pacifies the Shen; regulates and tonifies Heart Qi; regulates the tongue in relation to speech; clears Heart Fire and Xu (Deficiency) Heat; benefits the Bladder; Heart Luo Connecting point • LI-4 (-): pacifies the Shen; regulates Qi and Xue (Blood); brightens the eyes; tonifies Lung Qi; tonifies Metal to cool inflammatory processes and restrain Wood, esp. the Liver; elevates Clear Qi and descends Turbid Qi; relaxes sinews and tendons; Large Intestine Yuan Source and Entry point; command point of the face and mouth • Lu-9 (+): regulates all Yang Qi; tonifies Lung Qi and Lung Yin; tonifies Metal to cool inflammatory processes and restrain Wood, esp. the Liver; increases oxygen absorption; transforms Dampness and Phlegm; Lung Yuan Source, Earth and Tonification point • SI-16 (-): pacifies the Shen and Heart; dispels Wind; nourishes the Heart; invigorates the channels and collateral vessels; Window of the Sky point • Kd-27 (+): regulates and volatilizes the Lung; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; expands and relaxes chest; fortifies the Spleen; stimulates Kidney function of reception of Qi; tonifies Kidney (especially Yang); resolves Phlegm • Kd-24 (-): resurrects the Spirit (Worsley); revitalizes the sense of self; pacifies the Shen; opens and releases the chest; clears Heat; tonifies the Kidney • St-21 (-): harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach; regulates Center Qi and promotes flow of Qi; strengthens the Spleen; promotes the transportation and transformation of Grain and Liquids by the Spleen and Stomach; dispels Middle Warmer Heat • St-25 (+): regulates the Stomach and Spleen; regulates and facilitates the functioning of the Intestines; supports Earth and harmonizes the Center; transforms Dampness; ascends the Clear and descends the Turbid; Large Intestine Mu Alarm point; according to Sun Tzu Miao, this point contains a storehouse of Qi and should not be dispersed (Finkelstein, p. 15) • CV-14 (=): clears the Heart and stabilizes the Shen; regulates and invigorates the Qi; expands and clears the chest; acts on the nervous system and brain through the solar plexus and releases tension throughout whole body (Finkelstein, p. 90); Heart Mu Alarm point • CV-12 (+): builds Heart Yang; regulates the Stomach Qi and harmonizes the Stomach; strengthens and calms the Spleen; transforms Dampness; benefits and soothes the Qi; facilitates ascension of the Clear and descension of the Turbid; Stomach and Middle Warmer Mu Alarm point; Hui Reunion point of the Fu (Yang organs) • CV-9 (=): balances endocrine and lymphatic systems; stabilizes all secretions (Finkelstein, p. 87); warms the Middle Warmer; regulates the Spleen and Stomach; regulates Bladder Qi; dissolves Damp; assists Small Intestine in its functions of separating liquid from matter, the Clear from the Turbid, and maintaining water balance (Finkelstein, p. 87); clears Damp-Heat; promotes diuresis; Small Intestine Mu Alarm point; palpation: water metabolism reflex; water regulation reflex; "no energy" indicates Xu (Deficiency) of Spleen and/or Stomach; pulsing indicates Kidney Xu (Deficiency) (all: Matsumoto) • CV-6 (+): strengthens and moves the Qi; regulates Qi of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); regulates and tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; warms the Lower and Middle Warmers (D); tonifies the Kidney; nourishes and invigorates Kidney Yang; warms Ming Men (Life Gate Fire) (esp. with D); influences pituitary, thyroid and adrenals (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); reinforces Jing (Essence); regulates Water Pathways and dispels Dampness; warms feet and hands; Dan Tien (Elixir of Long Life), with CV-5 • CV-4 (+): pacifies the Shen; regulates the Qi and benefits Yuan (Original) Qi; nourishes Xue (Blood) and Yin; regulates and reinforces the Qi of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); separates the Clear and the Turbid; nourishes and stabilizes the Kidney, esp. Kidney Yin and Jing (Essence); warms the Kidney Yang, the Lower Warmer and Uterus (D); resolves Damp-Heat; regulates the Bladder; Small Intestine Mu Alarm point • CV-3 (=): assists the transforming functions of Qi; alleviates Damp-Heat; tonifies the Kidney Qi and Yang; regulates the Bladder, Lower Warmer and the Water Pathways; Bladder Mu Alarm point • GB-26 (=): regulates the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) to relieve sensation of constriction around the waist; alleviates Damp-Heat; clears and invigorates the channels; Entry point of Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); special point for paralysis • St-30 (+): harmonizes the Xue (Blood) and Ying (Constructive) Qi; dispels Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); sends Qi up; distributes Jing (Essence) and Yuan (Original) Qi to the genitals, Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and the five curious organs (Brain, Spine, Bones and Marrow, Gall Bladder and Uterus); relaxes the tendons; Entry point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and the Sea of Nourishment; Jiao Hui Intersecting of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) on the Foot Yang Ming (Stomach) channel; indicator for weak immune system (Matsumoto) • St-36 (+): calms the Shen; supports Lung Qi and tonifies the Spleen to transform Phlegm and eliminate Dampness; builds Heart Yang; regulates and strengthens Qi and Xue (Blood); strengthens weak and deficient conditions; regulates and replenishes the Middle Warmer; regulates Ying (Constructive) Qi; spreads Liver Qi and tonifies Kidney Yin; nourishes Kidney, Liver and Spleen; regulates ascension of the Clear and descension of the Turbid (-), esp. by the Intestines; Stomach He Sea Lower Uniting, Earth and Horary point; Sea of Nourishment point • Sp-9 (=): regulates and tonifies Spleen (especially Yang); warms and moves the Middle Warmer; eliminates Phlegm-Dampness; regulates the Water Pathways; benefits Lower Warmer; dispels Damp-Heat; Spleen He Sea Uniting and Water point • Sp-6 (+): pacifies the Shen; nourishes Yin, esp. of the Spleen, Liver and Kidney; influences pituitary, adrenals, uterus and ovaries (Finkelstein, p. 27; Worsley, 1985, p. B-20); clears Fire due to Xu (Deficiency); strengthens the Spleen; tonifies Qi and builds the Xue (Blood); regulates and nourishes the Xue (Blood); transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); spreads the Liver Qi and frees Qi Stagnation; warms the Middle and Lower Warmers; tonifies the Kidney; regulates the Bladder; transforms Dampness and Heat; Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the three Foot Yin channels • Sp-3 (+): regulates the Qi dynamic; regulates and strengthens the Spleen (especially Qi and Yang); harmonizes the Middle Warmer; promotes transporting function; transforms and expels Dampness and Damp-Heat; Spleen Yuan Source, Earth and Horary point • Kd-7 (+): tonifies the Kidney, which will tonify the Liver (mother/child); strengthens Wei (Protective) Qi; clears Heat and nourishes Yin; strengthens Spleen and rids body of excess fluids; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; strengthens and enriches the Kidney; stimulates adrenals, thyroid and testes; facilitates and regulates the Bladder and Water Pathways; cools and clears Damp-Heat; disperses Stagnation; Kidney Metal and Tonification point • Kd-4 (+): nourishes the Shen and Yin; regulates the Kidney; reinforces the Liver and Kidney, the latter through longitudinal Luo vessels; facilitates the flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); harmonizes the Xue (Blood); supplements the Jing (Essence); Kidney Luo Connecting point • Kd-3 (+): tonifies the Kidney, Yuan (Original) Qi, Xue (Blood) and Jing (Essence); pacifies Xu (Deficiency) Fire; strengthens the Brain; nourishes and enriches Kidney Yin, supplies Liver Yin, and tonifies Yin of the entire body; tonifies Kidney Yang; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); regulates the Water Pathways; strengthens lower back, waist and knees; Kidney Yuan Source and Earth point • GB-30 (-): invigorates the Kidney; strengthens the lower back; regulates hip joint; strengthens thigh and facilitates movement of the legs; dissipates Wind-Damp in the channels and connecting vessels; frees the channels and removes Obstructions; regulates the muscles and tendons • GB-31 (-): extinguishes Internal Wind; detoxifies the Liver and clears mind of toxic thoughts (Finkelstein, p. 68); clears Heat and transforms Damp; tonifies waist, strengthens thighs, and tonifies knees; strengthens bones; relaxes and strengthens sinews and tendons • GB-37 (+): clears and brightens vision; dissipates Heat, esp. from the Liver; regulates the Liver; dispels Wind and Damp; transforms Damp-Heat; relaxes the sinews and muscles; invigorates the channels; Gall Bladder Luo Connecting point • GB-41 (-): brightens the eyes; harmonizes and regulates the Liver and Gall Bladder; removes Stagnancy of Liver Qi; clears and regulates Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); clears Wetness (Damp Spleen) by draining into Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel), thereby increasing Spleen Qi and Xue (Blood) production, improving digestion, and warming the extremities; dispels Damp-Heat; Gall Bladder Wood and Horary point; Master point of the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); Couple point of the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel) • Lv-8 (+): nourishes Liver Xue (Blood); clears and cools Damp-Heat; soothes the sinews and tendons; frees and facilitates the Lower Warmer; benefits the Bladder; invigorates the collateral vessels; Liver He Sea Uniting, Water and Tonification point • Lv-3 (-): pacifies the Shen; relieves anger and mellows spirits of those who are frustrated and jealous (Finkelstein, p. 73); clears head and thinking; suppresses dizziness; adjusts and pacifies the Liver; promotes smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); spreads and eliminates Liver Qi Stagnation; regulates the Vital Qi, strengthens Raising Qi, and removes irregularities in the body Qi; subdues Liver Yang; brightens and benefits eyes to improve vision; stimulates vision center of the central nervous system (Finkelstein, p. 73); calms and extinguishes Liver Wind; tonifies Liver Xue (Blood); discharges Damp-Heat; opens the channels and suppresses convulsions and spasms, including muscle tics; Liver Yuan Source and Earth point; Independent Associated point for spasms • Lv-2 (-): calms the Shen and eases the Mind; subdues Yang Shi (Excess); soothes and loosens Liver to release Liver Qi, remove Qi Depression, and disperse Stagnant Liver Qi; eliminates Interior Wind; relaxes spasms and convulsions; Liver Fire and Dispersion point • ba feng (-): dispel Wind; relaxes the sinews and muscles; invigorate the Xue (Blood); transform Damp-Heat

Homeopathy
• Arsenicum album: paralysis comes on slowly, preceded by shaking, pains and contractions, esp. in the legs (lesion of the lower part of spinal cord); then pains (burning, < cold, > warmth), cramps, shaking, contractions, and atrophy increase; often with edema of ankles • Carboneum sulphuratum: very weak, emaciated; chilly, irritable, dazed, vertigo, + Rhomberg test; motility problems; extremely sharp pains come and go suddenly; cutaneous hypoesthesia of lower limbs • Causticum: weakness; localized and progressive paralysis; generalized paresis; stiffness and contractions • Lathyrus sativus: spasmodic paresis or paralysis of lower limbs with stiffness, exaggeration of reflexes; tendency to muscular atrophy; no pain except a few cramps; < cold • Mercurius solubilis: weakness of limbs, bone pains in limbs, < at night; sensitivity to cold; oily perspiration; trembling extremities, especially hands; cold clammy sweat on legs at night; dropsical swelling of feet and legs • Oleum jecoris aselli: young child very emaciated • Phosphorus: general loss of shape of the skeleton; paretic weakness of the back and legs; great weakness of the spine and limbs; increasing; loss of reflex and flabby paralysis • Physostigma venenosum: great weakness and muscular impotence with locomotor troubles and tendency to paralysis; difficult contraction of muscles; motor incoordination; progressive muscular atrophy; numerous spasms (cramps in hands, shaking, sudden jolt of limbs on falling asleep)

Subtle Support
musculoskeletal: • Sousa's marches • The Anvil Chorus • William Tell Overture • Brahm's Hungarian Dances • By the Waters of the Minnetonka (Heline, p. 18)

Mind/Body
• Extreme fear; frantic desire to control everything and everyone; a deep need to feel safe; loss of faith and trust. (Hay, 1984, p. 176)

• Kidney ~ Shen stores Jing (Essence) and governs birth, growth, reproduction, development, and aging; houses the Zhi (Will); expresses ambition and focus; produces the Marrow which generates the spinal cord, "fills up" the brain, and possibly manifests through the immune system; nourishes the brain to sustain concentration, clear thinking, and memory; carries the constitutional endowment from the parents and thus is especially relevant in congenital conditions; and displays the effects of overwork, chronic degenerative processes, and extreme stress. » Healthy expressions are gentleness, groundedness, and endurance. » Kidney Xu (Deficiency) signs include indecisiveness; confused speech; dreams of trees submerged under water; cold feet and legs; abundant sweating (Seem, p. 28); fearfulness; apathy; chronic fatigue; discouragement; scatteredness; lack of will; negativity; impatience; difficult inhalation; low sex drive; lumbago; sciatica; and musculoskeletal irritation and inflammation, especially when worse from touch. As always, chronic Yin Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to Empty Heat and/or acute inflammation. » Intense or prolonged fear depletes the Kidney. Overwork, parenting, simple aging, and a sedentary or excessively indulgent lifestyle all contribute significantly to Kidney Xu (Deficiency). » Mental signs of Kidney channel disorders include anxiety, fear in the pit of the stomach; sadness; mental and physical fatigue; antisocial tendencies; and laziness. (Seem, p. 28)
 * Chinese psychophysiology:**

• Liver ~ Gan is the home of the Hun (Ethereal Soul); it relates to decisiveness, control, and the principle of emergence; stores and cleanses the Xue (Blood); maintains smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); controls the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, especially the contractility of the muscles; expresses itself in the nervous system; and reflects emotional harmony and movement. » Healthy expressions are kindness, spontaneity, and ease of movement. » Liver Xu (Deficiency) signs include impotence; frigidity; pain in thighs, pelvic region, and throat; ready tendency to "the blahs" (Seem, p. 28); timidity; depression; irritability; vertigo; pruritus; dry eyes, skin, and/or tendons; asthma; aching at the waist; hernia; and difficulty raising head up and down.

• Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion and manifests in the muscle tissues; transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); governs the 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. » 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.