Paralysis


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Definition:
Loss or impairment of motor function because of a condition of the neural or muscular mechanism

Etiology:
• Spinal cord injury: Paralysis following a spinal cord injury may be temporary (concussion or contusion) or permanent (from lacerations or transection). • Polio: This causes asymmetric flaccid limb paralysis or bulbar palsies without sensory loss..

Somatic therapies:
• water exercises: begun as soon as possible, see water exercise of affected part • passive exercises: right after onset • paralysis exercises

Nutrition:
therapeutic foods: • foods that invigorate the Qi and Xue (Blood), nourish the Xue (Blood), tonify the Qi

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) • carrot, celery, spinach, and parsley (Walker, p. 143) • carrot and spinach (Walker, p. 143) • carrot (Walker, p. 143) • carrot and parsley (Walker, p. 143) • carrot, celery, and parsley (Walker, p. 143) • carrot, beet, and cucumber (Walker, p. 143) • carrot, beet, lettuce, and turnip (Walker, p. 143)

avoid: • meat, alcohol, hot sauces, spicy foods, fried foods, fatty foods, rich foods, salty foods, coffee, caffeine, sweet foods and sugar, cow's milk and other dairy products, white bread, refined foods, processed foods, catarrh-forming foods: tofu, meat, ice cream

Botanicals
• Arnica montana (toxic): chronic milder forms, paraplegia, hemiplegia after acute inflammation from injury has passed (Ellingwood, p. 148; Felter, p. 207) • Avena sativa: hemiplegia following apoplexy, wasting diseases (Harper-Shove, p. 186; Ellingwood, p. 204) • Capsicum frutescens: local or general of central origin (Ellingwood, p. 164) • Claviceps purpurea (toxic) (ergot): hemiplegia, paraplegia (Felter, p. 356) • Collinsonia canadensis: with Avena sativa: infantile (Harper-Shove, p. 186) • Conium maculatum (toxic): from below upwards; vertigo, staggering gait (Harper-Shove, p. 185, Felter, p. 320) • Crataegus spp.: paralysis of the left side with heart involvement (Ellingwood, p. 220) • Gelsemium sempervirens (toxic): after rheumatism, inflammatory conditions of cerebrospinal system (Harper-Shove, p. 186; Felter and Lloyd, p. 921) • Hypericum perforatum: helps nerve growth, spinal injuries (Hoffman; Felter, p. 424) • Physostigma venenosum (toxic): for temporary use in progressive paralysis of the insane (Ellingwood, p. 188) • Rhus toxicodendron (toxic): hemiplegia or paralysis of legs after rheumatism (Harper-Shove, pp. 185-86; Felter and Lloyd, p. 1672; Felter, p. 607) • Strychnos ignatii (toxic): local, hysteric, neurasthenic, following diphtheria or syphilis; due to lead or arsenic; nerve stimulant (Harper-Shove, p. 186; Felter and Lloyd, p. 1043) • Strychnos nux vomica (toxic): local, not caused by hemorrhage with the nervous system, or inflammation (Felter and Lloyd, p. 1315)

Chinese Formulae
• Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang: Qi Xu (Deficiency) with Xue Yu (Blood Stasis). (Yeung, p. 50; Bensky and Barolet, p. 320) • Jian Bu Hu Qian Wan (Chen Pu Hu Chien Wen) (patent): Sequelae of poliomyelitis: Yin Xu (Deficiency) with False Fire: muscle atrophy, limbs without strength. (Naeser, p. 289) • Ginseng and Tang Kuei Ten C. (Shi Quan Da Bu Tang); Ginseng and Longan C. (Gui Pi Tang); Gui Bi Wan/Kwei Be Wan (patent): Qi Xu (Deficiency) with Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency): post-polio paralysis (Ginseng and Tang Kuei: Hsu, 1980, p. 262; Yeung, p. 209; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 107; Bensky and Barolet, p. 260; Ginseng and Longan: Hsu, 1980, p. 425; Yeung, p. 112; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 244; Bensky and Barolet, p. 255; Kwei Be Wan: Zhu, p. 274) • Niu Huang Jiang Ya Wan (patent): Liver Wind Arising from Liver Yang Rising: paralysis with hypertension (Zhu, p. 147) • Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan (Niu Huang Ching Hsin Wan) (patent): Fire Toxin (Zhu, p. 146) • Da Huo Luo Dan (patent): Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) with Qi Stagnation: flaccid or spastic paralysis (Zhu, p. 139) • Tu-huo and Vaeicum C. (Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang) plus pseudoginseng (san qi), clematis (wei ling xian) and chaenomeles (mu gua): Wind-Damp Bi Syndrome: heavy and painful sensations at fixed locations in low back and lower extremities with weakness and stiffness, aversion to cold; may be paresthesias or numbness (Hsu, 1980, p. 459; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 384; Bensky and Barolet, p. 207) • Gastrodia 9 (patent): Liver Wind Stirring: tonic paralysis (Dharmananda, 1990, p. 83)

Acupuncture
after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns: paraplegia: - of back: injury to either the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) or the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel), which prevents the Qi and Xue (Blood) from circulating through them; - of lower extremities: Humidity Heat; Damp-Heat in Lower Warmer; Yin Emptiness; Qi and Xue (Blood) Empty and Weak; Liver and Kidney Empty and damaged; dysfunction of the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) - of common perineal nerve: Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); Damp Cold; Damp-Heat. traumatic paraplegia: injury of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) paralysis: Wei syndrome: Lung Heat; Damp-Heat; Xu (Deficiency) of Liver and Kidney Jing (Essence); Stomach and Spleen Xu (Deficiency). post-polio: Infantile Paralysis: Xu (Deficiency) (most cases) polio: Wind, Dampness, and Heat invade the Lung and Stomach through the nose and mouth. Where they collect, Heat is formed, which injures the channels and disrupts Qi and Xue (Blood), leaving Muscle channels malnourished.

» therapeutic notes: • Scalp needling is often extremely effective when the paralysis originates in the brain • When needling hua tuo jia ji and Shu Associated points, select one or two sites, bilaterally, over the involved nerves or muscles and use a medially directed insertion, ideally stimulating the spinal nerves. First treat the superior segmental levels of affected nerves and muscles, then move downward treat the lower affected portions of the body through their respective lower spinal segments. Consider also needling distal points, esp. at the ends of the fingers and/or toes, on the affected limbs. (Lee and Cheung, p. 309; Shanghai, p. 615) • Use thin needles when treating nerves, esp. the spinal cord, directly. Mild technique, with limited manipulation, esp. avoiding vigorous withdrawal and insertion, is most appropriate. (Lee and Cheung, p. 309; Shanghai, p. 615) • Threading between contiguous points is a valuable technique when treating muscles. • When treating spasm needle points on the paralyzed muscles first. Utilize the complementary relationships of flexors and extensors. "For example, if there are spasms in a flexor muscle, points may be needled in that muscle with strong stimulation for a relatively lengthy period of time. Needle points in the related extensor muscles for a shorter period of time. In this way, relative muscle strength will be balanced." (Shanghai, p. 615) • see also "cerebrovascular accident/TIA" if appropriate

» illustrative combinations for paralysis in general: • GB-21, LI-15, LI-11, TW-3, LI-4, GB-38, GB-34, St-36 and UB-60 for paralysis (Lee and Cheung, p. 311; Shanghai, p. 616) • SI-3 and UB-62 open the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) to increase Qi flow through, relax and strengthen the spine • GB-41 and TW-5 open the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) for which paraplegia is a symptom of dysfunction • GV-4 and CV-4 (+) warm and replenish Yang Qi (Finkelstein)

» combinations for paralysis as sequelae of brain trauma: • ear: shen men, dermis/subcortex (Huang, p. 56)

» combinations for paralysis of the face • St-2, St-4, LI-4, GB-14 and GB-20 (also consider: GV-26, jia cheng jiang, tai yang, St-7, St-7, St-36, St-44 and LI-19) for facial paralysis (Shanghai, p. 609); • qian zheng, St-4, GB-20 and GB-14 for facial paralysis (Shanghai, p. 156); • GB-14, St-2, St-4 and qian zheng for facial paralysis (Shanghai, p. 146); • St-2, St-4, UB-2 and TW-23 for facial paralysis (Shanghai, p. 148); • St-2, UB-2, GB-20 and LI-4 for facial paralysis (Shanghai, p. 152); • qian zheng, St-2, St-4, LI-19 and GB-14 for facial paralysis (Shanghai, p. 154); • St-2, UB-2, GB-20 and LI-4 for facial paralysis (Shanghai, p. 152).

» combinations for paralysis of the neck • UB-10, SI-17 and hua tuo jia ji of C2 to C6

» combinations for paralysis of the upper extremities • select bilateral hua tuo jia ji and bei shu of the injured vertebrae or similar loci 1-2 segments above and below vertebrae; use a medially directed insertion, ideally stimulating the spinal nerves (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 615) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with jing bi, ye ling, SI-9, etc. for brachial plexus (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with SI-9 for axillary nerve (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with SI-9, LI-11 and Lu-5 for radial nerve (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with PC-3 and PC-6 for median nerve (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with SI-8 and Ht-7 for ulnar nerve (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with nao shang, LI-15 and SI-12 for deltoid and supraspinutus, i.e., arm abducters (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with jian nei ling for anterior deltoid, coracobrachialis, i.e., muscles which lift the arm forward (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with UB-17, UB-19, SI-9 and TW-14 for latissimus dorsi, teres major, posterior deltoid, i.e., muscles which raise the arm backward (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with gong zhong for biceps brachii and brachialis, i.e., muscles which flex the lower arm at the elbow (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with ying shang for triceps brachii, i.e., muscles which extend the lower arm at the elbow (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with yin xia, TW-9, LI-10 and LI-8 for extensor carpii radialis and ulnaris, i.e., muscles which extend the wrist (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with bi zhong, PC-5 and Ht-4 for flexor carpii radialis and ulnaris, i.e., muscles which flex the wrist (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with LI-4 through to PC-8 for muscles which controls the fingers, esp. contracture of digital joints (Lee and Cheung, p. 308; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji of T5 to T7 (+) promote local flow of Xue (Blood) and Qi • GV-14, TW-14, GB-21, SI-9, LI-15, LI-11, LI-10, TW-5, LI-4 and shang ba xie (+): open channels in fingers and wrists

» combinations for paralysis of the abdomen and organs in the pelvic cavity • jia ji of T8 to T14 with CV-12, St-21, CV-6, St-30, St-25, St-27 and St-29 for paralysis of abdominal muscles; can add: CV-4, CV-10, Sp-16, Sp-15 and Sp-14 (Shanghai, p. 581) • CV-12, St-21, St-25, CV-6 and St-37 • UB-30, CV-3 and yin bian for disruption of bladder function (Lee and Cheung, p. 309; Shanghai, p. 615) • Sp-15, tong bian and TW-6 for disruption of rectal function (Lee and Cheung, p. 309; Shanghai, p. 615)

» combinations for paralysis of the lower extremities • GB-30 and GB-34 to treat hemiplegia and infantile paralysis in the lower limbs (Flaws, 1989, p. 100) • GB-39, and then St-38 for difficulty in moving the legs (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 134) • GB-41 and TW-5 open the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) for which paralysis of the legs is a symptom of dysfunction • select bilateral hua tuo jia ji and bei shu of the injured vertebrae or similar loci 1-2 segments above and below vertebrae • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with wai yin lian, Lv-11 and Sp-12 for femoral nerve (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with UB-49/54 and UB-51/37 for sciatic nerve (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with hou yang guan for common peroneal nerve (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with ling xia for superficial peroneal nerve (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with St-36 for deep peroneal nerve (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with UB-54/40 and UB-57 for tibial nerve (Lee and Cheung, p. 307; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with GB-27 and shu xi for psoas major and other hip flexors (Lee and Cheung, p. 308; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with UB-49/54 through to GB-30; UB-51/37 and zhi li for gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendonosus and other hip extensors (Lee and Cheung, p. 308; Shanghai, p. 614) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with tiao yue and other local points for hip abductors, i.e., gluteus medius and minimus (Lee and Cheung, p. 308; Shanghai, p. 615) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with jie jian, ji xia, Sp-11 and Lv-9 for hip adductors, i.e., gluteus medius and minimus (Lee and Cheung, p. 308; Shanghai, p. 615) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with St-32, mai bu, jian xi and ting xiang for quadriceps femoris and other knee extensors (Lee and Cheung, p. 308; Shanghai, p. 615) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with UB-51/37 and zhi li for biceps femoris, semitendonosus, semimembranosus and other knee flexors (Lee and Cheung, p. 308; Shanghai, p. 615) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with UB-55, UB-57 and luo di for gastrocnemius, soleus and other ankle flexors (Lee and Cheung, p. 308; Shanghai, p. 615) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with St-36, li shang and jing xia for tibialis anterior and other ankle extensors (Lee and Cheung, p. 308; Shanghai, p. 615) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with UB-57 and jiu wai fan #2 for posterior tibialis, flexor digitorum longus and other ankle inversors (Lee and Cheung, p. 308; Shanghai, p. 615) • hua tuo jia ji and bei shu with GB-34, jiu nei fan and GB-39 for peroneus longus, peroneus brevis and other ankle eversors (Lee and Cheung, p. 308; Shanghai, p. 615) • GV-4, GV-3 and hua tuo jia ji of L1 to L5 • UB-23, UB-31 to 34, UB-49/54, UB-51/37, UB-54/40, UB-57, UB-60, St-31, St-41, GB-30, GB-34, GB-39, Sp-9, Sp-6 and Kd-3, on affected side, clear Stagnation and regulate Xue (Blood) and Qi in leg channels

» combinations for postpoliomyelitis sequelae • GV-20, GV-16, GB-20, GV-14, UB-11, UB-12, GV-4, GV-3, LI-15, LI-11, PC-6, GB-30, St-36 and Sp-6 for acute stage of poliomyelitis (Lee and Cheung, p. 314; Shanghai, p. 583) • GB-20, GV-14, GV-7, UB-23, St-25, St-36, UB-10, GV-12, GV-4, UB-22, CV-6 and GB-34 for post-polio sequelae (Lee and Cheung, p. 314; Shanghai, p. 583) • GB-20, UB-11, GB-34 and "press points on spine with bamboo needle" (can also add: LI-4, TW-4, SI-4, GB-30, Kd-8, Kd-3 and UB-62) for paralysis in children, including poliomyelitis presenting as Wei syndrome in which the legs are weak and soft upon palpation, the lungs are hot and the bronchi dry, and the face is tinted white (Mann, p. 155) • GV-12, GB-20 and GB-30 (can also add: GB-34 and Sp-9) for paralysis in children, including poliomyelitis presenting as a Wind-Cold-Damp Bi syndrome in which the legs are stiff and hard upon palpation and the face is tinted blue-green (Mann, p. 156) • GV-14, GB-21, LI-15, LI-11, LI-4 for upper extremity paralysis of post-polio sequelae (Lee and Cheung, p. 317; Shanghai, p. 583) • GV-14, LI-15, TW-14, SI-9, LI-11, LI-10 and LI-4 (also consider jia ji of C5 through C7; SI-8, TW-5 and TW-10) for upper extremity paralysis of post-polio sequelae (Lee and Cheung, p. 313; Shanghai, p. 583) • St-7, St-6, qian zheng and LI-4 for facial paralysis of post-polio sequelae (Lee and Cheung, p. 313) • CV-12, St-21, St-25, CV-6 and St-37 for paralysis of abdominal muscles from post-polio sequelae (Lee and Cheung, p. 314) • GV-4, UB-23, GV-3, ba liao (bilateral UB-31, UB-32, UB-33, UB-34), GB-30, GB-31, GB-34, St-34, St-36, UB-57 and UB-62 for lower extremity paralysis of post-polio sequelae (Lee and Cheung, p. 318; Shanghai, p. 583) • GV-4, GV-3, hua tuo jia ji L1 to L5; on the affected side add: UB-31, UB-32, GB-30, UB-51/37, St-32, St-36 and GB-34 (also consider UB-49/54, jian xi, ling hou, UB-53/39, UB-54/40, nao qing and St-41 for lower extremity paralysis of post-polio sequelae (Lee and Cheung, p. 313; Shanghai, p. 580) • ear: corresponding area(s), shen men, adrenal, endocrine (Huang, p. 57)

Homeopathy
• Arnica montana: paralysis of extravasation of blood in brain, from concussion of spine or brain, of apoplexy; sore, bruised, everything on which he lies feels too hard • Conium: paralysis from periphery upward to spinal cord and medulla oblongata after concussion of spine; acute ascending spinal paralysis, painless lameness • Kali phosphoricum: paralytic lameness in back and extremities, < exertion, > motion; pain especially felt after rising from sitting or on beginning to move; softening of spinal cord with gradual deadening of nerves • Lathyrus sativus: reflexes always increased; spastic paralysis of lower extremities; excessive rigidity of legs; no atrophy; abductors more attacked than adductors; sensibility remaining intact or even hyperesthetic; affects lateral and anterior columns of cord • Magnesia phosphorica: neuralgia every night, but well during day; acute pains coming periodically, excruciating, spasmodic, extending to the ends of nerve fibers; drawing, constrictive kind of pain • Mezereum: cause is syphilis, herpes zoster; painful parts sensitive to pressure; severe, constant shaking, chill with anxiety and stitches in right side • Phosphorus: ascending sensory/motor paralysis; paralysis of spinal origin; tingling and formication in limbs, > from friction; heat in paralyzed part • Ranunculus bulbosus: sharp shooting pains about chest; chest feels sore, bruised; < from touch, motion or turning body • Zincum metallicum: neuralgic pains between skin and muscle in subcutaneous tissue; great weakness of all limbs; deficiency of vital power

Subtle Support
pain: • Mendelssohn's Spring Song • Meditation from Thais • Chopin's Preludes • On Wings of Song • Andante, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony • Adagio, Beethoven's Pathetique Symphony (Heline, p. 18)

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
• Fear; terror; escaping a situation or person; resistance. (Hay, 1984, p. 178)

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 and moistening of the sinews; and 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. Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) predisposes to Xue Yu (Blood Stasis). Liver Yin Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to the Shi (Excess) conditions of Liver Wind, Liver Yang Rising, and Liver Fire Blazing. » Liver Qi Stagnation reflects and accentuates emotional constraint as the Liver's function of facilitating smooth flow in the body is constricted. Stagnation is associated with frustration, irritability, tension, and feeling stuck. With time this pattern tends to produce a gloomy emotional state of constant resentment, repressed anger or depression, along with tightness in the chest, frequent sighing, abdominal tension or distension, and/or a feeling of a lump in the throat with difficulty in swallowing. (Maciocia, p. 216) Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) often begins with Qi Stagnation. » Liver Wind derives from Liver Yin Xu (Deficiency) and/or Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) and their subsequent inability to embrace the Yang, and can manifest as joint stiffness, dizziness, tremor, paralysis, convulsions, rashes, itching, and neurological problems. Wind can also be internalized after exposure to inclement, especially windy, weather and any concomitant influences of Damp, Cold, and/or Heat.

• Heart ~ Xin houses the Shen (Spirit) and reveals itself through the brightness in the eyes; governs Fire and Heat; rules the Xue (Blood) and its vessels and directs the circulation; opens into the tongue and controls speech; and relates to the integration of the organs and the personality. » Healthy expressions are warmth, vitality, excitement, inner peace, love, and joy. » Heart Xu (Deficiency) signs include sadness; absence of laughter; depression; fear; anxiety; shortness of breath (Seem, p. 28); cold feeling in the chest and limbs; palpitations; cold sweat; inability to speak; memory failure; nocturnal emissions; and restless sleep. » The Heart is the Emperor of the bodily realm so that when the Heart is disturbed all the other organs will be disrupted.

• Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion and manifests in the muscle tissues; transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); resolves Dampness and Phlegm; maintains upbearing; and relates to the ability to assimilate, stabilize, and feel centered and balanced. » Healthy expressions are fairness, openness, deep thinking, and reminiscence. » Spleen Xu (Deficiency) signs include slightness (deficient "form"); abundant elimination; morning fatigue; cold, wet feet (Seem, p. 28); abdomen taut and distended like a drum; craving for sweets; flatulence; nausea; mild edema; memory failure; heavy feeling in legs; pale lips; loose stools; muscular weakness; and, indirectly, obesity. Unresolved Spleen Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to Spleen Shi (Excess), particularly accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm, as the Spleen's functioning declines. The Heat produced by Liver Stagnation may then transform the Dampness into Damp-Heat. » The excessive use of the mind in thinking, studying, concentrating, and memorizing over a long period of time tends to weaken the Spleen and may lead to Xue Yu (Blood Stasis). This also includes excessive pensiveness and constant brooding. (Maciocia, p. 241) Likewise, inadequate physical exercise and excess consumption of sweet and Cold foods will also deplete the Spleen. Environmentally, the Spleen is highly susceptible to attack from external Dampness and Cold.

• Kidney ~ Shen stores Jing (Essence) and governs birth, growth, reproduction, development, and aging; houses the Zhi (Will); expresses ambition and focus; provides the "Fire of Life" through its Yang functions; provides the nourishing and stabilizing qualities of Yin and Water that balance the Yang and the Fiery qualities; produces the Marrow which generates the spinal cord and"fills up" the brain; nourishes the brain to sustain concentration, clear thinking, and memory; and displays the effects of sexual dissipation (especially excessive ejaculation), overwork, aging, 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. Often chronic anxiety may induce Xu (Deficiency) and then Fire within the Kidney. (Maciocia, p. 250) Overwork, parenting, simple aging, and a sedentary or excessively indulgent lifestyle all contribute significantly to Kidney Xu (Deficiency).