Lesson 3-2: Constitutional Model, Deficiency
MM admits to being a recovered cocaine and speed addict. He again makes the claim that everyone like to feel amped up on adrenaline. And again, I don't agree. But, he does say that we use substances to enhance our natural qualities. I'm laid back and witty by nature... I like to be physically relaxed but mentally sharp. I like two cups of coffee to wake up in the morning, but I hate the feeling of having had too much and getting jittery. So, I guess a glass of bourbon and a cigar works for me that way. It could definitely be dangerous to go too far in either direction.
"The first symptom of metabolic imbalance is usually increased central nervous system irritability and outer toxicity." People do things to give them an edge. It makes them cranky and sick, but they like feeling in control and successful. Such people resist being healthy, because they lose their edge. They don't want to be in balance. They just want to function at their normal, so they pop a pill for symptoms and won't make lifestyle/attitude changes. Herbs can be used to induce a type of balance, and imposed balance... nudging thing one way or another. Herbs are like helpers when we can't fix ourselves. An herb to stimulate liver function is never as good as the liver being healthy and strong, but it is better that chronic illness.
Oddly enough, MM includes pork in a vegan diet... I think that was a mental error. But, he "praises the lard" and butter, of which I am always a fan! He doesn't advocate radical dietary changes, but using better, healthier ingredients in the diet the person likes. "The best balance for a person is of a person's making. Lacking that we take the organ suppressed by stress and habit, stimulate them physiologically with herbs, and deflect life energy from those habits that are chronically hyperactive." Work with the person's nature "stealth medicine". Manipulation through inference.
Hard work and exercise increase capillaries. Increased peripheral circulation help keep blood pressure stable. Increased arterial flow into tissue - increased oxygen and glucose. Increases mitochondria. Mitochondria consume stored sugars. Increased appetite. More ATP. More energy. Any tissue stressed becomes stronger and dominant. Adrenergic organs can become dominant. I.E. Adrenaline stress slowing digestion.
... some good movie references. I, too enjoyed "Popeye"... saw "Das Boot" and "Lawnmower Man" in a film class, but a lovely Italian girl distracted me, "whispering sweet nothings" and all that... I wonder what became of her. Oh well.
Any ongoing condition is characterized by heat and inflammation. I think the point of what he says next is that acute problems with specific organs should be treated directly - "Heal the ulcer first"... "repeal the onion". I think he means, to treat the ulcer before focusing on the underlying issue that caused the ulcer. He says the exception is menstrual issues of double periods. Those, he treats with tonic herbs to strengthen the entire body, and that usually works to return the cycle to normal.
If the primary approach to a condition for a person, as an individual, can be treated with herbs, do it. If not, refer them to something that will work better. But, an herbalist can always strengthen their metabolism with tonic herbs. Systems get especially worn down and out of whack when people ignore sickness/injury and keep working hard, caring for others, etc. So, everyone who has been sick for a while needs a metabolic tonic.
Big discussion on acid and alkaline. Blood deals with acids. Liver and spleen clean up the blood at while you sleep. If you don't sleep you can get acidosis. That is why meth makes your teeth fall out - body takes calcium from the jaw to buffer acid if the person doesn't get enough sleep. Eating too much right before going to bed also interferes with the liver's function.
I need to sleep more. I've always had trouble turning my conscious mind off.
"Don't consume food that resemble waste products in your own body", specifically processed, artificial foods, preserved rancid fats. Sickness causes increased waste in blood. Auto-toxicity.
Here is the link to the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine Course
https://www.swsbm.com/school/
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