By: Lawrence Michail
Everything on the Physical plane is a
manifestation of something on the Metaphysical plane. When we speak of
abundance, what we are really talking about is an abundance of emotional,
mental and spiritual energy. We fill ourselves to the brim with these energies
and it is the overflow that is manifest on the physical plane.
The signs and symptoms that are apparent on
the Physical plane lead us to inquire, ultimately, more deeply into ourselves
as energetic and spiritual beings.
We tend not to worry too much about this sort
of thing when our body is working well, we are not feeling pain, or we are not
in the throes of some chronic disease. But when our body feels pain or becomes
disabled by disease or accident we tend to start reaching out for answers. We
want to know why. Or maybe we don’t even want to know why we just want to fix
something we perceive is broken.
Realistically, when our body refuses to do
what we want it to, metaphysically, it is not actually broken. It is doing its
job. One of its functions is to carry messages from the higher energetic planes
to us. It is then up to us to interpret these messages and take action.
Western medicine takes the position that we
feel pain because we can. Western approaches to pain, as the main symptom of
any disease, are pretty much limited to drugs and surgery. Treatment consists
of numbing or diverting pain receptors in the body or cutting off the offending
organ. While this approach does have its place in acute situations, it is at
best a temporary and often harmful way to approach pain or other disharmonies
we feel in our bodies. Most often, western medicine has little to offer most of
us and incredibly makes us wait until our symptoms become unbearably acute
before it can even acknowledge a disharmony.
The trend today, as much for economic
reasons, as for reasons of spirit and human development is to encourage people
to take responsibility for their own lives. This is the approach of ancient
wisdom. We use our bodies to communicate with our selves and with others. We
use our bodies to work out emotional, mental and spiritual questions. While we
do tend to judge a diseased body negatively, there really is no right or wrong
about it.
The ancient Taoists theorized that good and
bad, right and wrong, yin and yang, were just different points of view that we
all adopt at one time or another. Because the earth plane is dualistic in
nature we all view, at one time or another from both the Yin and the Yang ends
of the telescope. There does not seem to be a point in judging one good and one
bad or judging one good and one evil. These just are the symptoms of being
human.
Still, there is such a thing as being well,
and there is such a thing as being sick. When we get sick we tend to want to do
something about it.
Enter the healer.
A healer is trained in the observation and
interpretation of signs and symptoms, and in methods for dealing with them.
Wholistic Healing of the individual occurs at
different energetic levels. These are the physical, emotional, mental and
spiritual levels. For those on the path, there are a great many more levels and
sublevels identified in various cultural, religious and philosophical
traditions. But for our purposes we can look at the individual in these four
broad realms to at least begin the process of healing.
Healing by the way occurs not only at the
individual level, but also at the family, community and global level. When one
heals ‘mindfully’, as the Buddhists say, these other aspects of individual
healing may become apparent.
There are healers operating today at all
these levels. Still, a good place to begin is in the individual body. With this
in mind, the following is a list of physical symptoms and the metaphysical
disharmonies they may reflect.
Louise Hay, in her book, ‘You Can Heal Your Life,’ has done some interesting work in this area. I use her book occasionally
in my Reiki II work. Other references are; Traditional Chinese Medicine
diagnostic principals, my own Reiki teacher, Denise Crundall, and my own
experience.
Please note that these are only general
observations, serving hopefully to illuminate areas that you can look at more
closely in yourself or with the help of a healer. You are the one who knows you
best. As you go through these observations, try to expand your awareness beyond
your own life to see also how these disharmonies are reflected in your own
family, community, country and in the world. Ultimately it is our own choice to
heal or not to heal and it is our own innate healing ability that is activated.
Head
Headaches; Pain always indicates a separation of some sort from something. Usually
we say separation from what is the Truth. The greater the pain the more
important that something is. Depending on which part of the head is afflicted
the meaning changes. Louise Hay suggests that Headaches indicate invalidating
the Self out of Fear. In Chinese Medicine there are several different kinds of
headaches according to the quality of the pain and the location on the head.
Read on.
Vertex; The top of the head is associated with our connection to the Universe
or God. Pain here is associated with separation from that higher power. It is
also associated with the Kidneys and the emotion is Fear. Both the Gallbladder
and Urinary Bladder channels traverse the top of the head. The Gallbladder is
associated with Courage, and the Urinary Bladder through its associate with the
Kidneys is associated with Fear. Du 20 (Baihui) located at the top of the head
is used extensively to ‘calm the spirit’ in Chinese Medicine.
Forehead; The forehead is associated with the 3rd eye, both in Chakra Theory and
Traditional Chinese Medical theory. The 3rd eye is associated with
introspection and illumination of your own Inner Being. Pain here is associated
with separation from your own Inner Being. In Chinese Medicine, Yintang, which
is located midway between the inner ends of the eyebrows, Du 23 (Shangxing), Du
24 ( Shenting) which are located at the hairline directly above Yintang and Du
20 (Baihui) located at the top of the head, all have the action of ‘calming the
spirit.’ Yintang is associated with the eyes; not only the eyes that
look outward but the eyes that look inward and is indicated in some emotional
disorders.
Temporal; The sides of the head are associated with courage, especially courage
to face your world. Migraine Headaches, usually located in the front quadrants,
right or left, indicates a separation from your world. The involvement of the
eyes in Migraines indicate not only an unwillingness to look without, but to
look within. Most Migraine sufferers report, not only severe pain behind the
eye, but also acute sensitivity to light. In Chinese Medicine, a number of
Meridians run through this area. The Gallbladder Channel is associated with
courage. The San Jiao channel is involved with processing of water (the elixir
of Life), and the Small Intestine Channel is involved with deriving nourishment
from the world. Both the San Jiao Channel and the Small Intestine Channel are
connected to the Heart, whose emotion is Joy and where the Mind is located.
Lack of Joy (with one’s self) is strongly indicated by pain in this area. There
is also Anger indicated by the Gallbladder channel’s link with the Liver.
Occipital; The back of the head represents your past. Some say also this is an
area of spirituality. Pain here represents something in your past that is not
complete and remains unforgiven. The back of the head is traversed by the
Gallbladder Channel and the Urinary Bladder Channels indicating Anger born of
Fear. The Back of the Head is thought to be the seat of Spiritual Experiences.
The only way to see them is through inner sight. Pain in the back of the head
represents an unwillingness to look deep within for the source of Light &
Truth.
Back
Spine; The Spine Represents the support you think you have in Life and your
alignment with those supportive forces. Curved spine, or Scoliosis represents a
misalignment with Life. Spasms represent an unwillingness to accept the support
that is there.
Shoulders; Shoulders represent burdens and responsibilities. Frozen Shoulder for
example represents a complete unwillingness to shoulder your responsibilities
in Life, especially your own Life. Pain and dysfunction to varying degrees
represents varying degrees of unwillingness to be responsible. Moving forward
in Life sometimes requires that you ‘put your shoulder to the wheel’ to
overcome inertia. the Gallbladder channel traverses the shoulders and indicates
Courage ( or lack of…).
The back, in Chinese Medicine, is considered
to be your Yang side; the active, aggressive, lighted side. The back also
represents that which is behind you. Very often we do not see clearly that
which is behind us. Back problems generally represent conflict between the urge
to move forward and the inertia of an unforgiven past that holds us back. This
tension very often separates us from both and pain is the result. Louse Hay
suggests that backs generally represent support.
Mid back; The mid back is the link between the shoulder and the lower back. It
can be a weak link. As we firm up our shoulders and become willing to take on
the responsibilities of Life, and we have gathered around us the financial and
emotional support we need (lower back), something sneaks up and stabs us in the
back. This is a blind spot. Not only can we not see it, but is very difficult
to reach. The weak link crumbles. It is the saboteur or seducer that takes us
off our path. Located in this area are the Tonification points (called ‘Shu’
points) for the Liver, the Stomach, and the Spleen. These organs are
responsible for the transformation and transportation of Qi, and the free flow
of Qi in the body. Blockages here affect the entire body and can stop you dead
in your tracks. The Spleen represents Worry or Overthinking and the Liver
represents Anger or base emotions. Both of these can sabotage even the best
laid plans. Louse Hay suggests that the mid-back represents Guilt and stuck in
the past stuff.
Lower Back; The Lower Back represents support; financial support, emotional support
of family and friends, and support of God or the Universe. The Kidneys are
located in this area and Kidney dysfunction results in Fear/Fright/Phobias. A
sore lower back may indicate that we have taken on more than we think we can
handle. This is a dysfunction, only if it is not the Truth. If we have indeed
taken on too much, that would be indicated by a physical trauma to the back and
all we need to do is lighten the load. Chronic low back ache, though, not
associated with any trauma is the one with the Metaphysical application, and
the one related to Kidney depletion. Kidneys are considered to have a central
function relative to other organs since it is where Yuan Qi or our Primary
Essence is stored. Yuan Qi is also known as Primary Qi or Congenital Qi. It is
the Qi you are born with and determines your relative strength in the world. It
is considered to be quite difficult to strengthen an already weak Yuan Qi, but
it can be done. Low back pain is often diminished by strengthening the Kidneys.
In short, Low back pain, generally refers to a lack of trust in the Universe to
protect and support. Louise Hay suggests Fear of money is indicated.
Coccyx; The Coccyx/Sacrum is the seat of Self-pity. There is a fear of asking
for help. One would rather sit and feel sorry for one’s self than get of one’s
ass and do something.
Legs
Hips; Hips represent decisions in Life, especially decisions about moving
forward. Pain in the hips is a sign of being ‘stuck’, unable to make a
decision, or see clearly what is needed to be done next. The process of walking
requires that we first thrust the hip forward and the leg etc. follows. This is
actually, an act of faith on our part, since we are quite literally initiating
a fall to the ground and trusting that our legs will save us. The Gallbladder
Channel traverses the hip which again represents Courage and confidence to move
forward. Louise Hay suggests that hip problems represent fear of going forward with
major decisions. Hips represent the idea that the next step in your life is
important. Pain or discomfort advises you to slow down or stop, look around,
buy a map, or ask someone for directions.
Upper Thighs; Thighs are the link between the Hips & decisions, and the Knees
& pride. Very often, when we have made a decision and take the next step,
Pride gets in the way. “What if I look stupid? What if it’s not right? What if
it doesn’t work out?” Our knees lock up or turn to jelly, and we are prevented
from moving forward. The pain that begins in the Hips and shoots down the Thigh
(Sciatic Nerve), is the separation from our desire and decision to move forward
and our Fear of falling flat on our ass. Louse Hay suggests that Upper Thigh
problems represent retaining childhood trauma.
Knees; Knees represent Pride. In spiritual practice it is suggested that one
must go down before one can rise up, as Jesus did before John the Baptist,
before taking up his own ministry. Pride or Ego keeps us from surrendering to
the Will of God or the Universe. In practice, every time we move forward in
Life or approach change, we approach the unknown. We may feel vulnerable or
unsure. We may stand still, stiff kneed resisting the winds of change. It is
interesting to note that stiff, sore knees are a symptom of Kidney deficiency,
whose emotion is Fear. Rather than admit our fear, we resist it until it
overwhelms us. While knees represent Pride, and it is said that ‘Pride goes
before the fall’, knees can also represent Humility which is the wisdom to be
yielding in the face of change.
Briefly, Knee problems may be said to
indicate being stuck in the Ego, too proud to bend. Louise Hay also suggests
that Knees represent Pride and the Ego.
Shins; The Shins represent another weak link. Although the Shins are mostly
bone, the hardest substance in the body, the Shins are actually quite sensitive
and brittle. A slight whack on the Shins is not only painful, it weakens the
entire body and stops it cold. When we have organized ourselves to move
forward, to take the next step towards the goal we have set, and are in the
process of taking it, something comes along and sends you tumbling. It is
something we trip over because we don’t see it, even though it is right there
in front of us. In ancient times the shin pads that worriers wore were called
greaves. Very often what trips us up is something, the loss of which we haven’t
properly grieved. Moving forward always means something gets left behind.
Interesting to note is that the three Yin channels of the foot all criss cross
at Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao), representing a confluence of Worry, Anger, and Fear.
Moving forward is often marked by a jumble of emotional responses which need to
be sorted out, especially if we are resisting it. Louise Hay suggests that
problems are fear of the future; not wanting to move ahead.
Ankles; Ankles represent flexibility, which is important as one navigates the
twists and turns of Life. Stiff, painful ankles means that change is difficult
for you. Maybe you are one who digs in your heels and resists moving forward.
The more Life forces change upon you, the deeper you dig in. A broken ankle is
a good sign to develop some flexibility in your Life. Louise Hay suggests that
ankles represent mobility and direction.
Feet; Our feet represent our connection with Mother Earth. Sore, swollen, numb
or painful feet represent the state of our relation with our Mother. Mother
Earth, and our base energies. While it is legs that carry us forward into Life,
it is the feet that actually make contact with the ground and can stop any
advance, or at least make it difficult. In modern society with its asphalt,
concrete and High Rises, we lose touch with the Earth and its energies. This
may be reflected in our relationship to the one who gave birth to us.
Separation can cause real pain.
All the Leg Yin & Yang channels meet and
flow into each other in the toes. This is an area of high energy and strong
effect on the body. This is an area where strong energies are in transition, so
our contact with Mothers, Mother Earth and our base energies is always
ambivalent. We want to draw closer to that love, but at the same time move away
on our own course.
In my experience, the feet often store toxic
energies (as often to do with grief or resentments as not), as far away from
the Heart as possible. This means, in the feet. Often, these are issues that go
all the way back to childhood. Lacking the tools to effectively release grief
or resentment the body stores it, like it stores fat. Over time, more and more
toxic energies are stored here and fill up the receptacle. In many cases, the
entire leg can become involved and the waste starts leaking back into the
system. This is a very serious situation indeed, that can lead to amputations,
blood disorders and even death, as the body struggles to protect the Heart.
Metaphysically, it becomes clear that the space you are standing in is painful.
The key is to move on. Stop dwelling on the past, release or transform whatever
it is that keeps you emotionally standing still. Louise Hay suggests that feet
represent our understanding of ourselves, of Life, and others, and toes
represent minor details of the future.
Throat; The Throat represents our Will, and our ability to communicate, both
with others and with ourselves. Sore throats, lumps in the throat, tumours all
represent difficulties in saying what we want to say. Lumps, both physical
tumours and those that are non-manifest (Hystericus Globus) are our willful
attempts to block free expression of emotion and of our identity. The Throat is
another one of those weak links that can seduce or sabotage you from your path.
The Throat is the channel between the Head and the Heart. In Chinese Medicine
it is said the Heart houses the Mind, especially in its connection with the
emotion of Joy and the expression of Love for ourselves and for others. Have
you ever had a great idea, gotten your body motivated, put your Heart into it,
only to say something completely stupid which makes a mess of things? Have you
ever felt the urge to say something complimentary and suppressed it? Have you
ever just blurted out something that just seemed to by-pass the brain? How
often does a careless or ill chosen word create havoc in your Life? Where this
comes from is all the things you have not said over the years that get stuck in
the throat, needing to get out, and out they come, one way or the other.
All emotions are designed to be expressed,
even the ones we judge to be negative and especially the ones we judge to be
positive. Louise Hay calls the the Throat an avenue of expression and a channel
of creativity. Problems indicate an inability to speak up for one’s self,
swallowed anger , stifled creativity and refusal to change. Thyroid problems
indicate difficulty in analyzing, digesting and assimilating the communication
between the Head and the Heart.
Chest/Breasts; The chest area represents the Feminine principal of nurturing and
nourishing the connection with the ‘breath of Life’ as it flows through the
Lungs. In men, pain or discomfort, not associated with any organ or vessel
represents a disconnection from the Feminine principal. Breast envy, may exist
in men; the desire to connect with the feminine side, the same way penis envy
is said to exist in women; the desire to connect with the masculine side. In
Chinese Medicine, the front is considered Yin. The chest is the confluence of
the three most important kinds of Qi, that nourish the body; Zhong Qi, from the
Lungs, Jing Qi, from the Spleen, and Yuan Qi from the Kidneys. Breast problems
represents a denial of the Mother/feminine principal to nourish the self and to
nourish others. Louise Hay suggest also that the breasts represent mothering
and nurturing. Cysts, lumps etc. represents over mothering.
Solar Plexus; Is said to the be the seat of the Ego and Individuation. Some call this
the Negative Ego. In general this area represents the conflicts in your life.
Pain or discomfort in the Diaphragm area represents unresolved conflicts. In
Chinese Medicine, pain in this area indicates Liver Qi Stagnation, usually
associated with Anger.
Stomach; The stomach represents digestion, not only of food and physical
nutrients, but of new ideas, new ways of doing things, and accepting change of
any kind. The Stomach is nothing more than a big flexible bag of muscle whose
job it is to ripen and rot whatever is put into it. That is, its job is to
break down what is put into it into a form that the body can deal with. This it
does by adding Hydrochloric Acid, Hormones, Enzymes and Bile which reduces
every sold morsel into an undifferentiated mass called Chyme. Simultaneously it
rocks back and forth swishing and swilling this mess until it is liquefied and
able to pass through the small Pyloric Valve into the Small Intestine where the
actual absorption of nutrients mostly takes place. Metaphysically, when we come
upon a new idea or a new way of doing things, the process is similar. First we
must swallow the idea, either whole or in handy bite sized morsels, break it
down into a form we can handle and finally absorb that which we need to nourish
ourselves. In the same way that a bad diet poisons the body, toxic ideas,
suppressed emotions and resistance to change can have a poisoning effect. In
traditional Chinese Medicine, long standing emotional disharmony is seen as a
primary cause of disease. Strengthening the Spleen/Stomach which between them
are responsible for transforming food and water into Qi, and transporting it
throughout the body, is seen as a key strategy to deal with almost any disease.
Metaphysically we need to nourish ourselves every day, just as we need to eat
nourishing foods. Just as the physical body needs nourishment to grow and carry
on its day to day activities, so do the Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual
bodies. Metaphysically, ‘wellness’ is not accomplished by a change in diet
alone. Louise Hay suggests that the stomach holds nourishment, digests ideas.
Problems indicate dread, fear of the new, and an inability to assimilate the
new.
