(continuation of pseudo-psora)
You may recall in the discussion of the different functions of prana that since vyana is responsible for the diffusion of fluids throughout the body, the circulatory and lymphatic systems are under its special domain. When the destructive process has gone as far as it has in the tubercular diathesis, not only is the functional aspect of circulation adversely affected, but the structures that are responsible for carrying the blood throughout the body are likewise affected. The muscular walls of the blood vessels become flabby and abnormally dilated and thus become visible through the skin. Because of the dilatation they are not able to properly conduct the blood, resulting in stasis and congestive states. The lymphatics are also similarly affected. Due to the consequent stasis, waste products clog up the lymph glands causing lyphadenopathy, sometimes with formation of pus cavities and abscesses. In addition, the flabbiness and laxity of muscular tissue that result from an inadequate force of vyana to maintain proper muscle tension, can lead to the appearance of hernias, which are common manifestations of the tubercular constitution.
Scrofula: A condition that is very similar and often considered to be synonymous with pseudo psora is scrofula. If we examine the subtle aspects of pranic functioning, we may be able to detect the subtle differences between these two conditions. It is possible that in scrofula there is a tendency for the deficiencyof vyana to particularly affect lymphatic tissue. The lymphadenopathy of scrofula is the result of the stasis and flabbiness of the lymphatic system, as produced by deficient vyana. As more wastes accumulate, the organism resorts to extreme means to rid itself of them. The degenerative condition of tuberculosis is one of these means and the tubercle bacilli are products of this condition. The non-healing tubercular ulcer is characteristic of the inability of the tubercular constitution to heal itself.
Without the proper direction from vyana, the system is not able to assimilate those elements that are necessary for growth. This defect in assimilation is also a result of much of the force of samana being directed toward destructive processes, with little remaining for the process of assimilation. In the tubercular diathesis, therefore, we see the loss of the ability to assimilate essential nutrients for growth and normal cell division, especially the tissue salts, limes and silicates needed for proper bone growth. Instead these nutrients get sidetracked to form excess adipose tissue. And so we often see in these patients , particularly in children, who are in the process of growing, cravings for chalk, lime, salt, soil and other indigestible substances.
If proper assimilation is not taking place, the body will become deficient in the essential nutrients such as proteins. One of the characteristic symptoms of the tubercular diathesis, cravings for meat and eggs, may be explained by a protein deficiency that has resulted from inadequate assimilation.
Dr. Barbara Bova, HOD, Department of Homeopathy