. . . continued from last issue
Spasms along with extreme nervous tension are characteristic of the sycotic affection. All of the eliminative processes of the body are instigated and controlled by rhythmical, nervous impulses, as for example the peristaltic motion of the intestines. The energy behind this rhythm is apana vayu. When apana is in excess, as it is in the sycotic constitution, the signals from apana that are transmitted to the autonomic nervous system will likewise be in excess. Thus there will be extreme nervous tension, another characteristic of sycosis. As a result the nervous impulses transmitted to the organs become erratic and irregular, and the normal rhythmic movement of the muscular tissues receiving such innervation will become disturbed and will be experienced as spasms. Such spasms result from disturbed peristalsis, which manifests as colic, another general characteristic of sycosis. The marked irritability that usually accompanies such colic is a sign that the severe nervous tension has extended inward to irritate the mind.
The rheumatic diathesis in response to dampness and cold is another characteristic of the sycotic patient and they may experience vague transient rheumatic muscular pains, stiffness, soreness and lameness. Any attempt to suppress these early rheumatic symptoms may eventually terminate in rheumatoid arthritis. This rheumatic, spasmodic tendency also expresses through the female reproductive system and menstruation. When the rheumatic diathesis has chosen the uterus as its outlet for releasing the excessive apanic energy, the patient may complain of intermittent flow of the menses due to spasmodic contractions of the uterus, which is likewise responsible for menstrual colic. The cleansing process of menstruation provides an outlet for the release of the excess apana. The sycotic menstrual flow is not necessarily profuse, but the spasmodic nature of the flow is more characteristic. Once menopause has occurred, this outlet for apana is closed and the excessive energy will have to seek out an alternate mode of expression. This is the reason why a woman with a sycotic constitution suffers from muscular rheumatic pains, backache, cervical spondylosis, or aching in the extremities between the menstrual periods.
The spasmodic nature manifests in many different symptoms through the various structures that are principally derived from mesoderm. Muscle fibers, connective tissue, joints and synovial membrane are all derivatives of mesoderm. Justifiably then the spasmodic process will shift to these structures when inhibited from expressing through the genitourinary system. This is why rheumatoid arthritis has as one of its etiological factors suppression of menses, abortion, pregnancy and menopause.
Another hallmark of sycosis is congestion that evolves into the secondary stage as local inflammatory processes and in the tertiary stage as deformities, cystic degenerations or abscesses. The primary tendencies to congestion and spasms, if not treated with the appropriate constitutional remedy in the stage of latency, will progress to more serious complications that we can refer to as secondary sycosis.
to be continued….
Dr. Babara Bova, HOD, Dept of Homeopathy