The Impact of Toxic Heat
Toxic
Heat creates the initial flu-like symptoms that for many people
accompany initial exposure to HIV. And as the Toxic Heat moves more
deeply into all systems of the body, it triggers a whole variety of
common HIV-related symptoms: Pruritis (chronic itching), sore throats,
increase in body temperature, feeling like you always have a fever even
if one is not present, a nagging sensation that something toxic is
present in the body.
Toxic
Heat is also responsible for the cascade of Organ System disharmonies
in the Spleen and Stomach, Kidney and Liver, which contribute to the
major complication associated with HIV infection, wasting. (For detailed
information on nutritional management and therapy see the Diet Therapy
chapter beginning on page? and the three-part Wasting Program: The Daily
Diary; The Cleansing Diet; the Anti-Wasting Program in The HIV Wellness
Sourcebook.)
Role of the Spleen and Stomach Systems in the Progression from HIV to AIDS
The
Spleen and Stomach Systems govern the digestive process, transforming
food energy and fluid into Qi and Xue (blood). As a result the Spleen
and Stomach moisten and nurture all the other Organ Systems and
channels.
When
Toxic Heat disrupts the Spleen and Stomach Systems, it triggers
symptoms that are associated with the very early stages of HIV
infection. These symptoms include:
- fatigue
- inability to gain weight no matter how much is eaten
- stools
- bloating, gas and flatulence and/or dull pain in the abdomen
- needing to take naps after meals
- Frequent infections.
In
addition, symptoms of early stage HIV infection, such as dry skin and
lips, set in when the flow of fluids and food essence from the Spleen
and Stomach to the Lungs, is disrupted. Often dryness in one area,
triggers dampness in another: Spleen Qi deficiency with dampness
manifests in early neuropathy (a numbness or tingling sensation often in
the hands or feet, lymphadenopathy (swelling and inflammation of the
lymph nodes), vaginal candidiasis (yeast) infections, more serious loose
stools and/or bloating. Spleen-related diarrhea is prevalent with loose
stools and abdominal bloating after eating. Skin rashes, commonly
associated with early-stage HIV infection, are a result of Spleen Qi
deficiency and Lung disharmonies interacting with the essential
substances.
Spleen
Qi deficiency also causes deficient Xue (blood). Once this sets in, the
door is opened to allow Toxic Heat to enter the depleted blood and
penetrate ever deeper into the body. The body then moves into more
advanced stages of HIV/AIDS. If unchecked, an increasing depletion of
the fluids of the Spleen (the Spleen's Yin aspect) leads to overall Yin
deficiency, which in turn can lead to Yang depletion.
Although
today the combination of Western and Chinese therapies can arrest (for
some period of time) the progression of HIV infection to end-stage AIDS
for many people, when the cascade of Spleen-Stomach triggered disorders
causes overall Yin deficiency and Yang depletion, wasting becomes
severe. Diarrhea stops. The skin becomes drier and drier. Thirst is
unquenchable. Fevers spike every afternoon and often in the evenings.
The pulse is rapid, thready and superficial. This is a terminal stage of
HIV disease. (ED: Yes it is called HIV disease.) Acupuncture and herbs
are used to support the Shen (spirit) and the passing over to a new
phase of existence.
Associated Disharmonies and Opportunistic Infections
Toxic
Heat and the Spleen-Stomach disharmonies weaken the body's overall
resistance to assault from both internal and external disease factors
and allow other organ systems to become involved. This leads to the
development of HIV-related disorders and opportunistic infections. For
example, if Toxic heat assaults the Lungs, PCP (Pneumocystis Carinii
pneumonia) may develop. Xue disharmonies are associated with Kaposi's
sarcoma (a proliferative, circulatory cell disease that causes skin
lesions); dampness is associated with candidiasis (yeast infections) and
fungal invasions; Yin deficiency and Xue deficiency are associated with
MAC (Mycobacterium Avian Complex) ; dampness and Spleen and Lung
disharmonies may manifest as chronic sinusitis; disturbed Shen that is
associated with mental disturbances that accompany HIV/AIDS; and many
more.
Each
of these syndromes is detailed in the individual treatment programs in
the last section of the book. However, I wanted to make the point here
that looking at HIV disease as an assault by Toxic Heat that starts with
damage to the Spleen and Stomach, and moves on to include other organ
systems and Essential Substances, provides a concise method of
describing, diagnosing and treating the whole constellation of
HIV-related diseases.
