1. Patricia Kyritsi Howell, RH (AHG)

2. Adrenaline or noradrenalin released into the blood stream Immediate response “fight or flight” Adrenal response (central medulla) Increased heart rate, blood pressure, surface constriction of blood vessels, blood moves to muscles, liver releases stored glucose Coping strategy activated Strategy is successful, “fight or flight” response subsides, anxiety and fear dissipate Strategy fails & stress levels continue or increase Anxiety Fear

3. Strategy fails, stress levels continue or increases Adrenal cortex becomes involved in stress reaction Anterior pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Stress, anxiety with depression, and withdrawal. Overall reduced ability to cope with stress Damaging physiological effect of continue release of hormones by adrenals and pituitary glands Increased levels of inflammation throughout the body Lowered levels of immune response Stage is set for the development of illness and disease Fear, sense of impending doom, fears about the future,

5. Fire Element or Heart/Small Intestine Radiates the outward expression of life force (Qi) through the personality. Suffuses the physical body with conscious awareness. Collects and interprets sensual experience Assimilates the vital essence of emotional experience Decodes and generates symbolic communication. Initiates and monitors the flow of intra-cellular communication. Distributes warmth to all parts of the body. Provides the continuous flow of Blood throughout the body. Stores the Shen.

6. Characteristics of Healthy Fire: Passionate engagement with life. Expressive personality characterized by warmth, affection and good humor. Able to articulate thoughts, feelings and desires, especially joy and sorrow. Sensual appreciation of the physical world. Attracted to beauty, honesty and truth. Spiritually and emotionally aware. Rhythmic, steady cardiac function. Even circulation of blood and nerve sensations throughout the body. Restful sleep and good dreams.

7. Physical Symptoms of Fire Imbalance Cardio-vascular problems such as heart palpitations, arrhythmia, angina, heart weakness, high or low blood pressure, and poor circulation. Numbness in the extremities. Excessive heat with profuse perspiration, flushed complexion and rapid pulse or, excessive cold with cold hands and feet, cool, clammy skin, pale or ashen complexion and exhaustion. Speech problems: stuttering, muteness, speech impediments, constrained voice, general inability to control the tongue. Sleep problems: disturbing dreams, being jolted awake, nightmares, restless sleep and sleepwalking. Chronic problems with vertigo, dizziness and light-headedness. Tongue color is scarlet at the tip or purple at the center. Lack of libido. Physical exhaustion. ­­­

8. Emotional Symptoms of Fire Imbalance Depression characterized by the inability to experience or express joy. Emotionally flat and unresponsive or cold and withdrawn. Poor concentration, easily distracted and forgetful. Unable to articulate emotions, ideas or abstract concepts. Emotionally insecure or unstable. Lack of spontaneity and creativity. Manic behavior. Inappropriate, loud or excessive laughter. Lacks a sense of humor. Signs of mental illness: irrational thoughts, hallucinations, hysteria, delirium, or psychosis.

9. Duties: Maintains the storehouse of vital essence (Jing) and reserves. Sets the rhythm for growth and maturation (genetic potential). Responsible for creating, storing, protecting and circulating Qi. Responsible for generating the essential fluids (Blood). Provides the innate wisdom that governs immunity. Source of the instinct to create, procreate and survive.

10. Characteristics of Healthy Water: Fully present in the moment. Aware of the lessons of the past and hopeful about the future. Healthy expression of curiosity, wonder, and intellect. Spiritually inclined. Able to use spiritual beliefs to explain, understand and cope with life. Visionary and creative. Able to move at will from rest to action and back again. Plenty of reserves for times of stress and illness. Strong bones and teeth. Thick, abundant head and pubic hair. Adequate moisture and fluids. Hearing, vision and memory are good. Excellent endocrine and immune system function.

11. Physical Symptoms of Water Imbalance: Congenital health problems and constitutional weakness. Poor immune function. Problems with sexual maturation and the reproductive system. General signs of premature aging. Hair loss, poor memory, diminished vision and hearing, weakened immunity, and lack of vitality. Endocrine system problems. Adrenal insufficiency, hypo or hyperthyroidism, blood sugar imbalances, hormonal irregularities, etc. Physical inflexibility. Stiff or rigid posture. Arthritic or rheumatic conditions. Jerky movements. Joint problems. Sensations of coldness in the hands, feet, and low back.

12. Physical Symptoms of Water Imbalance: Urinary tract problems: Incontinence, frequent urination, prostatitis, kidney stones, frequent bladder infections. Edema, especially in the lower part of the body. Low libido. Impotence. Infertility. Amenorrhea (lack of menses). Dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus. Low vitality, lack of stamina. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

13. Emotional Symptoms of Water Imbalance Fearful of change and the unknown. Mental inflexibility. Depression with hopelessness. Gloomy disposition. Lack of motivation and will power. No interest in food or other sources of nourishment. Cynicism and pessimism. Paranoid, fanatical. Forceful and defiant in the face of fear. Insecurity masked by aggressive or belligerent behavior. Obsessed with sex. Poor memory. Hypochondriac tendencies. Low self-confidence. Absent-minded and self-absorbed.

14. Therapeutic Strategies for Restoring Water Adaptogenic herbs, Kidney Yin and Yang tonics and nervines for long term use. Hepatics to support Wood and allow Kidney Yin to be restored. Support all other organ networks as needed to allow Kidney Yin to be restored. Improve digestion, sleep and elimination as needed. Assess diet to emphasize nourishing whole foods. Learn to use immune stimulating herbs to treat opportunistic infections. Create appropriate schedules to allow adequate balance between rest and activity. Practice stress reduction techniques and reduce or eliminate sources of on- going stress.

15. Therapeutic Strategies for Balancing Fire Cardio-vascular tonics and circulatory herbs to support heart function and circulation. Nervine tonics and adaptogenic herbs to support the nervous system and help recover from the impact of shock and stress. Kidney Yin tonics and hepatic tonics as needed to support and regulate the heart. Protection from harshness. Avoid television, print and electronic media, exposure to violent images and situations, over-stimulation, abusive treatment, loud noises, etc. Assess diet for sufficient levels of calcium and magnesium, appropriate use of hot or stimulating foods and spices, over-consumption of alcohol and other drying substances, and excessive amounts of cold or processed (mucus producing) foods. Increase consumption of cooling and moistening foods and beverages as needed. Spend time each day in nature immersed in the color green listening to the sounds generated by the elements. Develop a spiritual practice that fosters contemplation, reflection and gratitude. Engage the senses through artistic expression or appreciation. Listen to music, dance, sing, draw, garden, pick flowers, cook, make love, read poetry, visit an art exhibit, etc. Laugh, especially with others.

16. Nervine tonics Nervine relaxants Nervine stimulants Sedative Hypnotic Antispasmodic Analgesic Anti-depressant Adaptogenic Hepatic

17. Chamomile Linden Hops Kava Kava Passionflower Skullcap St. John’s Wort Valerian Wild Oat

18. Bacopa Gotu Kola Skullcap St. John’s Wort Wild Oat

19. Blue Vervain Chamomile Dandelion (!) Motherwort Skullcap

20. Ashwaganda Bacopa Ginseng, American and Asian Holy Basil Reishi Mushroom Rhodiola

21. Ashwaganda Ginseng Hawthorn Holy Basil Mimosa Motherwort Reishi Mushroom

22. Bacopa Blue Vervain Dandelion Ginseng Holy Basil Lemon Balm Mimosa Rhodiola Rosemary Sage St. John’s Wort

23. Chamomile Indian Pipe Kava Kava Passionflower Rosemary Skullcap St. John’s Wort Valerian

24. Calming adaptogen. Anxiety with hypertension and palpitations. Stress induced ulcers Insomnia Impotence (with exhaustion) Chronic inflammatory disease: osteo/rheumatoid arthritis, MS, asthma, lupus, etc. Deficiency symptoms: fatigue, exhaustion, impaired memory, poor immune response resulting in frequent infections. Immune modulator.

25. Bacopa Bacopa monnieri Nervine relaxant and tonic Improves memory, concentration, clarity of thought. Reduces anxiety. Nervous exhaustion. Depression. Increases thyroid function (hypothyroidism). Adaptogenic Effects of long term stress Cognitive and memory problems caused by stress Nervous exhaustion CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) Recovery from head injuries

26. Nervous system exhaustion accompanied by restlessness Antispasmodic Nervous disorders with spasms, ticks and tremors Menstrual cramps PMS Menopausal anxiety Irritability Migraines (caused by liver imbalances) Trigeminal neuralgia

27. Relaxing nervine for anxiety, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, irritability Reduces muscle tension, cramps or spasms anywhere Relieves digestive discomfort: indigestion, gas, cramping, colic, IBS symptoms, bloating Reduces inflammatory symptoms (internally and externally)

28. Tonifies liver function Improves digestion, assimilation and elimination Reduces symptoms of liver stagnation/Blood stasis: fibroids, masses, cysts, boils, breast lumps Reduces frequency and severity of migraines Relieves nervous tension PMS especially insomnia, “axe-murder syndrome,” irritability, mood swings Diuretic Bitter

29. Stimulating (cool) adaptogen For mild depression, depressed immune response, CFS, nervous exhaustion, poor concentration, ADD Effects of long term stress and over exertion, impact of trauma injuries, and nutritional deficiencies Poor immune response, frequent respiratory infections Improves appetite and assimilation of nutrients Nourishes fluids

30. Nervous system restorative: reduces anxiety, improves cognitive function and memory, improves ability to assimilate new information Reduces inflammation Promotes tissue healing (internally), for skin and connective tissue loss and injuries, slow healing wounds and ulcerations Edible green

31. Calms the Shen For mild to moderate anxiety disorders (with magnesium and California poppy?), ADD, cognitive difficulties Anti-inflammatory Cardiac tonic Specific for congestive heart failure, cardiac insufficiency Stabilizes angina Regulates heart rhythm Reduces hypertension Improves capillary and vascular integrity Lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure

32. Adaptogen: Regulates the HPA axis and prevents excess adrenalin and cortisol levels, while enhancing dopamine and serotonin levels Regulates immune response Reduces stress induced hypertension Supports digestion: Relieves stress induced GI discomfort Improves cerebral circulation, increases memory, mental clarity, concentration Specific for age related depression, menopausal brains, ADD Speeds recovery from head injuries

33. Analgesic with morphine-like pain relief Alters the perception of pain without causing drowsiness

34. Nervine relaxant: reduces anxiety, relieves insomnia, Lowers stress induced hypertension Relieves indigestion (nervous stomach) For tension headaches

35. Bitter nervine relaxant Sedative in higher doses May relieve some types of pain Specific for stress induced indigestion, anxiety, insomnia, muscle tightness or spasm Stimulates digestion, improves assimilation and elimination

36. For anxiety, nervous tension, difficulty concentrating or thinking Relaxes muscle tension and spasms, deepens respiration, calms the heart rate Increases mental clarity, ability to see the big picture Specific for urinary tract spasms and pain

37. Nervine relaxant, mildly sedative, relieves insomnia Anti-depressant, lifts the spirit, SAD Reduces anxiety and nervousness, relaxes muscle tension Promotes digestion and relieves gas, bloating, indigestion

38. Calms the Spirit Soothes irritability, relieves constriction of the chest, constrained emotions, restores appetite, improves concentration and memory Relieves constrained Liver Qi For sleep disturbances, disturbing dreams, nightmares Depression caused by grief, heals heartbreak, banishes fear

39. Cardiac problems caused by stress: arrhythmia, palpitations, hypertension Comforts and consoles the spirit and heart, relieves sorrow and grief Reduces anxiety (with hormonal causes), mood swings, insomnia, restlessness Relieves menstrual cramps and pelvic pain May reduce hot flashes and night sweats in menopause

40. Relaxing nervine for overstimulation that leads to insomnia, anxiety, muscle tension and cramping Sedative Headaches triggered by stress and tension (feeling of pressure and heat) Softening effect on the muscles, ligaments and tendons (relaxes body armoring) May relieve nerve pain, “wandering pain” Relieves chest constriction, wheezing, spasmodic coughs Resolves stress induced hypertension

41. Adaptogen: for chronic stress, adrenal insufficiency Nervine: calms anxiety, relieves fatigue, improves sleep quality Normalizes immune response Inhibits cancer growth, enhances the effects of conventional chemotherapy Protects the liver from liver toxins Cardiac tonic: relieves palpitations, arrhythmia, hypertension, elevated cholesterol

42. Adaptogen: (cool) mildly stimulating, anti-depressant, ADHD Restores immune response depleted by effects of long term stress Increases alertness, stamina, improves memory and concentration May restore impotence or amenorrhea caused by deficiency conditions Cardio tonic: prevents stress induced heart damage, arrhythmia, strengthens heart function

43. Nervine relaxant Improves memory and concentration Resolve or prevent tension headaches Relieves depression Lowers hypertension Antioxidant, reduces inflammation

44. Circulatory stimulant, improves peripheral circulation Improves digestion, relieves gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea Reduces hot flashes (drink tea at bedtime) Improves mood and increases cognitive ability Antibacterial, antiviral, mucolytic, diaphoretic

45. Nervine relaxant, bitter Nerve tonic: soothes and restores the nervous system Insomnia with restlessness and muscle tension Mental fatigue caused by overwork Relieves pain caused by nerve irritation : sciatica, back pain, peripheral pain Eases symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal Relieves PMS irritability, insomnia, body aches and cramps, headaches

46. Nerve tonic: reduces anxiety, general lethargy or mild to moderate depression Depressive states often described as bleak, without hope, in a dark hole, with no emotional affect, worse in the morning, unable to wake up, anorexia, feelings of worthlessness Topically to promote wound healing For nerve pain, sciatica, damaged nerve tissue, numbness from trauma injuries, spinal cord injuries

47. Nervine relaxant also sedative and hypnotic Relieves insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, body pains Helps the process of falling asleep, improves sleep quality, reduces sensitivity to noise while sleeping Antispasmodic, relaxes muscle spasms and cramps anywhere in the body, especially menstrual, stomach and intestinal with pain Calms the heart, reduces hyperactivity, palpitations, anxiety, tachycardia. Relaxes muscle tension to improve vascular circulation, may reduce blood pressure

48. Nervine tonic: nervous exhaustion, anxiety, insomnia Specific for chronic stress Relieves nerve pain and headaches Restores depressed libido caused by nervous exhaustion