PDF File - Asclepius Herbal Consultancy

6.2. Aspects of conceptual commonality
To the Heart of the Matter
Examining the descriptions of the CV herbal materia medica in both Physiomedicalism and
Humoral Medicine, many of the remedies discussed are described in terms relating them to CV and
nervous system activity. The actions of these remedies upon the nervous system is generally
expressed as being indicated in conditions relating to; nervousness, exhaustion, depression & gloom
(see appendix XIII: tables; 6a, 6b & 6c). These conditions correspond with the states that are
implied in the development of CV illness proposed within the context of PNE. The empirical basis
of application of herbal remedies displays an understanding that relates CV illness to negative
emotional states.
Humoral Medicine describes how gloom and mental depression, characterised by the Melancholic
temperament, could influence CV activity due to its temperamental antithesis to the constitution of
the heart (ibid.). This conceptual approach reveals an understanding of how disturbances of the
heart can be mediated by emotional states and ultimately effect the fundamental aspect of the
human condition.
Within PNE, there is also the conceptual understanding that emotional states are mediators of CV
activity and can be implicated in CV pathology. The neuroendocrinological pathways that constitute
this understanding are described as having an adaptive ability, which is established during
childhood and defines the threshold beyond which normal mediation cannot be maintained and
pathological responses occur (see section 4.1.1.3.).
Implicit in the Humoral Medicine explanation of disease, is the concept that the temperamental
constitution of the individual is a pre-disposing factor to the development of specific maladies
(ibid.). The Melancholic temperament, described as tending to anxiety, worry and suspicion
(Eysenck 1980), is associated with conditions of the heart (ibid.). Modern PNE research suggests
that the neuroendocrinological pathways that define the level of adaptive ability, which could be
seen to correspond with temperament, are conditioned by negative emotional states experienced
during childhood (Goleman 1995). Furthermore, the characteristic nature of individuals who are
exposed to negative emotional states during childhood is characterised by depression, anxiety and
worry (Pert 1997).
This comparison shows a common fundamental understanding of how the inherent temperament or
psychological state of the individual can be a pre-disposing factor in the development of diseases of
the heart. In both PNE and Humoral Medicine, there is a recognition that the principle temperament
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