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To the Heart of the Matter
the physiological mechanisms and a hypofunctional state corresponding to over-relaxation (Priest &
Priest 1983). Parallels in these two approaches can be drawn in terms of the polarity of adaptive
responses, involvement of sympathetic activity and the concept that relates protracted activity to a
shift in response.
The passive stress response described in PNE is characterised by high activity of the HPA system
and enhanced CRF activity (see section 4.1.). CRF has been described as a regulator of ANS
activity and via its interaction with the LC and AN, effects a reduction in sympathetic innervation.
This can be seen as corresponding with the physiological exhaustion relating to over-relaxation
described in the Physiomedicalist approach (appendix XIV: fig. 9.), in which system activity resorts
to passive vegetative state (Priest & Priest 1983).
This conceptual comparison can also be moved into the descriptive understanding of CV activity
presented in the context of Physiomedicalist and PNE understanding. In terms of the application of
the Physiomedicalist materia medica, the concept elucidates an understanding of the effects of the
ANS upon CV system function, and its relation to emotional conditions.
States of over-contraction relate to sympathetic activity and correspond with the active stress
response described in PNE. Physiomedicalist understanding associates the state of over-contraction
with Reflex conditions of protective adaptation and conditioning (Priest & Priest 1983). The CV
system herbal remedies indicated under these conditions are tonic remedies that support cardiac
activity, reduce vascular sympathetic innervation and depress the state of an irritable heart (see
section 5.3: A. sativa, C. majalis, V. viride). The PNE concept of the active stress response is also
considered as being a normal adaptive response. However, protraction of exposure to the factors
that initiate this response ultimately causes the system to revert to the passive stress response,
which is implicated in HPA/ANS dysregulation and subsequently CV illness (ibid.). In view of the
PNE understanding, the Physiomedicalist therapeutic strategy dictated in states of over-contraction
can be seen to be an appropriate measure in supporting the physiological system and subduing the
nature of the response.
Psychosomatic syndromes are related to over-relaxation and are described as being caused by
stressed parasympathetic function, which infers a lack of sufficient sympathetic balance (Priest &
Priest 1983). Within Physiomedicalism, the state of over-relaxation relates to the hypofunction of a
physiological system or organ (ibid.). Within the PNE understanding of the CV system, negative
psychological influences are described as primarily inhibiting sympathetic innervation (see section
4.1.1.2.), which could be understood as relating to the stressed parasympathetic function described
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