The Theory of Endobiogeny: Volume 2: Foundational Concepts for Treatment of Common Clinical Conditions

By Kamyar M. Hedayat and Jean-Claude Lapraz

The Theory of Endobiogeny Volume 2: Foundational Concepts for Treatments of Common Clinical Conditions addresses the core elements of the adaptation response to stressors: autonomic nervous system (ANS), corticotropic axis, immunity and digestive tract function. The volume is oriented for clinical practice, offering clear discussions on treating the root cause of numerous common disorders, and symptomatically addressing the destabilizing factor in a vast number of disorders ranging from depression to irritable bowel, and from migraines to insomnia called spasmophilia.

• Extends the concepts of global systems integrative physiology to practical applications in the clinic
• Detailed explanations of historical, exam and biological modeling indexes related to the ANS, corticotropic axis, hepatobiliary and exocrine pancreatic function
• Root cause, mechanisms, symptoms and treatments for disorders of immunity, dysbiosis, infectious diseases and spasmophilia, as well as hepatobiliary and pancreatic insufficiency and congestion
• Materia medica of 22 key medicinal plants with summary of action and indication of usage according to the theory of Endobigoeny
• Special monodiets and dietary suggestions for disorder discussed

• Language: English
• Publisher: Academic Press
• Release date: Jun 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9780128173275

Kamyar M. Hedayat

Kamyar M Hedayat is a global leader in research and training in Endobiogeny and protégé of Dr. Lapraz. A Stanford-trained critical care physician, he has been practicing endobiogenic medicine since 2008. Drs. Hedayat and Lapraz are cofounders of the American Society of Endobiogenic Medicine and Integrative Physiology and copresidents of the Systems Biology Research Group.

Book preview

phytotherapy.

Preface for volume 2

Kamyar M. Hedayat

When I first encountered the theory of Endobiogeny, I was director of pediatric intensive care and integrative medicine at Sutton children’s hospital. I was steeped in questions of adaptation, survival, and immunity. I was also searching for answers that my training at Stanford University and clinical experience could not answer. I took a chance on Endobiogeny. More than that, I gave notice of resignation to meet my coauthor, mentor, and codeveloper of Endobiogeny, Dr. Lapraz, for the hospital administrators refused to let me attend his course. I had no understanding of what Endobiogeny was—there was nothing to read on the topic. Once at the seminar, I immediately perceived the teachings to be profound, but, lacking systematic organization and scientific references. Over the next 10 years, I set out to remedy both of these insufficiencies, as I perceived them. This four-volume series on the theory of Endobiogeny is the fruit of that determination thanks to the patient guidance and teachings I received from my mentor and friend, Jean-Claude Lapraz. Of the four volumes, this one is perhaps the closest to my original training in intensive care. The theme of this book is the practical application of Endobiogeny to issues such as adaptation and infectious disease.

The theory of Endobiogeny is an emerging approach to medicine, at once scientific and humanistic, complex and practical. It is rooted in an integrative vision of physiology while placing the patient's experience of Life at the center of the evaluation. The key to the theory of Endobiogeny is the manner in which experimental and empirical observations are woven together to make sense of a phenomenon that has perplexed clinicians throughout the ages. Clinical Endobiogeny has three components: listening to the patient, examining the patient, and analysis of biomarkers using a modeling system called the biology of functions.

Why study and practice Endobiogeny? In the vocation of medicine, it brings the physician a sense of intellectual fulfillment and emotional enrichment thanks to its rational and precise analytical method. In the practice of medicine, it brings satisfaction to doctor and patient by promoting a collaborative decision-making model of health. In the experience of healing, Endobiogeny allows the patient to be heard, understood, and treated as a whole person.

Details of the theory of Endobiogeny were presented in The Theory of Endobiogeny Volume 1: Global Systems Thinking and Biological Modeling for Clinical Medicine. This work, the first of three subsequent volumes, is eminently practical. They are written in a manner that allows you to transform your practice in a gradual way. In this tome, Volume 2, we focus on adaptation, defense and detoxification, and common disorders related to their dysfunction. A curated selection of polyvalent medicinal plants, minerals, and diets are presented that allow for rapid symptomatic relief and the initial treatment of terrain. In this way, you begin addressing disorders for which pharmaceutical treatments do not exist, or, for which they have not proven effective.

The Theory of Endobiogeny Volume 2: Foundational Concepts for Treatment of Common Clinical Conditions is organized so that the concepts of preceding chapters are integrated into the teachings of subsequent chapters. Chapters 1 and 2 teach signs, symptoms, and biology of function indexes related to the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and corticotropic axis. These factors are key to regulation of immunity and treatment of immune dysfunction, which are discussed in Chapters 3 and 4. The basic elements of adaptation and immunity are then integrated into the notion of symbiosis, dysbiosis, and the treatment of dysbiosis—beyond probiotics—as presented in Chapters 5 and 6.

Chapters 7 and 8 return to key elements of the expression of life: liver, gallbladder, and exocrine (digestive) pancreas. Here, we discuss their key roles in digestion, adaptation, and more. Specific signs and symptoms are correlated to common issues presenting in the clinic. The selection of medicinal plants, diets, and minerals for specific aspects of hepatobiliary and pancreatic dysfunction are presented to allow for a more rational selection of therapeutic interventions. With the understanding of the ANS, corticotropic axis, immunity, symbiosis, liver, and exocrine pancreas, the origin of specific infectious disorders can be explained and treated at the root cause level of dysfunction, as explained in Chapter 9.

Chapter 10 introduces a second line of hormonal function: the thyrotropic axis. Along with the ANS and the corticotropic axis, it constitutes the essential trio of regulation of adaptation and immunity. Once again, detailed signs, symptoms, and biology of function indexes are discussed to recognize clinical conditions related to thyrotropic hormone dysfunction beyond T4 and T3. With this understanding of the thyrotropic axis and its relationship to calcium, Chapter 11 explores the French notion of spasmophilia. Spasmophilia explains a fundamental factor in the development of a host of chronic or degenerative disorders, viz. asthma, colitis, cancer, anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Thus, the preceding 10 chapters are integrated into the discussion of what is spasmophilia, what are its signs and symptoms, and how it is treated.

To assist the new practitioner of Endobiogeny, this book contains two key resources. Chapter 12 presents a detailed case study that walks you through evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of a case of recurrent pharyngitis. Many of the theoretical concepts presented in The Theory of Endobiogeny Volume 1: Global Systems Thinking and Biological Modeling for Clinical Medicine are on display, practically applied and explained in detail. The precise meaning of aspects of childhood history, clinical examination signs, chronobiologic transitions, and, correlation of biology of function indexes to signs, symptoms, and rational selection of therapeutic interventions. A concise materia medica of plants and their application to specific clinical conditions is presented in the addendum.

This work is the continuation of a lineage starting with the developer of the theory of Endobiogeny, the late Christian Duraffourd, to the codeveloper of the teachings and my mentor, Jean-Claude Lapraz, to myself as a systematizer and expander of Christian’s original concepts. It grew out of decades of experience teaching Endobiogeny around the world and is the authoritative teaching on the subject. We believe that the book functions best in two ways. The first is as a desktop reference for those already trained in advanced forms of integrative medicine. The second is a starting point for those seeking a more meaningful way to practice the healing arts without leaving the profession of medicine. Upon completing this book, we hope you consider the other volumes in this series, as well as formal study and certification in clinical Endobiogeny.

Chapter 1

A clinical approach to autonomic nervous system

Abstract

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays key roles in structural formation and functional reactivity of the organism. The functional effects can be observed in five key areas: endocrine system, immunity, neurotransmitters, metabolism, and tonus. Symptoms can be determined by history and signs by physical examination. Using the biology of functions, key expressions of sympathetic activity related to adaptation centrally and peripherally can be evaluated. A subjective and objective evaluation of the ANS can offer clinicians a targeted and rational approach to selection of therapies. The efficacy of these selections can be evaluated longitudinally using the biology of functions.

Keywords

Beta-endorphin; Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone; Beta-melanocyte stimulating hormone; Adaptation; Alpha sympathetic nervous system; Autonomic nervous system; Beta sympathetic nervous system; Biological modeling; Endobiogeny; Parasympathetic nervous system; Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

Introduction

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) calibrates five key areas: (1) endocrine system, (2) immune function, (3) neurotransmitter activity, (4) metabolism, and (5) tonus. Evaluating the activity of each aspect of ANS function can be done quickly by history, examination, or biology of functions. Because the ANS is reactive in nature, the treatment of acute exacerbations of ANS imbalances can offer rapid symptomatic relief. Chronic entrainment of dysfunction requires long-term treatment, typically with a combination of medicinal plants and psychological/lifestyle interventions. Below we present common history and physical examination findings grouped in two ways: by system and by branch of the ANS. The chapter concludes with a discussion of key indexes of the biology of functions related to ANS activity.

Because the ANS, and alpha-sympathetic in particular, is so imbricate in the functioning and relaunching of central and peripheral physiology, one must carefully evaluate not only ANS activity, but also its relationship to other factors. This will more clearly elucidate specific symptoms and signs and allow for a more precise therapy. For example, when evaluating symptoms related to mood and cognition, while alpha is implicated, it is seldom the sole factor. It may be responsible for particular signs or symptoms, but its diverse activities will implicate other systems and processes. The degree to which alpha entrains the expression of one or numerous factors determines the symptom, its threshold, duration, and severity. Returning to the quadratic relationship of alpha, dopamine, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and prolactin (The Theory of Endobiogeny, Volume 1, Chapter 3), we can discuss three common scenarios among many possibilities. There are other factors implicated but not shown (histamine, GABA, peripheral hormones as neurosteroids, etc.).

In the first scenario, there is a harmonious expression of all four factors (Fig. 1.1). A well-equilibrated expression of all four factors results in optimal adaptation, one in which the organism engages and understands its environment, contextualizes it based on past experiences, ranks its existential and emotional values, and then expresses adaptability of the terrain.

Fig. 1.1 Harmonious relationship between alpha, dopamine, TRH, and prolactin in a quadratic relationship. In the figure, alpha stimulates dopamine (red arrow) to calibrate the quality of cognition and planning in the face of an aggression. Alpha also stimulates TRH, which plays a role in the quality of the emotional perception and response. TRH makes an appeal to dopamine (broken red arrow) . One reason is to regulate TRH’s stimulation of prolactin. Alpha and TRH both stimulate prolactin. Prolactin stimulates dopamine and dopamine in turn inhibits (blue arrow) prolactin. The quality of the prolactin regulation ensures adaptability, in part because it turns first to second loop. (© 2015 Systems Biology Research Group.)

In the second scenario, there is insufficient inhibition of dopamine. If dopamine cannot sufficiently slow down prolactin, the predominance of dopamine (dopamine ≫ TRH > PL > alpha > peripheral adaptation response) will lead to an implosive adaptation. The cognitive function becomes disorganized and outpaces both the ability of the organism to give context to perceived or imagined aggressions and the peripheral adaptation response (Fig. 1.2).

Fig. 1.2 Implosive adaptation with a poorly managed quadratic relationship between alpha, dopamine, TRH, and prolactin. Alpha also stimulates TRH, which plays a role in the quality of the emotional perception and response. TRH makes an appeal to dopamine (broken red arrow) . Alpha and TRH both stimulate prolactin. Prolactin stimulates dopamine. There is insufficient inhibition of prolactin by dopamine, resulting in prolonged dopamine and implosive adaptation—see text for details. (© 2015 Systems Biology Research Group.)

In the third scenario, there is excess TRH activity. When TRH predominates over dopamine: TRH ≫ PL > alpha > dopamine, the response will be an explosive adaptation. The organism will express intense outbursts of activity, emotional in nature, with poor understanding of the directionality or purpose of the behavior due to insufficient dopamine (Fig. 1.3).

Fig. 1.3 Explosive adaptation response predominated by TRH and by extension alpha sympathetic. Alpha’s stimulation of dopamine (thin red arrow) is not as great as its stimulation of TRH (medium red arrow) . Alpha and TRH both stimulate prolactin. Prolactin insufficiently stimulates dopamine and dopamine insufficiently inhibits prolactin (thin blue arrow) . The net effect is a higher degree of emotionality and emotivity relative to the rational cognition favored by dopamine. The end result is an explosive adaptation response, marked by intense expressions of rage. (© 2015 Systems Biology Research Group.)

When reducing alpha using medicinal plants, understanding these relationships allows for a more targeted and synergistic approach to therapy. For example, in the first scenario, inhibiting alpha sympathetic, say, with Lavandula angustafolia (lavender) may be sufficient because it reduces sympathetic tone.¹, ² In the second scenario, inhibiting alpha and prolactin may be necessary. Using Lavandula angustafolia and Poterrium sanguisorba (salad burnet) would be an efficient combination. Poterium sanguisorba inhibits alpha and prolactin.¹, ² In the third scenario, using Lavandula angustafolia with Leonurus cardiaca would be efficient, as Leonorus cardiaca inhibits TRH.³

Historical findings relating to the ANS by system

Symptoms related to the autonomic nervous system can be grouped together by system of the body (Table 1.1). In this way, the organic functioning of systems can be evaluated according to the cycling of both branches of the ANS. NB: The role of the factor of the ANS presented may not be the sole or exclusive factor.

Table 1.1

CV, cardiovascular; Derm, dermatologic; ID, infectious disease; Pulm, pulmonary; Neuro, neurological.

Historical findings relating to the ANS by branch of the ANS

Symptoms related to the ANS can also be evaluated according to the individual branch: sympathetic alpha and beta, and, parasympathetic. In this way, the totality of expression of each branch can be appreciated throughout the global organism and according to regional tendencies of expression according to the endobiogenic phenotype of the patient (Table 1.2). NB: The role of the factor of the autonomic nervous system presented may not be the sole or exclusive factor.

Table 1.2

CV, cardiovascular; Derm, dermatologic; ID, infectious disease; Pulm, pulmonary; Neuro, neurological.

Physical examination findings relating to the ANS by system

The various signs of the ANS can be determined during the consultation. Signs related to temperament can be noted by observation (Table 1.3), by examination of the skin (Table 1.4), head (Table 1.5), chest (Table 1.6), cardiopulmonary system (Table 1.7), abdomen (Table 1.8), nervous system (Table 1.9), and miscellaneous observations (Table 1.10). NB: The role of the factor of the autonomic nervous system presented may not be the sole or exclusive factor.

Table 1.3

Table 1.4

Table 1.5

Table 1.6

Table 1.7

Table 1.8