The Endocrine System and Flower Essence Systems Flashcards
(107 cards)
1
Q
how does the nervous system work?
A
primarily as a direct effect mechanism, similar to the way electrical wires conduct electricity from point A to point B
2
Q
the two control systems governing our physical body
A
nervous system and the endocrine system
These two systems have control over our muscles, moods, digestion, external/internal relations and more
3
Q
how does the endocrine system work?
A
the second great regulatory system of the body.
It sends out coded messages that are usually read in some remote area of the body. These coded messages (hormones) can only be read by tissue that understands the same code (receptor sites).
4
Q
what does the Pineal gland produce?
A
Melatonin
5
Q
what does melatonin do?
A
Affects reproductive development and daily physiologic cycles
6
Q
what does the Pituitary gland produce?
A
Growth hormone
Anti-diuretic hormone
Gonadotrophins
7
Q
what are the effects of Growth hormone?
A
Controls growth of bones and muscles.
8
Q
what are the effects of Anti-diuretic hormone?
A
Increases reabsorbtion of water in kidneys.
9
Q
what are the effects of Gonadotrophins?
A
Control development of ovaries and testes.
10
Q
what does the Adrenal gland produce?
A
Adrenaline
11
Q
What does Adrenaline do?
A
Prepares the body for emergencies increases heart rate and rate and depth of breathing raises blood sugar level so more glucose is available for respiration, diverts blood from gut to limbs
12
Q
what does the pancreas produce?
A
Insulin
Glucagon
13
Q
what does Insulin do?
A
Converts excess glucose into glycogen in the liver.
14
Q
what does Glucagon do?
A
Converts glycogen back to glucose in the liver.
15
Q
what do the Ovaries produce?
A
Oestrogen
Progesterone
16
Q
what does Oestrogen do?
A
Controls ovulation and secondary sexual characteristics
17
Q
what does Progesterone do?
A
Prepares the uterus lining for receiving an embryo
18
Q
what does the Testes produce?
A
Testosterone
19
Q
what does Testosterone do?
A
Controls sperm production and secondary sexual characteristics
20
Q
what does the Thymus produce?
A
Thymosin
21
Q
what does Thymosin do?
A
Promotes production and maturation of white blood cells
22
Q
limbic system
A
a concentration of emotional input around the pituitary
23
Q
glands
A
- a number of aggregations of cells
- produce one or more specific chemical compounds that are passed to the outside of the gland
24
Q
what do Exocrine glands do?
A
- secrete their substances (for example, sweat, lubricants like mucus and tears, and digestive juices) to a specific location, usually onto an external or internal body surface.
They do this by means of a duct (a tube which conveys liquid).
25
what do lacrimal glands do?
secrete tears onto the surface of the eye
26
what are the two types of glands?
exocrine
endocrine
27
what do salivary glands do?
secrete their substances into the mouth
28
what are the types of Exocrine glands?
- lacrimal
- salivary
- sebaceous
- digestive
- liver
- kidneys
- certain cells in the pancreas
29
what are Endocrine glands?
glands that are ductless and deliver their secretions (called hormones in this instance) directly into the bloodstream or lymphatic system
Via the bloodstream, the hormones travel to the organ or parts they are designed to affect
30
what are the types of endocrine glands?
- hypothalamus
- pituitary
- thyroid
- adrenals (also called the superadrenals)
- parathyroids
- thymus
- the Pancreatic Islets
- the pineal body
- the ovaries
- testes (and also the placenta, temporarily).
31
what is the Pituitary gland?
- The bi-lobed pituitary gland, about the size of a pea and located at the base of the brain, is the master gland of the endocrine system
- anterior lobe produces several hormones, all called tropic hormones because they act mainly on other endocrine glands — the thyroid, adrenals and sex glands
- activates and controls most of the other endocrine glands of the body, including the gonads. It is controlled by the hypothalamus and also by blood hormone levels
- posterior lobe secretes oxytocin & vasopressin
32
somatotropin
growth hormone
33
what does oxytocin do?
stimulates the smooth muscle of the uterus to contract during childbirth and stimulates the mammary glands during nursing after the baby is born
34
what does vasopressin do?
acts on the kidneys to control the body’s water content.
35
what is the thyroid?
bi-lobed, butterfly-shaped gland situated at the front of
the neck just below the larynx.
Its function is to absorb iodine and other materials from the bloodstream to produce a hormone called thyroxin
The metabolic action of thyroid hormones is extremely important during growth and development
36
what does thyroxin do?
controls the rate of metabolism of the body and maintains levels of heat production
37
what is cretinism?
a condition caused by a deficiency in thyroid hormones during
the early growing years
characterized by retardation and stunted physical growth
38
what is a goiter?
called called enlarged thyroid
caused by a dietary deficiency of the chemical element iodine
39
what are Parathyroids?
four small, round glands that are attached to the rear surface of the thyroid
They secrete a hormone called parathormone which is vital to the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the body.
40
what are the adrenal glands?
a pair of glands, one situated on top of each kidney. Each gland is about the size of a pea and is made up of two distinct parts, the inner and outer, with each part having a distinct function
outer part = cortex
inner part = medulla
41
what is the cortex?
outer part of the adrenal glands
- is essential to life, and secretes hormones called **corticoids**, which are important in protein and sugar metabolism.
- also secretes **aldosterone**, which regulates the amount of mineral salts excreted by the kidneys. Insufficient secretion of the adrenal cortex may result in low blood sugar and low blood pressure.
42
what is the medulla?
inner portion of the adrenal glands
- important though not essential to life, secretes a hormone called
epinephrine (also called adrenalin) and nor-epinephrine
- It is a neural transmitter stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, and does so at a much faster rate than usual when the individual is frightened or angered. Epinephrine increases the heart rate, dilates the bronchial tubes and raises blood pressure and blood sugar level. It prepares the individual for “flight or fight”
43
what are the The islets of Langerhans ?
are discrete clusters of specialized cells dispersed throughout the substance of the pancreas and represent the endocrine portion of this organ. Islet cells are two types: alpha cells and beta cells.
44
what are beta cells?
The beta cells are the smaller of the two types and produce
an extremely important hormone called insulin
45
what are alpha cells?
secrete another hormone, glucagon, which also helps to regulate the blood sugar level.
46
what is the pineal gland?
is a small organ about the size of a pea situated in the brain.
Scientists speculate that this body exerts some influence on sexual development by secreting a substance called melatonin. Some psychics also consider it the site of the “Third Eye” of clairvoyance.
47
what are androgens?
The hormones produced by the testes
the principal androgen being called testosterone. Production of testosterone is under the influence of a hormone secreted by the pituitary glands.
48
how does the placenta behave during pregnancy?
acts as an endocrine gland, producing estrogens and progesterone.
49
what are the functions of the thyroid?
➊ It extracts iodine from the blood, which it uses to prepare its hormones.
➋ Its hormones act as catalysts, hastening oxidation in tissue cells throughout the entire body.
➌ It influences metabolic processes and growth.
➍ It lowers blood calcium by suppressing calcium mobilization from the bones.
50
what happens with thyroid underactivity?
➊ Tissue oxidation is depressed.
➋ The basal metabolic rate drops.
➌ Less heat is produced.
➍ Body temperature falls (as a result of “3” above).
➎ Energy stores are increased (i.e., fat and glycogen).
51
symptoms of thyroid underactivity
- Blood cholesterol increases
- appetite is reduced
- weight increases
- intestinal sluggishness (constipation) results
- Heart and respiration rate as well as blood pressure are all reduced
- lethargic and apathetic
- skin becomes thick, leathery and puffy.
- hair becomes brittle, sparse and dry
- in child will result in dwarfing and failure of skeletal, sexual and mental growth.
52
what happens with thyroid Overactivity?
➊ Oxidation speeds up.
➋ The basal metabolic rate is increased.
➌ The body produces more heat.
➍ Energy stores are decreased (i.e., glycogen and fat).
53
symptoms of thyroid Overactivity
- Appetite will increase
- weight will fall
- increased motility of the digestive tract with diarrhea resulting.
- Heart and respiratory rates increase and blood pressure rises.
- Muscular tremors and nervousness result.
- The person becomes excitable and apprehensive.
- Protrusion of eyeballs (exophthalmos) is due to pituitary hormone imbalance and not a thyroid imbalance, as is commonly believed.
54
what do Goiters cause?
causes production of more TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), which in turn will cause the thyroid to enlarge.
- The thyroid increases in size in an attempt to work harder.
- Increasing dietary iodine to normal levels will reduce the size of the thyroid.
55
function of Parathyroids
- important role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism.
- They maintain blood calcium levels by acting on the kidney, bones, and intestines.
56
Parathyroids Underactivity
- Blood calcium level drops and there is increased neuromuscular transmission — tetany (intermittent spasm) results, with the following symptoms: twitching, nervousness and occasional spasms of face and limb muscles.
- Since there is an inverse relationship between calcium and phosphorus levels, phosphorus levels are increased.
57
Parathyroids Overactivity
(usually due to tumour)
➊ Blood calcium level rises.
➋ Osteitis Fibrosa Cystica sets in.
➌ There is a softening and deformation of the bones.
➍ After a while, there is increased calcium and water loss and also a great loss of phosphorus
58
Adrenal Cortex function
➊ It acts on the kidney tubules.
➋ It is concerned with retention of sodium and excretion of potassium (both via the kidneys).
➌ It stimulates the formation of sugar from protein and thereby is instrumental in raising the blood sugar level.
➍ It is allied with both male and female hormones.
59
Adrenal Cortex Underactivity
(as in tuberculosis):
➊ There is inadequate reabsorption of sodium.
➋ There is excess reabsorption of potassium.
➌ Body fluid show serious electrolytic imbalance, and normal osmotic relation is not maintained.
➍ Blood volume, blood pressure falls, along with a drop in blood sugar.
60
Adrenal Cortex Underactivity symptoms
- profound muscular weakness, emaciation (weight loss)
- gastrointestinal disturbance (i.e., vomiting and diarrhea)
- anemia.
Normally, the tissue salt Sodium Chloride (3-6x) will restore
a balance, normalizing the adrenal cortex function.
61
Adrenal Cortex Overactivity
➊ Excessive reabsorption of sodium and water (resulting in edema).
➋ Disequilibration in osmotic pressure.
➌ Excess production in glucose from protein.
➍ High blood sugar level.
➎ Obesity, especially of the face and trunk.
There is sometimes also:
➏ Over-production of androgen (a male sex hormone).
➐ Premature development of both male and female sexual
characteristics in the young female (i.e., “beard” emergence and early development of the breasts.) In the adult female there is balding as well as growth of facial hair.
➑ In young children, excessive muscular development but on a
smaller body (the individual becomes a “pocket Hercules”).
62
Malfunction of various parts of the anterior pituitary will result in:
➊ A condition similar to that stemming from adrenal
overactivity.
➋ Premature senility and deterioration in all body functions.
63
functions of the Posterior pituitary
- store hormones but does not act as a secreting tissue as do other endocrine glands. Its main actions are:
➊ Antidiuretic.
➋ Vasopressor.
➌ Through its oxytocic effect, control of smooth muscles of contraction in the uterus after childbirth and lactation.
➍ Underactivity of the posterior portion results in diabetes
insipidus, which is characterized by excessive thirst and the
production of dilute urine.
64
what is the function of the Thymus
➊ It forms T-lymphocytes and induces the development of lymphoid tissue.
➋ It is theorized to store “blueprints” for antibodies.
65
hypothalamus
- central part of the limbic system
- connected both electrically (neurologically) and chemically (hormonal) to the pituitary
66
the categories of the Bach Flower Remedies
➊ Fear
➋ Uncertainty
➌ Insufficient interest in present circumstances
➍ Loneliness
➎ Over-sensitivity to outside influences and ideas
➏ For despondency or despair
➐ For over-care for welfare of others
67
how to prepare the Bach Flower Remedies?
➊ The Sunshine Method
➋ The Boiling Method
68
what is the Sunshine Method?
called Mother Tincture
- thin glass bowl is filled with the purest water
- blooms of the Bach plant (immediately after picking) are then floated on the surface of the water, such that they cover entirely the water surface.
- allowed to stand in the sunshine for three to four hours, or for a shorter time should the blooms begin to show signs of fading
- blossoms are carefully lifted out
- the water is poured into bottles & half filled with brandy to preserve the resulting remedies
stock bottles
- From the Mother Tincture take two to four drops and put them in another bottle filled with equal parts of brandy and spring water.
version used to treat the patient
- from stock bottles take two to four drops and put them in another bottle filled with equal parts of brandy and spring water.
69
what is the The Boiling Method?
- The plants are boiled for one-half hour in clean water in exactly the
same proportions as above. The fluid is then strained off and poured into bottles until they are half full. When the preparation has cooled, brandy is added.
- In this second method the blossoms should be used together with small pieces of the stem or stalk and, when possible, the young fresh leaves.
70
what is the Rescue Remedy?
- the most famous of the Bach Remedies
- the only mixed remedy which is prepared ahead of time
➊ Star of Bethlehem — for shock
➋ Rock Rose — for terror and panic
➌ Impatiens — for mental stress and tension
➍ Cherry Plum — for desperation
➎ Clematis — for the bemused
Put two drops of each individual remedy into one ounce (30cc) bottle which is filled with equal parts of water and brandy. Cork well, and label.
Dosage is three drops in an eight ounce glass of water
71
Star of Bethlehem
- For those in great distress under conditions which for a time produce great unhappiness.
- The shock of serious news, the loss of someone dear, the fright following an accident, and such like.
- For those who for a time refuse to be consoled, this remedy brings comfort.
72
Rock Rose
- The remedy of emergency for causes where there
even appears no hope.
- In accident or sudden illness, or when the patient is very frightened or terrified, or if the condition is serious enough to cause great fear to those around.
73
Impatiens
Those who are quick in thought and action and who wish all things to be done without hesitation or delay. When ill they are anxious for a hasty recovery.
They find it very difficult to be patient with people who are slow as
they consider it wrong and a waste of time, and they will endeavour to make such people quicker in all ways.
They often prefer to work and think alone, so that they can do everything at their own speed.
74
Cherry Plum
Fear of the mind being over-strained, of reason giving away, of doing
fearful and dreaded things, not wished and known wrong, yet there
comes the thought and impulse to do them.
75
Clematis
Those who are dreamy, drowsy, not fully awake, no great interest in
life.
Quiet people, not really happy in their present; living in hopes of
happier times, when their ideals may come true.
In illness some make little or no effort to get well, and in certain cases may even look forward to death, in the hope of better times; or maybe, meeting again some beloved one whom they have lost.
76
Positive qualities
the highest quality the flower essence is trying to aid us in obtaining
77
pattern of imbalance
the negative expression of this attribute; what people that can use the remedy might convey
78
Arnica, Heart Leaf
Arnica cordifolia
Positive qualities:
Shock/Trauma
Conscious embodiment, especially during shock or trauma; recovery from deep-seated shock or trauma.
79
Arnica, Heart Leaf
Arnica cordifolia
Patterns of imbalance:
Disconnection of Higher Self from body during shock or trauma; disassociation, unconsciousness; dysfunction or latent illness deriving from past trauma
80
Black Berry
Rubus ursinus
Positive qualities:
Procrastination/Manifestation
Competent manifestation in the world; clearly directed forces of will, intentional and decisive action.
81
Black Berry
Rubus ursinus
Patterns of imbalance:
Inability to translate goals and ideals into concrete action or viable activities; procrastination
82
Black Currant
Ribes nigrum
Positive qualities:
Family/Karmic patterns
Opens one to soul identity; facilitates healing of previous seven generations
83
Black Currant
Ribes nigrum
Patterns of imbalance:
For deep fears related to identity shifts and crisis; fear of non-existence or loosing the ego; removes seven generations of inherited "detritus"
84
Bleeding Heart
Dicentra formosa
Positive qualities:
Love unconditionally
Ability to love others unconditionally; an open heart; emotional freedom
85
Bleeding Heart
Dicentra formosa
Patterns of imbalance:
Entangled in relationships based on fear, possessiveness or neediness; emotional co-dependence
86
Early Blue Viola
Viola adunca
Positive qualities:
Shy/Reserved
Calm, delicate, highly perceptive, elevated spiritual perspective; sharing with others while remaining true to oneself
87
Early Blue Viola
Viola adunca
Patterns of imbalance:
Profound shyness, reserved, aloofness, suppressed anger, fear of being submerged in groups, difficulty resolving conflict
88
Borage
Borago officinalis
Positive qualities:
Heavy hearted/Courage
Lively and enthusiastic heart forces, buoyant courage and optimism
89
Borage
Borago officinalis
Patterns of imbalance:
Heavy-heartedness, lack of confidence in facing difficult circumstances, depressive behavior
90
Buttercup
Ranunculus spp.
Positive qualities:
Self worth/Inner light
Shinning inner light, that is not attached to outer recognition or fame; feeling self-assured
91
Buttercup
Ranunculus spp
Patterns of imbalance:
Having low self-worth, with an inability to acknowledge or experience one's inner light and uniqueness
92
Chamomile
Matricaria recutita
Positive qualities:
Emotional balance/Inner peace
Peaceful, sunny disposition, emotional balance
93
Chamomile
Matricaria recutita
Patterns of imbalance:
Moody and irritable, easily upset with an inability to release emotional tension, especially in the stomach or solar plexus
94
Chickweed, Mouse-eared
Cerastium arvense
Positive qualities:
Be Here Now
Tolerance, compassion, wisdom, light, higher self; Being happy with yourself, so you don't need to seek approval from others, and do not attract 'draining' relationships.
95
Chickweed, Mouse-eared
Cerastium arvense
Patterns of imbalance:
inability to acknowledge and experience timelessness; being fully present and able to respond. For those with unresolved emotional issues who feel threatened, insecure or needing to be in control when life's direction changes.Mouse-eared Chickweed helps one let go of the past and relax into the present moment, able to freely move forward without guilt or sense of failure because previous choices didn't work out.
96
Chicory
Chichorium intybus
Positive qualities:
Manipulative/needy
Freely giving Selfless love, with a respect for the freedom and individuality of others; emotional containment
97
Chicory
Chichorium intybus
Patterns of imbalance:
Manipulative, possessive; demanding; needy; attention getting through negative behavior; self centeredness.
98
Cinquefoil, Shrubby
Potentilla fruticosa
Positive qualities:
Fear/communication
Useful essence for those who are in service and healing through communication. It helps to facilitate a stronger connection between the spiritual realm and our conscious selves, aids in letting our words be a living expression of higher knowledge and spiritual truths
99
Cinquefoil, Shrubby
Potentilla fruticosa
Patterns of imbalance:
Fear is a big motivator, especially the fear of dying; going through daily tasks without any inspiration, joy or pleasure; having a hard time to communicate with one's higher self; lacking clarity and unable to express abstract concepts or ideas in clear and concise terms
100
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Positive qualities:
Over achiever/tense
Dynamic, effortless physical energy and expression of life force; inner ease in work and play.
101
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Patterns of imbalance:
Overly tense, especially in the musculature of the body, over-striving and hard-driving
102
Dill
Anthenum graveolens
Positive qualities:
Overwhelmed/heightened senses
Experiencing and absorbing the fullness of life, especially with heightened sensory aspects (taste, touch, hearing sight, smell)
103
Dill
Anthenum graveolens
Patterns of imbalance:
Overwhelm due to over-stimulation, hypersensitivity to environment or to outer activity, sensory congestion
104
Echinacea angustifolia
Positive qualities:
Self integration/immune interface
Core integrity, contacting and maintaining an integrated sense of Self, especially when severely challenged. Developing immune interface between environment and Self.
105
Echinacea angustifolia
Patterns of imbalance:
Feeling shattered by severe trauma or abuse which has destroyed one's sense of Self; threatened by physical or emotional disintegration reflected in immune issues. A feeling of being only partially there, and not fully being present.
106
Evening Primrose
Oenothera biennis
Positive qualities:
Rejection
Awareness and healing of early, negative emotions absorbed from the parents; facilitates open emotional and committed relationships.
107
Evening Primrose
Oenothera biennis
Patterns of imbalance:
Feeling rejected (even from in the uterus), unwanted; avoidance of commitment in relationships, fear of parenthood, sexual and emotional repression
