Introduction: Homeostatic functions

The circulatory system is one of the 10 organ systems the body needs to maintain homeostasis. It is responsible for carrying nutrition to the cells and removing their waste products. Some of the symptoms associated with its dysfunction are:

*** History of heart disease, taking medication, etc.

*** Irregular heart beat or skipped beats.

*** Varicose veins and/or hemorrhoids.

*** Shoulder or chest pain on exertion.

*** High triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

*** High or low blood pressure.

*** Fatigue, especially on exertion.

Autonomic control

The heart receives its sympathetic innervation from the first through the sixth thoracic spinal nerves. Stimuli (adjustments) from these sources accelerate the heart (pulse) rate, increase the force of contraction, and possibly dilate the coronary arteries. Physical signs of involvement include:

-- Increase in body temperature due to thyroid and adrenal secretions. In addition, sympathetic stimuli exerts vasomotor control over the entire body causing the constriction of local blood vessels.

Meric system

The 9th vertemere is composed of the second dorsal vertebra with the first dorsal nerve above it. It supplies the following:

1. Heart, pericardium, and aorta

2. Bronchi

3. Forearm and hand

4. Second rib and the muscular and cutaneous structures in the immediate vicinity.

The trigger point for the ninth vertemere is palpated by pressing medially on the lateral border of the Erector spinae muscle opposite the first dorsal spinous process.

Muscle contraction is traceable from the spine along the second intercostal space, under the shoulder blade, through the axilla, and onto the anterior chest area. It will continue below the clavicle and end of the episternal notch.

It may continue downward over the external posterior border of the arm to the forearm and hand. It supplies the forearm and hand in this region. As you know, some of the nerve fibers emitting from the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth vertemere connect with one another and give rise to the Brachial plexus.

There are some definite parasympathetic controls in the cranial nerves controlling vasodilatation in the head and neck. Impulses are carried to the heart from the 10th (Vagus) and 11th (Spinal Accessory) cranial nerves. Stimuli from these sources decrease the conductivity of the heart muscle, slowing its rate and lowering the force of contraction. Such an affect can be produced by upper cervical adjusting.

When homeostasis cannot be maintained because of inadequate parasympathetic control (deficient stimuli), muscle contraction can be found in the first and second vertemere. Reflex points for these areas were given in previous columns.

24-hour urinalysis findings

The primary function of the adrenal cortex is to regulate the volume of circulating blood. Poor adrenal cortex function is identified by low sodium, bicarbonate, and chloride levels. This results in lowered sodium and chloride excretion into the urine as well as excessive H+ (acid) excretion due to inadequate bicarbonate (alkali) in the blood.

Sympathetic dominance is suggested by the presence of an acid pH accompanied by low chloride levels. Thus, the pH of the blood is pushed toward acidity, and potassium reserves are pulled from the cells in an attempt to maintain homeostatic balance.

Nutritional needs

I have discussed in previous columns that sympathetic dominance resulting from inadequate parasympathetic balance has a dietary connection in potassium deficiency due to excessive refined sugar intake or excessive calcium availability due to excessive dietary protein and calcium availability. Rather than attempt to reduce sugar and modify dietary behavior, some patients accept the use of calcium blockers for the treatment of heart conditions -- in spite of the inherent side effects that comes with their use.

During periods of stress, the heart requires additional cardiotrophic herbs with fatty acids and their synergists. Hawthorn berries are high in vitamins C and B-complex. They contain sodium, phosphorus, and some iron, zinc, and sulfur.

Motherwort contains choline, linoleic and linolenic acids as well as vitamin E. It has traces of vitamins A and C and rutin. Collinsonia root has astringent properties and is useful for strengthening blood vessel walls because of its mineral content, particularly magnesium phosphate. It is known to have a strong diuretic effect.

White Willow bark is valued as a nerve sedative because it leaves no depressing after-effects. It works like aspirin by thinning the blood and yet is mild on the stomach. Rosemary leaves contain vitamins A and C. They are high in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc.

These herbs should be combined with improved dietary sources of protein (to lower cholesterol) and vitamin C to nourish the adrenal glands. Obviously the availability of dietary fatty acids combined with those synergistic minerals found in natural foods is needed.