German New Medicine

German New Medicine 101: Nose and Sinuses [Part 2]

Discover the secrets of German New Medicine (GNM) in our blog series. Dive into the fascinating realm of our olfactory system, where noses and sinuses influence both emotions and health.

Alissa

Feb 26, 2024 • 11 min read

Welcome to our enlightening blog series, where we aim to demystify the principles of German New Medicine (GNM) and present them in a way that's both digestible and relatable. In this installment, we turn our attention to a subject close to many of our noses—quite literally. We're exploring the intimate world of our olfactory system, focusing on how our noses and sinuses, beyond their basic functions, play a pivotal role in our emotional and physical health according to GNM.

Have you ever considered that the common cold, sinus congestion, or even a runny nose might have deeper roots beyond the physical? GNM introduces us to the concept of "scent conflicts" and "stink conflicts," suggesting that our reactions to certain smells or the lack thereof can manifest in physical symptoms within our nasal passages. These aren't just random occurrences but are deeply tied to our psychological state and our body's attempt to resolve internal conflicts.

Join us as we navigate through the fascinating insights GNM provides on the connection between our sense of smell and overall health. It's a journey that promises to change the way we view the sniffles and sneezes that ail us, revealing the profound dialogue between our bodies and our emotions. If you are new to GNM then we strongly recommend that you read the first part of this series: German New Medicine 101: a Holistic Understanding of Health.

Biological Understanding of Scent

Scent According to GNM

"Scent" in GNM is not just about the physical perception of smell but is deeply intertwined with emotional states and psychological experiences. It represents a primal, evolutionary mechanism that our ancestors relied on for survival. The ability to smell was crucial for detecting food, predators, and mates, thus playing a significant role in the survival and reproduction of the species.

In the modern context, GNM extends this concept of scent beyond its survival function to include emotional and psychological dimensions. A "scent conflict," as described in GNM, might involve situations where an individual experiences a profound longing or loss related to a specific scent that is tied to a person, place, or experience that is deeply cherished. This longing or loss can trigger a biological response in the body, leading to various physical symptoms, particularly affecting the nasal passages and sinuses.

Biological Function of Scent Conflicts

From a GNM perspective, the biological function of scent and the associated conflicts involves the body's attempt to adjust to the perceived loss or longing. For instance, a diminished sense of smell might symbolize the body's adaptation to the absence of a cherished scent, reflecting a form of loss or separation conflict. Conversely, an increased sensitivity to odors or conditions like runny noses and sinus issues might represent the body's way of trying to "clear" or distance itself from unpleasant or "stinky" situations or environments that are emotionally distressing.

This adaptation is seen as the body's natural healing response, aiming to resolve the internal conflict and restore equilibrium. According to GNM, understanding and addressing the underlying emotional conflict can lead to the resolution of the physical symptoms, as the body no longer needs to maintain its adaptive response once the conflict is resolved.

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Our brain manages different aspects of our nose, sinuses, and sense of smell. It's like a control center for these functions. The sensory cortex, a part of the brain, handles our nasal passages. Interestingly, each side of this cortex controls the opposite side of our nose.

In summary, scent, according to GNM, is a complex interplay of biological, emotional, and psychological factors. Its function transcends the mere detection of odors to include a deep-seated mechanism for coping with emotional conflicts, rooted in our evolutionary past but manifesting in our present-day health and well-being.

Here's a list of conditions often linked to scent conflicts:

Anosmia (Loss of Smell): Can occur when an individual longs for a lost scent or is missing someone or something familiar.
Hyperosmia (Increased Sensitivity to Smells): May develop in situations where one is exposed to overwhelming or unpleasant odors, leading to heightened sensitivity.
Sinusitis (Sinus Infections): Chronic or acute sinusitis can be a response to unresolved scent conflicts, with the body manifesting physical symptoms as it deals with the emotional distress.
Rhinitis (Inflammation of the Nasal Mucous Membrane): Both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis can be influenced by scent conflicts, particularly in cases where the emotional conflict involves aversion or longing.
Nasal Polyps: These may form as a result of chronic inflammation linked to ongoing emotional conflicts related to scent, as the body tries to protect itself.
Frequent Colds or Flu-like Symptoms: While not directly a disease, experiencing recurrent colds or flu-like symptoms can sometimes be the body's way of expressing a scent conflict, especially if these illnesses occur during times of emotional distress related to smell.
Allergies: Allergic reactions, including hay fever or allergic rhinitis, can exacerbate during scent conflicts, with the body reacting strongly to perceived allergens in the environment.

It's important to note that GNM views these conditions not merely as physical ailments but as manifestations of deeper emotional conflicts. The resolution of these conflicts, therefore, is seen as a crucial step in the healing process, aiming not only to alleviate the physical symptoms but also to address the underlying emotional distress.

Healing Phase of Scent conflicts

white and brown bottle beside white tissue box

In the framework of German New Medicine (GNM), the healing phase is a critical component of the body's response to resolving psychological or emotional conflicts, with the process divided into distinct stages that reflect the body's journey towards recovery. This comprehensive view extends beyond traditional medicine's focus on symptoms, offering a unique interpretation of physiological changes and their underlying causes.

The healing phase begins with the first part, known as PCL-A, where the body undertakes cellular proliferation to replenish areas that were ulcerated during the conflict-active phase. This phase is characterized by a myriad of symptoms that, in conventional medicine, might be treated as separate illnesses but are seen in GNM as integral to the healing process. These symptoms include nasal congestion due to swelling of the nasal membranes, reduced sense of taste and smell, nasal discharge as the body expels remnants of the repair process, and headaches associated with brain edema in the corresponding brain relay. Fever, elevated temperature, and fatigue are also common, as the autonomic nervous system enters a "warm phase," signaling a prolonged state of rest known as vagotonia. Interestingly, the occurrence of shivers, sneezing, and nosebleeds are indicative of the Epileptoid Crisis—a critical juncture in healing where symptoms may intensify.

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Experiencing a runny nose is actually a sign of entering the healing phase. This pivotal insight highlights that what we often perceive as the onset of an illness is, in fact, the body's natural process of recovery and restoration in action.

This phase can also bring about a drop in blood sugar levels due to the increased glucose consumption by brain cells, a phenomenon paralleled in the physical symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). When symptoms like a sore throat accompany the cold, GNM suggests this indicates concurrent conflicts, such as the unwillingness to "swallow" or accept a disagreeable situation. Coughing, related to the bronchi or larynx, may reveal additional fears or conflicts, suggesting a layered complexity to the healing process that reflects multiple emotional distresses coming to resolution.

GNM posits that collective instances of the common cold, often dismissed as contagious viral infections, are instead the manifestation of a shared emotional response to specific conflicts, such as seasonal or environmental changes that collectively trigger a healing phase in a group. This perspective challenges the conventional understanding of viruses as the cause of colds and flu, proposing instead that these conditions are natural healing responses to resolved conflicts.

Recurring or chronic symptoms, often labeled as allergies in conventional medicine, are interpreted in GNM as signs of reactivated conflicts triggered by specific sensory experiences. For instance, what is commonly understood as pollen allergies may be seen as the body's response to a "stink" conflict, with seasonal symptoms misidentified as allergic rhinitis being a manifestation of the body's healing from this perceived conflict.

Through this lens, GNM offers a radical reinterpretation of physical symptoms and diseases, suggesting that understanding and resolving the underlying emotional or psychological conflicts can lead to true healing. This approach encourages a holistic view of health, where the body's symptoms are seen not as problems to be eradicated but as meaningful steps in the journey towards recovery and balance.

Best Ways to Support your Body during a Nose and Sinus Healing Phase

person holding yellow and black butterfly

Understanding this natural recuperative process opens up avenues for actively supporting our body's healing capabilities. Key actions can include:

Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial as it helps thin mucus, facilitating easier breathing and expediting the removal of toxins.
Rest: Adequate rest and sleep provide the body with the necessary energy to heal and regenerate.
Stress Reduction: Engaging in activities that reduce stress, such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises, can significantly impact the healing process by creating an environment conducive to recovery.
Herbal Infusions: Certain herbs, like chamomile, peppermint, or thyme, can offer soothing relief and support to the nasal and sinus areas. Drinking herbal teas or using them in steam inhalations can help ease symptoms and promote healing by providing minerals.
Salt Inhalations: Inhaling steam infused with sea salt or Himalayan pink salt can help clear the nasal passages, reduce mucus, and soothe irritated mucosal tissues.
Natural expectorants: Ingredients like eucalyptus, menthol, and ginger have mucolytic properties, helping to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract. Steam inhalation with essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can provide relief and promote clearer breathing.
Nutritional Support: Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports the immune system and aids in the body's repair mechanisms. Foods high in vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants can be particularly beneficial. Additionally, incorporating spicy foods like chili peppers or horseradish into your diet can help stimulate mucus production and facilitate its removal, aiding in the body's natural healing mechanisms.
Emotional Well-being: Continuing to address and nurture emotional health is paramount, as unresolved emotional conflicts can hinder the healing process. Practices such as journaling, participating in supportive therapy, or engaging in community support groups can provide emotional relief and promote overall well-being.

By integrating these supportive practices, individuals can actively contribute to their body's healing journey, facilitating a smoother and more efficient recovery process. This holistic approach not only aids in resolving nasal and sinus issues but also reinforces the vital connection between our emotional health and physical well-being, embodying the essence of healing through German New Medicine.

Stay away

In navigating the healing journey, especially during the healing phase as understood by German New Medicine (GNM), it's crucial to be mindful of environmental and lifestyle factors that could hinder the body's natural recovery process. Staying away from pollutants, strong chemical odors, tobacco smoke, and extreme weather conditions can prevent further irritation of the nasal passages and sinuses. Equally important is to avoid stress and emotionally toxic environments, as these can exacerbate underlying conflicts and delay the healing process. Opting for a calm, supportive, and clean environment helps facilitate the body's innate healing mechanisms, ensuring a smoother and more effective recovery.

Sources: https://learninggnm.com/SBS/documents/nose_sinuses.html

Conclusion

As we conclude our dive into German New Medicine (GNM) and its insights on scents, nose, and sinus issues, let's embrace the empowering shift GNM offers. It teaches us to see symptoms like a runny nose not as mere annoyances but as our body's response to emotional conflicts. This perspective encourages us to move from fear to empowerment, viewing our health through a lens of understanding and curiosity.

Understanding the role of emotional and psychological factors in physical symptoms allows us to approach health holistically. It's an invitation to listen to our bodies and explore the emotional roots of our symptoms. This approach transforms our relationship with our health, encouraging us to see each symptom as a guide towards healing and self-awareness.

Let this knowledge empower you to face health challenges with confidence and openness. Recognize that your body's reactions are part of a deeper process of healing and growth. Embrace this journey with a sense of empowerment, seeing your health as a dynamic interplay between body, mind, and emotions.