"As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being. It may even be assumed that just as the unconscious affects us, so the increase in our consciousness affects the unconscious."

--C.G. Jung, Memories, Dreams, Reflections

Every psychic and somatic experience originates from the metabolic combustion furnace that constitutes the human body. This inner fire ignites the life force, burning organic fuels and processing psychic experiences that can nourish and regenerate the cells of our body or sicken and destroy them. Autonomic functions of our organs, body systems, and the desires of our ego consciousness often find themselves at odds, dissociated from each other. In The Psychogenesis of Mental Disease (1960), Carl Jung pointed out that from this conflict unexpected contents may emerge from the unconscious: “the dissociation can even go so far as to create one or more secondary personalities, each, apparently, with a separate consciousness of its own.”

Jung suspected that psychic dysfunction and ultimately psychosis were linked to both psychogenic and metabolic causes. He concluded that "individuation cannot occur without the body." From his practical experience at the Burgholzli psychiatric hospital in Zurich (1900-1909), Jung speculated, “disturbances of the sympathetic system, of the metabolism and the blood-circulation, produces, both psychologically and physiologically, an overall picture of schizophrenia, which in many respects reminds one of a toxic disturbance, and…the possible presence of a specific, metabolic toxin.” Could we then, by understanding the metabolic alchemy of psyche and soma, heal psychic splits, improve physical health, and help ourselves achieve conscious individuation?

Current research in metabolic psychiatry and biochemistry is now confirming Jung’s speculation. The findings are opening up treatments for depression and anxiety, as well as conditions like PTSD, bipolar, 

dissociative and eating disorders, dementia, schizophrenia and autism. They support a model for how mental illnesses can be understood as systemic illnesses driven by underlying inflammatory catalysts, such as trauma, addictive foods and substances, and destructive familial and societal influences. Beyond treating symptoms, we can better see a way to treat the root causes of illnesses by prescribing holistic treatments, anti-inflammatory diets, sleep and dream work, and lifestyle changes, such as exercise and being in nature.

The goal of tonight’s talk is to discuss how we can foster an addiction free, long life with greater health and happiness rather than dying longer with chronic disease and pain. By understanding our metabolic syndromes and developing a dialogue with our dissociative identities, we can truly increase healthy circulation between psyche and soma and attain embodied conscious individuation.

Timothy Lyons, LCSW, is a Jungian-oriented psychotherapist in private practice for individuals, couples and families in Capitol Hill, D.C. and Takoma Park, Maryland. He has a certificate for postgraduate studies from the Philadelphia Jung Institute and is a frequent presenter at the Jung Society of Washington. His postgraduate studies also include infant observation and art therapy. Tim’s work is further enhanced by his studies of Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, yogic philosophies, Hatha yoga and Qi Gong. He has also completed teacher training in Trul Khor (Tibetan yoga). His earlier career as architect and editor includes writing for The Washington Post, and lecturing at the Smithsonian Institution. 

https://timothy-lyons.com