This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Virginia, this 17th day of February, 1934, in accordance with request made by self - Mr. [279], Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis and L. B. Cayce.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the body, [279]; this we have had before.
2. As we find, there are many changes in the general physical forces of the body from that we have had here before. Many of these are inclinations towards a more coordinated physical functioning; others, as we find, are much in line with that we have outlined as to existent physical conditions that have not altogether been corrected in the body; thus at times making for those tendencies in the body to produce uneasiness and distress of varying types, the greater being in the nerves' reaction of the body, and a tendency from a form of prolapsus in the ascending - or transverse and descending colon to produce at times the accumulations, or gas in this portion of the body that makes for the feeling of a disturbance in the circulation as related to the heart's action. This is rather an effect (the heart's action), not a cause. And there should be little or no anxiety on the part of the body in this direction, unless the conditions are allowed to remain - that would eventually AFFECT the organ in its inability to meet those conditions imposed upon same by the changing of the circulation through such periods of distress.
3. These, then, are conditions as we find them with this body, [279], we are speaking of:
4. The BLOOD SUPPLY is very good, and much nearer normal than has been indicated at some periods heretofore.
5. The NERVOUS SYSTEM, through stress and strains, at times has made and does make for too much of the imaginative forces CONTROLLING the emotional forces in the system, rather than the reasoning through normalcy. Not that these are altogether neurotic conditions, but these tendencies have existed from the very beginnings when there were those reactions that caused or produced these toxic forces in the system that brought about the condition in the area as indicated. And these should be kept more in line with those things that have been suggested. There should occasionally be the relieving of the conditions in the colon area by the use of the irrigations that will remove these tendencies for accumulations that cause or bring about gas pressures, and also mucus - that is the basis of those things that cause same; and the manipulations to make for better coordination in the ganglia where there is received from such plexus those impulses for circulation through these portions of the body. Not just the head and neck alone, but a stimulation in the central and upper dorsal area also when such manipulations are given.
6. There are the indications, too, that at times the sweats and the rubdowns will keep a better circulation through the lymph and the activities of same.
7. Be mindful of the diet, that there is kept those things that do not tend to make for the gas or not too much sweets nor yet too much of starches; for these, with this tendency, make for accumulations - but just sufficient to keep an even balance.
8. These, as we find, will make for the better physical reactions in this body, [279].
9. Ready for questions.
10. (Q) What causes the pain in the back and what should be done for it?
    (A) The strains as indicated there from muscular contractions, through the poor circulation, that - when pressures occur in the colon itself - make for the impulses to cut off circulation through certain portions of the cerebro-spinal activity, thus producing a heaviness and at times keen pains in those areas of the 9th and 10th dorsal and at others even reflexly through the lumbar area also.
11. (Q) What causes the jabbing pains in the section of the heart?
    (A) Gas! And, as indicated, we have given the best way and manner to relieve same. This is not, as we find, any indication of a disturbance in the circulation from the lungs to the heart, neither from the heart to the liver, but rather pressures in the area in colon that make for the shortness in the breath and the dizziness that is produced from same; for it's toxic forces!
12. (Q) Why does the soreness persist in the spinal area?
    (A) As indicated, where there is the absorption through tissue that is thinned by pressure of acid - and the areas where the impulses from the ganglia to the affected portions in the system become cold, through the pressures as indicated, makes for this continued reaction.
    Take sufficient of the manipulations, sufficient of the colonics, sufficient of the general relaxation through the respiratory system or through the sweats, being mindful of the diet, and we will keep a better balance in the body.
13. (Q) Would this relieve the ache in legs?
    (A) Relieve the ache in legs also. Follow these suggestions that have been given.
14. (Q) Any further advice that will help the body at this time, physically or mentally?
    (A) Do this, and be consistent and being persistent - we will find we will keep a better balance.
15. We are through for the present. [EC woke up before GC gave him the suggestion to wake up; said he felt no different when he awoke thus.]

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See previous rdgs. for his condition of neurasthenia.
2. 2/13/34 See rest of letter used in detail under 279-1 Reports, ending:
   "...I hope you will understand this letter is not written in a state of panic. I'll admit I am fearful of a painful heart affliction, and even worry that all this puzzling condition of mine may be the most dreaded of all diseases. [Angina Pectoris] But you have helped me before, and I pray you will again..."

REPORTS

1. 2/16/34 [279]'s letter to EC:
   "...I sure hope the reading will help me on this back of mine. The funny thing about all this trouble of mine is that it seems to bother me at definite periods; of about a month to six weeks apart. At those intervals it seems I get what I call these 'nervous spells.' I don't know how to better describe them, because the doctor always tells me it's a neurosis, and NOT organic. However, as I explained in my last letter, I do not get panicky like I used to when these things bother me, except possibly when I get those jabs around the heart - which I am also told is the result of gas pressure. I don't know why I feel so strongly, Edgar, that if I can get rid of the pain in my back, and my neck in the cervical area, that I would get rid of all my troubles. I don't know whether I can describe to you in a letter just what I mean, but by pressing against my neck, in a certain spot, I can feel the twinge of pain coursing along what I am told is the vagus nerve. And that pain, by pressing on my neck, seems to penetrate right to the back, where I've had these pains. It also runs along the cardiac area, when that pressure to the neck is made. I do so much wish to impress upon you, Edgar, that I am not going into such detailed description because I get a 'neurotic pleasure' out of it. I want you to know as definitely as possible just what bothers me, so that when the reading is given, you may be able to help me interpret it.
   "It just doesn't seem right for a man so young as I to have to continually suffer with 'nerves' and pains and aches. I know I'm the 'nervous type' and that I've gone through considerable stress and strain these past few years, but I am hoping the reading will help me to solve this problem once for all..."
2. 2/17/34 GD referred him to Dr. Frank P. Dobbins for the osteopathic treatments and to Dr. Harold J. Reilly for the colonics and steam baths.
3. 2/23/34 [279]'s letter to EC:
   "This is the very first opportunity I've had to acknowledge your reading, and I surely was delighted to receive your letter this morning, also.
   "First of all I want to tell you that I am thankful to you for giving me the reading so quickly and for taking the trouble to arrange it in the way you did.
   "It IS an amazing thing, that when I received the reading, I wondered why nothing was given about the condition in the spinal area from the 3rd to the 7th dorsal. That is where Dr. Kanev [Sydney M. Kanev, D.O.], my osteopath has told me most of my trouble has been. Well, when I received the reading, I decided that I would continue with the osteopathic treatments with Kanev, and not Dr. Dobbins whom Gladys so kindly recommended me to. I didn't feel as though I should make a change. And regarding the irrigations, I will continue with Miss Burnette, whom I am convinced is more efficient than anyone in New York with irrigations, instead of changing over to Dr. Reilly.
   "Well, I went in to Kanev the day after I got the reading or rather that same evening. (I received the reading Monday morning.) I showed him the reading, and he said he thought it was a pretty good diagnosis, only I haven't had any trouble at the 9th and 10th dorsal. Well, when he got me on the table, and started to work on me, he said 'Do you know your 9th and 10th dorsal are in lesion, and your usual area from the 3rd to the 7th is much better?' Well, he couldn't get over it. He seemed to think I was much better too.
   "Well, Edgar, I AM much better, mentally, I think. But I still have that pain in my back and it is around the upper dorsal area. I would say it centers between the 3rd and 5th. That, with a soreness in my chest at the left side, over and above the heart, have been the things that puzzled me, and still do as a matter of fact. But as long as I can feel better and not have these spells recur, I am sure I can stand it.
   "I am going to speak to Shorell, [I. Daniel Shorell, M.D.] as per your suggestions. Maybe he will do just as you suggest, and perhaps we can find out about the 'prolapsus.' I will surely let you know if anything is done about it..."
4. 5/25/34 [279]'s letter to EC:
   "...I have not been feeling any too well these past several weeks, and did not go any further with my last reading than to have Dr. Kanev and Miss Burnette, who gives high colonics so capably, agree that you were right in the reading. Miss Burnett particularly says that I have the engorgement of the colon, and is positive an x-ray or fluoroscope examination would prove you right. Well, I never got any further with Dr. Shorell on it, for many reasons. But I have been worrying quite a bit lately, which of course is not unusual for me..."
5. 6/08/34 [279]'s letter to EC:
   "I have not been feeling well at all this past month or so, and only hope I can snap out of it again. To add to my misery, the doctor told me I had shingles. I understand they are so very painful, and one must go to bed for weeks. Well, I've had mine for two weeks, and they have itched more than they pained, and thank the good Lord they have not been so terribly painful that I've had to go to bed with them..."
6. 6/15/34 EC's letter to Mr. [279]:
   "...Shingles, of course, is a most aggravating thing, but it is caused, to be sure, by a humor, but if the eliminations are set properly and the precautions are taken for such a thing, they shouldn't last very long, unless they become irritated by continued poisoning in the system."
7. 8/15/35 [279]'s letter to EC:
   "...As far as my health is concerned, Edgar, I suppose I am exceptionally well - for me. I've lost my habit of complaining, and strangely enough have felt lots better generally. I still feel that there is something wrong, which has not been corrected. What it is, only the Lord can tell, and I suppose He won't. The doctors say I'm all right, so I'm trying to go by their decision. I have put on about thirty pounds this year, so far, and I imagine the increased weight has something to do with my increased resistance.
   "I really believe if my financial situation would get better, I might improve tremendously mentally and physically."
8. See subsequent notations under 279-4 & 279-19 Reports.
9. 8/04/42 He ordered an autographed copy of Sugrue's book, THERE IS A RIVER:
   "...I have had some trying times in the past few years. Last fall I was taken with a very severe illness; contracted grippe - affected my kidneys and then had a bloodstream infection. I am still feeling the effects, but am improving all the time. ...My business has prospered slightly. ...It seems, since my illness, I no longer care for great promotions, but am satisfied to build my business on slower and firmer strides..."
10. 6/23/50 GD's note: Mr. [257], here for the A.R.E. Congress, told me today that Mr. [279] died early this summer - he thinks sometime last month.

Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation