Edgar Cayce Readings, 576-1

(Physical Suggestion)

TEXT

EC: Yes, we have the body, [576].
Now, in describing the conditions as we find that disturb the physical forces of the body, it will be at times difficult to differentiate between cause and effect.
But that which may be helpful or beneficial will first necessarily be palliative; then as conditions change there should be a more specific application for greater or more specific corrections in the disturbing factors in the physical functioning.
These, then, as we find that disturb - and the conditions that are aggravating and being aggravated - affect the system in many directions.
Then, these are the conditions as we find them with this body, [576] we are speaking of:
The BLOOD STREAM is rather deficient, though the pulsation is very good - for one of its age, demean, and the conditions that disturb; yet the pressure in the blood supply is abnormal.
We find the NERVOUS SYSTEM in very much of a disturbed condition, produced by - and producing - conditions in the system. There are pressures that exist from irritation in the glands of the system, especially as to the nature of the control in the sphincter muscle forces, and the kidney and the bladder activity. These, as we find, are in a state of irritation such as to produce - in the lumbar plexus and through this in the locomotary axis - not exactly digitan (?), [paralysis agitans, or Parkinson's?] not the "stumbling steps" yet a tremor in the walk and in the activity of the body is such as to give rise to an affectation very similar to these at times. Not locomotor ataxy [ataxia] exactly, yet the step and the movement in the whole body is somewhat akin to this, from the pressure and the poisons produced by the pressure; for the glands are swollen at times, thus preventing the normal flow or activity of eliminations either through the kidneys or the alimentary canal, and these affect internally the nerve system through the various plexuses that become involved by the conditions that exist there.
We find also at times, from properties it has been necessary to take, a tendency rather for deterioration in the activity through the eliminations as related to the circulation between the liver and the kidneys proper; so that the clarification of the blood supply in its passage from the arterial and venous circulation is not always normal, neither is the vision nor the activities as related to digestion unaffected by the nerves, as well as AFFECTING the organs thus disturbed by this nerve reaction.
In the ORGANS of the body we find all under a stress of nervous reaction, or from deterioration, by the inability of the system to produce the proper resuscitation for reenlivening the body as it has been or IS and has been under the general stresses from time to time.
Then, in meeting the needs, as we have indicated, first the applications will be more of the palliative nature. As they tend to make for changes in the general system, and the quieting of the activities that have been disturbing factors, then we may give the more specific applications; dependent, to be sure, in these changes, as to the reactions the body has to things that we would find would be applicable to the better needs of the body in the present.
First we would begin with the Animated Ash, an eighth grain taken morning and evening. Empty the powder from the capsule or container onto the tongue and wash down with a sip or swallow of water. After the evening dose we would apply the plain violet ray over the upper portion of the lung, forward and backward; that is, over the chest, down to the sternum or to the upper portion of stomach; the back from the base of the brain to the 9th dorsal area, you see; two minutes on either portion of the body. This will make for the better clarification of the blood supply and the stronger pulsation to all portions of the system.
Also we would begin and have at least ONCE each day those applications of the tubes that would be used for the infectious forces that arise from the gland conditions, you see; using the Elliot machine and the RECTAL tube - this for the glands there, you see. This should be applied each day for thirty minutes to one hour, and the heat in same may be increased to about a hundred to a hundred and ten degrees, you see.
After following these applications for two to three weeks - that is, the Ash, the violet ray and the Elliot machine appliance for those activities as indicated - then we would give further instructions.
The diet and the general activities would be as outlined heretofore by others for the body, in keeping that easily assimilated and body building.
Ready for questions.
(Q) Is there chance for permanent relief and cure?
(A) As we find, while those conditions in the rectal area are in the prostate disorder (prostate glands), this will reduce to such a nature that it will depend upon the reaction as to whether this can be made permanent or not. As indicated, palliatives first. The sedatives that have been necessary at times will necessarily be taken, but gradually be weaned out.
(Q) The continuous pain seems to be located within the abdomen.
(A) As we find, this is in the glands here, as indicated; hence will need the high rectal tube, you see.
Do this as we have outlined, and then - in three weeks after beginning the treatment - we would give further instructions, [576].
We are through for the present.
Copy to Self
Copy to Ass'n file
Copy to Miss [350]
(The Animated Ash may be obtained from B. H. Bradley, 5443 Maryland Ave., Chicago, Ill. Copy of letter was enclosed from Mr. Bradley to a customer explaining what the Ash is. [See under 432-1 Reports.]
GD's notes to [576]: If you do not already have a violet ray, you should be able to get one from a local drug or electrical supply house. This is the plain violet ray hand machine.
Please see enclosed letter to Dr. Shorell in New York who uses the Elliot machine in his hospital; you can send the letter to him, asking him to direct you to a physician in Dayton who uses it.)

BACKGROUND

5/31/34 "First, I want to know what my physical disabilities are - they seem to be located within the abdomen - and they cause me continuous pain. Second, I want to know if there is any chance for permanent relief and cure...to be healed from the constant pain, provided there is a likelihood I may be healed - if no hope of a cure the pain does not matter, for I will soon pass on unless I can get relief."

REPORTS

6/15/34 The reading coincides in general terms with the diagnosis of my physician, my surgeon, and my osteopath, but only in part. My walking, however, is not a tremor nor is it ataxic like locomotor ataxia, but rather slow from bodily weakness.
The reading arouses hope, which my other diagnosticians deny as to ultimate recovery, therefore I shall proceed with my investigation, hoping that I shall not find the expense involved prohibitive. If it is I shall be out of luck, regardless as to what it may promise.
7/08/34 Letter to EC:
... Avenue, Dayton, Ohio
Mr. Edgar Cayce Virginia Beach, Va.
Dear Mr. Cayce:
"It will interest you to know that I have finally learned that the Elliott machine is made in Detroit. My last letter to Dr. Shorell was forwarded to the makers of the machine who advised me in a letter, received Friday, July 6, that one of its machines has been in use at the Dayton Miami Valley Hospital for several years. That evening I went to the hospital, talked with the trained operator of the machine, and the physician in charge. The latter could not fix the price in the absence of Dr. Simpson, who will return in a few days, when I will call on him and learn the cost for three weeks' treatment. If it be in excess of my limited means, of course I'll be out of luck, when I shall have to ask you for a substitute, if such be possible.
Please advise me as to whether or not it will not be the proper course to drop all other treatments while yours are being administered? At present I'm taking a tonic for my heart five or six times a day, and a tablet to increase the action of the kidneys, and a suppository to be inserted in the rectum for the prostate gland. Naturally, I would prefer to drop all other treatments when I begin to use yours, and I hope you will so advise.
Thank you for the literature which arrived a few days ago.
The mother of the young woman [951] whom you healed of arthritis called a few evenings ago and told me about her daughter's case. But the assurance from Miss [350] was all that I needed to convince me of your reliability and ability."
Yours sincerely, Mr. [576]
7/29/34 Beginning with July 17, I have taken, twice a day, the Animated Ash, and the violet ray treatment once a day. The latter I have paid for in books. Otherwise I would not have been enabled to do so.
The Miami Valley Hospital refused to give me the treatment with the Elliott machine for the reason given by the physician in charge of the machine that it would be an "experiment!" And he at the head of the Research department! A more assinine excuse - not reason - it would be difficult to mention!
Fortunately, however, my physician learned that another doctor in Dayton has been using the Elliott machine for about three months for just such cases as mine and with gratifying success. I went to him and told him that I had a well selected library of some 1500 volumes from which he could choose a sufficient number to pay for 15 or more treatments at $3.00 each, but that I had no cash. He has agreed to take his pay in books. Thus far I have taken four treatments: July 23, 25 minutes at a temperature of 110; July 24, 25 minutes at 120; July 26, 25 minutes at 125; July 27, 35 minutes at 125 degrees. I am to take the 5th treatment July 30.
Assuming that you would have me do so, I have acquiesced to his judgement as to frequency, temperature, and duration of each treatment, as he is guided by his experience with the few cases like mine that he has treated with the machine. He tells me that, during the three months he has used the machine, he has cured worse prostate troubles than mine, and that, in his judgement, he can cure my prostate trouble.
The only notable improvement that I have been enabled to note with assurance is a gain of five pounds in weight. There is no noticeable diminution in the pain. That continues, night and day. Nor has there been any other noticeable improvement. Yet I shall continue all three treatments for the two or three weeks suggested by you, when I will report, and then await, with keen interest, further advice from you.
If, in the meantime, you have other suggestions to offer I shall be glad to receive and obey them.
With all good wishes, I remain,"
Sincerely, [576]
8/31/34 Letter to EC:
... Avenue, Dayton, Ohio
Dear Mr. Cayce: Your cordial and friendly letter of August 3 was most welcome. I have waited till the first course of treatment was finished before replying, which will account for the belated reply.
Your prescription has been followed as nearly letter-perfect as possible. The Carbon Ash and the violet ray treatment were commenced on July 17, and the Elliott machine treatment a few days after since which date I have had 20 treatments, the last one having been given last Monday, August 27. Dr. Shroyer, who gave the treatments, thought it better to wait two weeks before continuing them, so I'm expected to begin again with the Elliott machine treatments one week from next Monday, and will do so, provided it meets with your approval.
While the improvement has not been all that I had expected and desired yet there has been marked change for the better which my wife and my friends have noticed, as well as Dr. Shroyer who has given the Elliott treatment and also by Dr. Ray H. Bechtell, who gave the violet ray treatment. Up to the first of last week I had gained seven pounds, but I lost two pounds the week following, due, I think to a slight attack of diarrhea.
On the whole I'm greatly encouraged. Furthermore, I believe if I had not had your assistance I would have passed on before this. I feel that you saved my life. I can't put it stronger than that.
If you approve I would be glad if you would make another examination, as suggested in your first letter, before I begin the second series of treatment with the Elliott machine, so that you may be enabled to make any necessary change. I have no money just at the present writing but I expect to begin to build up an adequate income within a month or two when I hope and expect to receive returns from some syndicate matter for daily and weekly newspapers. In the past I have succeeded in this sort of work. What I've done once I can do again, altho the competition of today is much greater than when I did this sort of work before. If you will advise what the expense will be I shall endeavor to see that you are paid at the earliest possible moment.
With unmeasured gratitude and with warmest regards,
Sincerely, [576]
9/10/34 Letter to EC:
Dear Mr. Cayce:
Your cheery, friendly, and considerate letter of Sept. 8 radiates the spirit of the Master. It is quite evident that you not only believe in the Golden Rule but live by it. You exemplify the real meaning of the word believe as related to the Master's teachings - to believe is to live by.
Your plan to visit me on Friday morning between 10:30 and 11:30, Sept. 14, will harmonize with the doctor's plans. I will be in my room at my home at the above address as fixed by you.
When I first called on Dr. Shroyer who has given me the Elliott machine treatment I followed the advice of my regular physician and did not disclose the source of the prescription as he thought it might prejudice Dr. Shroyer as it evidently did the research man at the Miami Valley Hospital who refused to treat me. But today I told him about you and your work. He manifested a keen interest and requested the privilege of reading your first diagnois, which, of course, I will show him tomorrow. Evidently he is broader-minded than the other chap at the hospital. He asks this question:
Is prostate more fibrous than lymphoid?
I'm in hopes you can answer his query. The word "fibrous" sounds as tho he feared a fibroid tumor. Webster's definition of "fibrous" follows: "Containing, consisting of, or like, fibers; as, a fibrous root." Webster's gives the definition of "fibroid" as, "Resembling or forming fibrous tissue; made up of fibers, as a fibroid tumor."
That implies the possibility of cancer, for that is what a fibroid tumor really is. It sounds ominous and full of evil import. For this reason I hope you may be able to throw some light upon this phase of the situation. If you do find it a fibroid growth I hope you will say so, for I will not be helped any by having anything hidden from me.
As you will note by my letter head I have started preparations for syndicate work. And I'm looking forward with hope.
In due time I hope you will advise me as to my indebtedness to you for this service.
As a proof of my improved condition I had to travel about the downtown section today from 10 A.M. till 5 P.M., walking at least 20 blocks. I could not have done that before this treatment. In addition, I expect to work at home, tonight, two or three hours longer - at my desk and building a homemade typewriter desk for my den.
With kind regards and best wishes,
Gratefully yours, [576]
9/14/34 See 576-2.
2/22/45 Memo to GD:
DR. HENRY GEORGE III [D.O.] 2212 Baynard Boulevard Wilmington, Del. Phone 4-3960
The Elliott Treatment is a technique intended to produce high local heat with water. It consists of a water heating container, a motor driven pump and gauges and valves for the control of temperature and pressure. Vaginal and rectal application of rubber are placed in these body orifices after enemas or colonic irrigations have been given to cleanse the intestinal tract. Mechanical distention up to three or four pounds pressure or what is comfortable for the patient is produced and the temperature which commences at about or slightly above body heat is raised to 130 or 135 degrees F. The treatment usually lasts a half an hour and are usually given three weekly.
They are effective in certain pelvic inflammatory diseases, rectal and prostatic conditions. Because of convenience most doctors probably prefer shortwave diathermy.
7/05/78 GD's note: Dr. O. M. Wakefield (D.O.), Virginia Beach, Va., tells me that the old diathermy years ago was replaced because of its interference with radio and TV stations. The new machine, which is a much improved one, is called a Medcolator. [It has taken the place of the old diathermy and sinusoidal, - i.e. the old short wave machines. It is manufactured by: MEDCO PRODUCTS CO., TULSA, OK.]