This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 23rd day of December, 1935, in accordance with request made by the daughter - Miss [954], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno.

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the body here, [1087].
2. Now, as we find, there are conditions that are rather a complication of disturbances in the physical forces of the body. And the mental reaction, as we find, is from the physical conditions; many causes, or more than one cause, being contributory measures.
3. These, then, are the conditions as we find them with this body, [1087] we are speaking of:
4. THE BLOOD SUPPLY, this shows an impoverishment, or low vitality, low resistance. Yet at times in the physical forces the physical strength appears to be above the normal in its ability for activity. Just as do the mental reactions come for a very strong determination at times. These arise from those improper coordinations between the influences distributed to make for replenishing in physical, mental and the material activities in the body.
5. And then it appears or becomes as a borderland of POSSESSION at such times.
6. IN THE NERVOUS FORCES OF THE BODY, there has been and is shown a depletion in the vitality, the blood supplies; just so there has been a depletion in the nervous energies at times.
7. Hence those periods when there are the indications of the excess of activity in the nerve forces by those very conditions that have drawn so heavily upon the nervous forces; producing an incoordination.
8. This arises from those disturbances when there was not only the change, or the menopause, but the lack of the proper coordination through a very depleted physical force throughout the body.
9. Hence we find there are specific centers there the incoordination is shown; as in the lumbar (4th to the 2nd), the 9th dorsal and specifically the 1st, 2nd and 3rd cervicals. These are centers where the coordination between the impulse and the physical activity produces periods when there are the associations with not only the mental and physical but the spiritual activities - or the SOURCE of the ENTITY itself in its connection with the physical body. Thus there are periods produced when the body is over-hilarious, but the more often there is produced melancholia, the inability to rest, the inability to make for activities in those things that pertain to even self-preservation. Or there is the lack of the conditions that make for care of self, or for those things that would be termed as the conditions where suggestive forces meet the physical activities.
10. IN THE ORGANS THEMSELVES, as all the system has been under strain, through the general depletion throughout the physical body, we find that all the organs have suffered - or do suffer at times - from lack of the coordinating with the rest of the activities of the body.
11. However, in ministering for the betterment of the general condition, we find that these would respond in varying ways and manners. At times some cause disturbances; at others there is a better coordination.
12. Owing to the very nature of the disturbances, we find that those conditions in the mouth or the teeth are a CONTRIBUTORY cause; though not other than those which may be aided when there may be builded in the activities better coordination - and first the DESIRE for self-preservation, self-building; not self-indulgence but self's activities for betterment, to be used FOR something!
13. These, then, would be the periods when the mouth or teeth might be aided, and thus add to the abilities to give further aid or help for the general body.
14. IN MAKING THE APPLICATIONS, THEN: While these become very disturbing, very aggravating, these should be as much as possible under the supervision of one that UNDERSTANDS the physical forces of the body; as to make for companionship for the body. Not by might or by main strength, or force, but rather by PERSUASION - and the activities that would make for periods when there may be made the giving of greater strength to the mental and physical body; by care, attention, patience, perseverance and the like. Not that there would be the "giving in" always, but rather PERSUASIVE measures in asserting self - in caring for the body, in carrying on in just as near the normal manner as possible. Never make statements that are not to be carried out fully, but ALWAYS as the body mentally and physically a part of the suggestive forces.
15. While medications may be needed in a measure, these - as we find - will NOT add to the body the greater constructive forces.
16. Rather would we have the manipulative forces by the osteopathic treatments, that would generally, gently, relax the body. This will require one with patience, and an UNDERSTANDING nature.
17. As we find, on conjunction with such manipulative forces, we would have THESE as medicated properties - compounded in this manner:

    Tincture of Valerian..................2 ounces,
Elixir of Calisaya....................2 ounces,
10% solution Iodide of Potassium.....40 minims,
10% solution Bromide of Potassium...1/2 ounce,
Tincture of Capsici...................5 minims.

    This, as we find, will be rather bitter; but this should be taken at least three or four times each day. A teaspoonful two to three to four times a day. Before or after meals doesn't matter. This is for the nerves, and for the general depletion of the system; each acting - as one with another - to make for functional as well as organic corrections for the system.
18. Every second or third day have the general manipulations; osteopathically given - adjustments and massage.
19. Also when there are periods of the manipulations, or each day if possible, when ready for retirement, use the Radio-Active Appliance.
20. These, as we find, being consistent and persistent, will offer the greater condition for PERMANENT helpfulness to this body.
21. In the diet, keep those things that are body and blood building as much as possible. Liver, tripe, and things of such nature should be a portion of the diet at least two or three times each week. Cereals, citrus fruit and such; though do not eat cereals and citrus fruits at the same meal. Meats of every nature may be taken except HOG meat. No fried meats or fried foods of any kind. Two of the bulbular vegetables should be eaten to one of the leafy vegetables. This is the character of the diet, as we find.
22. Ready for questions.
23. (Q) Can you suggest a method by which we can persuade her to have these teeth extracted?
    (A) Only through those manners as indicated; until, through the persuasive measures as may be had in the manipulative forces, there is created that desire on the part of self for helpfulness of self. Not until then would it be best to have these removed. This should be accomplished in thirty days or such a matter, if these are followed.
24. (Q) Is there an adrenal glandular deficiency which should be helped?
    (A) Not so much as the coordination in ALL of the functioning of the organs as to assimilation and elimination. The coordination of the cerebrospinal and sympathetic system, with the properties indicated, should make the glandular disturbance become more and more normal.
    Be patient, be persistent, be consistent. Not by might, but by PERSUASION. A little today, a little tomorrow; though the next day it may all be thrown aside, CONTINUE to make those suggestions. And we will find, while there may be periods when there will be the refusal to allow the manipulative measures, if those influences are used that may be had by such persuasions, these may be administered to the greater benefit.
25. (Q) Can she be handled better by an outside nurse, or by a member of the family?
    (A) This will be at sometimes one, sometimes another. A sympathetic nurse, or a GENERAL nurse - not a registered nurse - may be the better; provided she is in sympathy with that being administered.
    Let the nurse and those associations be suggested by Dobbins, as one that would give the treatments also.
26. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Miss [954] (2 copies; one for Dr. Dobbins)
    Copy to Ass'n file
    (See letter [which was enclosed] to Druggist with directions for preparing compound.
    See article [which was enclosed] explaining theory of Radio-Active Appliance and where obtained.)

BACKGROUND

1. 12/17/35 Daughter [954]'s letter from N.Y.C.: "Most dear Teacher: Although I have still heard nothing of YOUR condition, I am afraid I must break down and confess. I got trouble - yep - plenty trouble. I've thought I might battle it through, but now I've got to ask your help. For the thing easily breaks me - and now I feel important, as if I have work to do, and I must not be broken again and again - by the same thing at any rate.
   "My mother has recurring attacks of a deep melancholia which lead into a kind of coma state mentally and into a most low state physically. These attacks last from two to three years. She has never had adequate care during them - we have just worried along trying to get clean clothes on her, having a nurse for a while when the family Budget was larger - and shouting at her when our nerves cracked. Doctors come in and say cheerfully that nothing is wrong organically - just depressed - but try living with something (for this ceases to be a person) that is 'just depressed.' I'm trying very hard to do something different this time. I've managed to keep hold of my temper pretty well - thanks to your teachings.
   "Every reaction is negative. If the question concerns food or a clean or new dress or having someone in to clean - the answer is always 'No.'
   "Of course I have theories about the matter. But theories don't pull me out of the abyss into which this weight drags me. When you can give me a reading, I believe it should be a physical one, although the condition is so apparently mental. But won't you and Hugh Lynn talk the condition over and decide? It seems to me that if in the physical reading we could ask some simple questions about how to proceed in SIMPLE ways we might get some real help. Questions about what will make the daily routine easier for both her and me - and so on. I know there are elaborate ways of helping such cases - usually including sanitariums and baths and much apparatus. But those things are out of my reach, you see. To move her and to start her in any slightest newest direction makes for a pitiful scene. She is most unhappy - and so is everyone near her.
   "I should emphasize that this is not entirely a condition of senescence, for as near as I can remember these attacks began when she was 45. But they are not unlike certain elements of her everyday personality. They are only multiplied to the nth degree.
   "If the enclosed sheet of information is adequate, and if Hugh Lynn feels the questions suitable and possible, go ahead as soon as you feel able to get us on your list. I enclose a check, thinking I recall that 'dependents' might be read at $10. I can afford this check nicely and wish I could double it. SOON - SOON - O I have so much hope about the work I am doing! "I am anxiously awaiting a true statement of what goes on in you and in your household - "
   With very sincere gratitude - and affection - [954]
   "P.S. I have talked the matter of a rdg. over with Mother several times hoping to get her to help us - but the answer is always the same no. So I thought if I asked in this case it might be enough, since my need is so great.
   1. Does the condition produced by bad teeth in this patient's mouth affect the mental state? (or the general condition)
   2. Can you suggest a method by which we can persuade her to have those teeth extracted?
   3. Please suggest foods both good for her and foods she is capable of chewing.
   4. Is there an adrenal glandular deficiency which should be helped?
   5. What is the most effective method to get her to do simple things for her comfort, like bathing and dressing? Must she be handled firmly by an outsider, a nurse? Or is more to be accomplished by handling her gently by a member of the family?
   6. Can you suggest either a doctor other than the one now in attendance or an institution which might be helpful for the time being? Dr. Eugenia Ingerman has given us some advice up to now, but no improvement in the patient.
   xx (Would Dr. Daniel Crowley be helpful?) (Would Dr. William Leonard be helpful?)
   7. In case finances do not allow me to follow your directions to the letter which treatments already suggested would you feel most important?
   8. What activities of simple type can we bring this patient to stimulate her to which she will react kindly?
   9. Is there a source of friendship for her which I am overlooking in my efforts?
   10. Would the sacrifice necessary to give her a change to a warm climate be worthwhile? Would it be Florida?

REPORTS

1. 12/26/35 Daughter wrote that she intended to carry out the tr., saying she was encouraged by the thirty day promise, especially.
2. 12/27/35 EC wrote Dr. Dobbins asking that he give Mrs. [1087] special attention, if possible making a special price, etc.
3. 1/28/36 Daughter's letter: "My dear Teacher: A few days over a month has passed since you gave me Mother's reading. Yet, as you know, this was used only since about Jan. 5th - and then not entirely in full because of the hold-up of equipment. Despite these hindrances I want to report to you the wonderful news of extraordinary improvements I am seeing. The osteopathic treatments have literally worked miracles and I look forward to great help from the radioactive appliance which has, so far, been used only four times.
   "Try to imagine my joy in being able to report a nearly normal attitude - sometimes Mother will take a little more food and she has even ASKED for a bit more at times. Although she has been unable to chew liver for years, my butcher and I have now devised a chopped liver (fresh) which she has even suggested my cooking in the nearly raw state for her! Within the past week I have seen a continual reduction of the negative attitude.
   "In order to get a better picture of what this means to me - let me tell you (or am I only reminding you) that previous spells have lasted two and a half or three years. My great hope is to continue treatments as prescribed and to turn my efforts then to finding 'self's activities for betterment, to be used FOR something'. This is a truly great problem, for Mother is entirely alone here in this great city - my own friends are few and not her type at all - and she has never been a woman of intellectual or artistic pursuits. But we shall see -
   "Now intelligent sceptics will say to us - '[954] as an informed person knew about osteopathy - and has continually preached it and other manipulative cures to her friends as well as has used it herself.' That is absolutely true. But with the negative weight that was upon me from Mother plus the lack of funds I should never in the world - not by the widest stretch of the imagination have thought of asking Dr. Dobbins to come here three times a week. NEVER. But I was guided to this by the reading. Someone - SOMETHING - some FRIEND reached to me and took my hand and lead me along thus far. You say of course it was not YOU - but indeed it was through you and you only.
   "In all this is a lesson for me too - it is that if I would obey to the letter my other rdgs., I should do well. It is a lonely road, though. Yet I am used to loneliness. With greater freedom I hope to win as Mother gets better, I hope to accomplish more in the right directions.
   "Much love to you - and all those around you - " [954]
4. 2/16/36 Dr. Dobbins wrote that he was now treating Mrs. [1087].
5. 2/19/36 Daughter's letter: I send you wonderful news about Mother. She is weak physically, but oh! Her mind is so much better than previously.
   She shows every disposition to help me and the doctor, only querulous and mean OCCASIONALLY. I have had several indications of interest in outside things from her and only wish I could provide her with friends and with a hobby of her own.
6. 5/05/36 Miss [954] requested Physical Reading for her baby niece and Mrs. [1087]'s granddaughter, [1165].
7. 4/13/39 "My mother is greatly improved."

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