This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 22nd day of May, 1936, in accordance with request made by the sister - Mrs. [1158], through Associate Membership of her husband in the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

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

TEXT

1. EC: Yes, we have the body here, [1173].
2. Now, as we find, there are conditions that disturb the better physical functioning of the body. These conditions while they at times appear somewhat of a psychopathic nature are more, as we find, of a pathological nature.
3. And while, as will be seen, many portions of the system suffer under the stresses of the conditions, these will adjust themselves in most ways if the basic causes are removed or if there are added in the system such measures as to bring about a more proper functioning of those portions that have been the cause and that ARE the disturbing conditions in the physical forces of the body.
4. The BASIC cause, as we find, was produced from an unbalancing of the salts or the activative forces in the system as to assimilations, that affect the blood supply.
5. Hence it may be, from a pathological reaction, considered as a glandular disturbance, bringing or producing a weakness in almost all portions of the PHYSICAL reactions; and at times affecting the coordination between the impulse system (mentally) and the physical reactions in functioning of organs.
6. THE BLOOD SUPPLY, we find then is very weak, and the show of the correct distribution over a series of experiments would indicate that there is quite a variation at times in the balance between the red blood cells and the leucocytes or the white blood cells.
7. This variation is the indication of how that the thyroid, the adrenal, the lacteal ducts, the pineals, all of the endocrines suffer under these conditions; and there is an engorgement of the spleen itself. Hence weakness, shortness of breath, inability for taxation through physical exercise, the hurtings or heaviness at times through the lungs. The throat at times feels full, the body at times feels as if there was a damper as it were over the whole of the mental and physical reaction, a pulsation as of the extremities being too full and at times as if the hands and feet grow cold or clammy; weakness across the small of the back, through the shoulder blades and around the ribs as of a strain upon the body. These are the attempts of the blood supply, from its sources, through even the very marrow activity of the bone supplies, to the elements for the blood forces, to create a normal balance for the body.
8. THE NERVE FORCES as we find at times show a separation as between the vegetative or sympathetic and the cerebrospinal or deeper circulation; thus making for periods, for the moment, when the reactions that are voluntary become involuntary and the involuntary voluntary. Or there is the inability for the muscular forces as it were to receive impulses sufficient to make for the stamina of activity in the impulse for forces that become necessary.
9. In times back the body has OVERSTIMULATED by study, by centralizing the mental abilities and mental faculties on conditions without regard to keeping the body physically fit in its balance for the elements necessary to keep a mental and physical balance throughout.
10. Hence the nervous breakdown, the shattering as it were of the abilities to concentrate; the inability for the body to rest as it should.
11. Sediments or sedatives become as the opposite of what their reaction should be, save as to producing a strain upon the organs of assimilation.
12. These as we find are the conditions that disturb the body-physical of [1173] we are speaking of.
13. ALL THE ORGANS OF THE BODY at times have suffered, do suffer under the stress and strain as produced.
14. As we would find then, in the beginnings and the changes that would be wrought, it would be well to consider these all in their PROPER position or relative reaction through the system, as WELL as giving proper stress upon the various functions and activity of functions through the system.
15. As it, the condition, IS pathological then it is necessary that such means be used. While it is also necessary that a mental balance be kept, the pathological or the inner activity of the functionings of these glands of the assimilating system must be considered. For after all the liver AND the spleen in their coordinant activity are GLANDS, yet perform a definite function as to the varied functionings IN a circulatory force as related both to the physical body AND the mental body.
16. The functionings of the liver being upon an excretory and secretive functioning AS a gland, the glands within the organ and glands within the other portions of the system are depending upon the activity of same in its assimilating, in its functioning as eliminating forces in the body.
17. And the spleen performs a function more in accord with that balance between the red blood and white blood cellular force as related to the body-MENTAL.
18. Thus this overactivity of the body has brought about this distress in this gland or this organ in a specific way and manner.
19. Hence the fullness is felt across the left side or over the area of the spleen below the stomach and around the stomach, and in its conjunction with the activities of the rest of the body becomes rather that influence that produces an awareness of minor or major changes that are effective in the body-physical.
20. Hence we will find periods when there may be a great deal of animation and expectancy, and the desire for a physical activity when there is possibly the LEAST ABILITY in the physical forces for it to be carried out. And others when depression or that as has been indicated by a hemming in or a suppression to the whole mental and physical correspondent activity, when the body PHYSICALLY apparently would be in a better condition or position to carry on in any mental or physical activity.
21. Then in the beginnings, these must be slow but they must be specific and sure; and changing for the various effects and for the various activities in their specific time.
22. There may be periods when the body will feel a great deal improved, and then apparently have a period of relapse. Don't LOOK for the relapse (though same will occur) but look more and more for the time when corrections will be such that the body physically and mentally may carry on, meeting its opportunities, its obligations, carrying on those activities wherein it may accomplish; not materially so much. Let the material activities that come for the body's influence be rather the outcome of a correct mental and spiritual balance. Let its purposes and its expectancies, let its ambitions be rather that the body physically and mentally may bring about in the experiences of self, in the experiences of those whom the body may contact, that which will create, that which will bring into the experiences of others a more hopeful, more helpful attitude; knowing that in the manner that ye mete out to thy fellow man, so ye mete to thy Maker.
23. In finding within self its relationships, in the study of self in all its relationships to the world without and the world within, know that all power, all force that is activative in Creative Forces arises from ONE source! So whether there be the influences in the body from elements that have been concentrated as in sunshine, in the plasms that make for an influence upon the plasms of the blood, producing in the urea those expectancies and those activities wherein coordinant and proper functionings may be brought about within the body, these arise from that which is constructive, that is creative; the spirit of same is of those very forces that Life is itself. And Life itself IS God, as men term, as is experienced; not proven save by EXPERIENCING same in the very activity. And the more that is poured out the more may one have within self. For if ye would have life, then you must give life. If ye would have love, if ye would have hope, if ye would have faith, ye must give these not only within thine inner being but in thine mind, in thine body, in thine inner self.
24. In the beginnings then, first begin with those added influences that may be active upon the glands of the body itself IN PURIFYING them.
25. REST, yet rest in the sunshine; rest where sea and sands and pines may be a part of the very air and the very elements.
26. So, for the activity upon the glands in purifying same, we would begin with atomic iodine in that called Atomidine. Take ONLY ONE MINIM in half a glass of water night and morning; morning before any meal is taken, and evening before retiring. Do this for a period of five days, then have a rest period from same for five days. Continue in that manner.
27. During the periods of rest from the taking of the Atomidine, we would take enzymes that will act upon the body in creating for a digestive force, and the active elements that are lacking in creating this balance through the system. As we find these may be combined for this body in TWO elements; Valentine's Extract of Liver AND Ventriculin WITH iron. Take AFTER the morning meal a teaspoonful of the Valentine's Liver Extract. Take BEFORE the evening meal a level teaspoonful of the Ventriculin WITH iron. See? These are to be taken ONLY on the days when the Atomidine is NOT taken.
28. Once a week, preferably we would say for the body on Tuesdays, have a thorough massage following a hot bath; not a sweat cabinet bath, not a sweat bath, but rather just the body HEATED from WATER - not of sun's light alone but of WATER, or hot water, see? and a thorough rubdown after same, with a gentle massage (using olive oil) over the whole of the cerebrospinal system, with SPECIFIC attention in the lumbar plexus or axis, 4th lumbar and sacral, 9th dorsal, 2nd and 3rd dorsal and throughout the cervical system - a massage of a circular motion, not osteopathically, but the Swedish massage or of that nature.
29. Then the DIET: This should consist of those foods that supply the elements which the body will be stimulated to call for through the activities of those influences that have been suggested to be taken internally for the upbuilding and purifying of those portions that have been under such stress and strain. So, these would be rather specific; though know that these are not ALL - but change according to the DESIRE of the body itself. For as activities begin, as the general relaxations are begun and the changes are created by the activities of the glands of the bodily functions, there will grow more of an appetite. Use, then, this as an outline:
30. Mornings - citrus fruit juices, or whole wheat crushed and cooked as a cereal - cooked for at least an hour or hour and a half but not in aluminum, though use a double boiler to be sure. Do not eat the citrus fruit juices AND the cereal at the same meal; rather have the fruit juices two or three meals a week, and the cereal two or three meals a week - seasoned with salt, milk or cream.
31. Noons - all green vegetables, that may be altered at times with soups - whether these are of meat broths, as of chicken or of mutton or of such natures, or of all vegetable juices. But alter only as the desire of the body, see?
32. Evenings - rather the well-cooked vegetables; those that are more of the leafy and the pod than of the tuberous; though carrots, onions, beets, tomatoes, lettuce, celery, spinach, mustard, watercress, peppers, radishes all may be included in the raw vegetable salad or vegetable combination for the noon meal; for these in their elements or raw state carry more of the salts that are helpful to the body. AT TIMES in the raw salad there may be included peas, a little corn, beans, that have been COOKED - added to the raw salad; but this only occasionally. The evening meal would consist of cooked vegetables such as beans, lentils, peas, cabbage (especially red cabbage), spinach, lambs'-tongue, such green vegetables, with chicken or fish or GAME meats of any kind. No fried foods EVER. When potatoes are taken the jackets should be eaten with same; these are the better for the body. Fruits, as berries of all natures may be taken with cream and sugar for the evening meal as the dessert. Not great quantities ever of the pastries or pies, though certain character of pies or of pastry may be taken - as in those that are the OPEN pie, as strawberry, raspberry, egg custard, those that make for the activities that are to aid in assimilations.
33. Do these for a period of eight weeks; then we would give further instructions.
34. Five days with the Atomidine, five days with the Ventriculin and Valentine's Liver Juice, you see - one of morning, one of evening. And one minim of the Atomidine at a dose is sufficient, and especially if the body is where there is sea air, SANDS and pines - for these would be the correct surroundings for the body.
35. Not osteopathic manipulations, but a warm or hot bath followed with the oil rubs and close the pores with the alcohol or alcohol and salt rum.
36. Do these.
37. In keeping the mental attitudes, study such as has been prepared through these channels in the lessons of Self, especially such as in the paper on Meditation.
38. During the period of study, relax, lie down; and to quiet the body use the Radio-Active Appliance for an hour. If the body falls asleep while using same in the afternoon, between three and four o'clock, well. Then it will be better prepared for its evening meal and its general activities.
39. Gradually begin to walk a little. Do not remain in bed TOO LONG, but rest at least three hours each day for the next five to six weeks.
40. Ready for questions.
41. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file
    Copy to Mrs. [1158]
    (5/22/36 GD's note: See booklet on Atomidine [which was enclosed].
    Paper on Meditation is being sent under separate cover. See enclosed with same a paper listing the Publications of the Ass'n.
    See letter [which was enclosed] to H.H.R. Corp.
    If everything is not clear, let us know. Advise when the whole outline has been followed for eight weeks, so we may make appointment for the Check Reading to give further instructions.)

BACKGROUND

1. 5/10/36 Mrs. [1158]'s letter to GD: "...I hope you and Mrs. Cayce and Mr. Cayce and his son, will feel led to push forward the physical reading I have requested for my brother [1173]. Since sending in for his [1173] reading I have had word that he is worse, and had to go to a Cleveland Hospital, etc. He is now back in ..., Ohio, with a very confused and discouraging report. It is difficult for him to rise above mental depression over his prolonged state of ill health. If he could get some 'real light' thrown upon his depleted physical condition, with some real suggestions as to how to reestablish health, before his birthday (the 25th of this month) he could start out his new year with some hope and joy.
   "I would greatly appreciate your including as one of his questions the following: Would the 'laying on of hands', by Messrs. Horace Hambling [English spiritualistic medium] or Hickey, be a constructive treatment in this case?
   "Mr. [1151] and I both feel the above question is important to find out about. You probably know that through 'Moon-Trail' Mr. Hambling receives 'curative vibrations', which operate through the 'laying on of hands'. Also, we know of a Mr. Hickey, who also has used his hands, in a similar way to produce beneficial results..."
2. 5/19/36 Mr. [1173] verified appointment, saying: I have three supplementary questions to ask: 1. Is it advisable for me to take organic iodine daily in some such form as BIS? 2. Will "sun baths" be helpful to my present condition? 3. Approximately how long will it be advisable for me to stay in bed?
   I look forward with great interest to this occasion. Please mail the report to me. I should be in a cooperative spirit.
   Sincerely, [1173]

REPORTS

1. 5/26/36 Mr. [1173]'s letter to EC:
   Dear Mr. Cayce:
   I was immensely interested and stimulated by my physical reading [1173-1] which I have just received. I am thoroughly in sympathy with the great experimental work you are doing as related to me by Mrs. [1158] and by your own papers that I have had to read.
   In the case of my own reading, however, the results while provocative, are not to me one hundred percent convincing.
   It is an indisputable fact that I have pleurisy. The x-rays show it, tapping sounds it, and a needle withdraws the fluid. Almost a year ago I had a severe attack of pleurisy on the left side. This was the only severe illness I had ever had. There are still vestiges of plural congestion in this left plural cavity. However nine months after this illness as I seemed to be about well I had another attack of pleurisy, this time on the right side. It is from this that I am now suffering. There is approximately a pint of fluid in my right chest.
   Now, in an ultimate sense, the causes which led to these breakdowns are more important by far than the breakdowns themselves. Your reading made effective comment on my basic physical weaknesses. But pleurisy is a definite disease, like pneumonia or any other, and while the basic weaknesses must be mitigated or eliminated, the fact of a particular eruption such as pleurisy can not very well be ignored. Hence I am more than a little disturbed that the report fails to mention the active physical disturbance which keeps me in bed.
   Now, according to present day medical opinion, prolonged rest is the best cure for pleurisy and tuberculosis. Yet in the last paragraph of my report, it is tacitly admitted that I need remain in bed only 3 hours a day. On the other hand appears the seemingly contradictory remark "gradually begin to walk a little."
   Now I do not maintain that orthodox medical opinion is always right. Even the doctors make no such claim. But inasmuch as my pulse jumps to 120 when I get up and inasmuch as it tires me to sit up for more than a couple of hours, it would seem that their advice about staying in bed has support from the physical behavior of my body.
   I do not know whether I shall be able to afford a "radio active" machine, but I shall follow the other instructions as thoroughly as possible. In regard to radio active machines we have a short wave therapy machine here which works at 6 meters. It has been found that radio active waves at this wave length cause internal heat - something like an internal hot water bottle. This is of course a different appliance from the one you describe, but it is possible that this might be of use to me.
   Do you find that you can psychically switch from one subject to another? If so perhaps sometime when you have a short reading you might have your wife ask you 1) if this short wave machine would be of use and 2) why no mention was made of my pleurisy. The answer to the last question might be very interesting. I cannot afford to have a whole reading to have just these two questions answered.
   Some day I expect to join your organization and have a vague premonition that I might eventually in some way help with its work. There are many questions in my mind, but I shall leave them for some other time.
   I shall send this letter to Mrs. [1158] and ask her to forward it to you without comment.
   Cordially yours, [1173]
2. 5/28/36 Sister [1158]'s letter: "About four months ago he got much worse. He was taken to the Cleveland Clinic, and they found his right lung had filled with fluid again, his temperature had ret'd, his pulse was bad, his breathing difficult, renewed pain, and a dreadful cough. They said the relapse had been brought on by too much activity. His only hope was to go to bed for 3 months, and make no effort whatever. In view of his ten months of illness, it is no wonder he feels he must obey the doctors about keeping quiet and staying continuously in bed.
   "My brother asked me to make no mention of what we knew him to be suffering from, as it was a specific, nameable disease, and would be a test... I feel we must get some explanation as to the 2 ques. he asks..."
3. 5/31/36 See 1173-2.

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