This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 1st day of September, 1938, in accordance with request made by the self - [1676], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by article in Kentucky New Era, Hopkinsville, Ky., reprinted from Dr. Thomas Garrett's article in the August issue of Health Culture - regarding the psychic work of Edgar Cayce.

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

TEXT

1. GC: You will go over this body carefully, examine it thoroughly, and tell me the conditions you find at the present time; giving the cause of the existing conditions, also suggestions for help and relief for this body. You will answer the questions that may be asked.
2. EC: Yes - we have the body here, [1676].
3. Now as we find, while the conditions have at present incapacitated the physical activities of the body, these may be materially aided; and in time may be restored to almost normalcy.
4. The conditions as we find are a deflection of the circulation to the lower portions of the body; and especially to the limbs and the feet.
5. While it is not as yet true paralysis, nor of the creeping nature, it may become all of these and more unless there are applications for the corrections.
6. These then are conditions as we find them with this body, [1676]:
7. While the activities of the circulatory forces as related to the organs of circulation have not as yet become so much involved, they show the variation in impulses; as to the return circulation from the lower portion of the limbs and body.
8. Thus, as we find - through an injury to the coccyx end of the spine - there has been an impaired circulation. Or rather than the segments being out of line, the injury is of the nature that scar tissue has caused or formed this impairment to the locomotory centers. Hence as we find it is in the sacral AND the coccyx more than the true END of the spine itself. However, the end is curved more than it should be.
9. Then this would indicate the necessity of the applications that would aid the system in dissolving or assimilating the disturbance, and in such a manner that it may be carried through the circulatory system so as to be eliminated from the body.
10. In the beginnings, then, these may appear to be slow in their reaction. Hence it will require that there be patience and persistence, with the mental attitude of the body kept in a CONSTRUCTIVE way and manner; that is:
11. There should be, as it were, a dedication of the abilities of the body in every direction towards Creative Forces, and to constructive activity in its associations with those about the body as well as those the body may contact. (More of this later, as conditions progress.)
12. Then, for the physical forces, in the first - let the attitude be with this expectancy of the mental self; that there WILL, there MUST come those healing forces, those abilities of the body to again use itself in a normal way and manner.
13. First, then, we would begin with these:
14. Each evening massage into the body an equal combination of Mutton Suet, Spirits of Turpentine and Spirits of Camphor; across the lower portion of the spine - that is, from the last lumbars - that is, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th lumbar - and across the sacral area. Massage into these areas all that the body will absorb.
15. Then over the same areas apply a heavy flannel saturated in the solution that has been used for the massage.
16. Over THAT then apply SALT HEAT; that is, heavy salt put into a sack or pad so that it will be at least an inch thick with the salt. Then heat this and apply to the same areas over which the flannel has been put. Keep this on until it is cool, or for at least three-quarters of an hour to an hour.
17. Then sponge off the areas with GRAIN (not rub but GRAIN) Alcohol, see?
18. THEN, following same, each evening, we would have a massage over the body with a combination of oils prepared in this manner:
19. To 6 ounces of Olive Oil as the base, add - in the ORDER NAMED:

    Oil of Cedar Wood....................1 ounce,
Oil of Pine Needles..................1 ounce,
Sassafras Oil......................1/2 ounce.

    Shake these together each time before they are used, for they will tend to separate. Then pour in a saucer just what may be massaged thoroughly, all the body will absorb. This is to be a massage for the limbs, and is to extend from the sciatic center - that is, the head of the hip bone downward - on the inside or back side, you see; and this combination massaged especially along the sciatic nerve - especially across the hips and extending down to the knees; then thoroughly under the knees; then thoroughly along the muscular forces to the ankle; and then thoroughly in the feet - and to the toes themselves. This is to be done each day, you see, after the salt pad has been removed. Gradually, of course, this combination may also be massaged over the areas where the other compound and the pad has been put, but not too much of this in the beginning; just the edges of the same areas, on the lower portion.
20. Then afterwards sponge off the limbs with a little soda water - weak soda water; the proportions being about a level tablespoonful of baking soda to half a gallon of tepid water - and have it tepid.
21. Do all of these each evening for three weeks; then leave off for three or four days, then begin again. After the second or third round, or series - that is, three periods of three weeks, with a rest period between each of three to four to five days - then we would give the further instructions.
22. As to the diet during the period: Do not take any fried foods of any kind.
23. Occasionally take those things, or foods, or oils, that keep the eliminations a little above normal; so that there are at least two evacuations each day, see?
24. We would occasionally use enemas to cleanse the colon.
25. All of these may be done at home.
26. But let the attitude throughout be that of a prayerful one. Know that the healing must come from within, and is of God - and that the service, the life of self, then, MUST be dedicated to Him who is life and light and understanding to those who seek to know His ways!
27. Ready for questions.
28. (Q) Which of the oils would be the better laxative for this body?
    (A) Usoline or Nujol.
29. (Q) Any special foods the body should eat?
    (A) Just beware of the fried foods. No hog meat. Use rather fish, fowl or lamb as the meats - these are the better for this body. These may be roasted or stewed or the like; never fried.
    Do these for the periods indicated; then we would give further instructions.
30. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file
    (GD's note at the time of the reading: Let us know about a week or ten days before your periods of treatment are up, so that we may make an appointment for the check physical reading on time.)

BACKGROUND

1. 8/18/38 [1676]'s letter to EC: "Will you accept an apology for taking your valuable time but I'm in need of great help.
   "On August 13th I saw an article in the daily paper [Kentucky New Era] headed as work of Edgar Cayce, psychiatrist. Since then, something seems to tell me to write you. I feel like it will mean everything to me.
   "Please take time to read this letter through as I'm almost desperate.
   "I am a young lady twenty-seven years old. In 1933 I left home to seek a job in a larger city. I got a job in a factory.
   "In late September of 1934 I began to notice my ankles turning and sometimes causing me to fall.
   "As I thought my health was good, I never realized what was happening to me. My condition grew worse but slowly. At about the same time I had an ingrowing toe nail to rise and I blamed the way I walked to that. I had my toe nail cut out but never walked any better.
   "In the spring of 1935 I went to a medical doctor. His treatments never done any good. In the late summer of the same year I tried treatments from a chiropractor but with no results. Then in the fall I went to the City Hospital of that city. I was there ten days but they let me go without being helped.
   "During all this time I worked with exception of the ten days in the hospital. I went to and from work with the aid of my sister. I could work fine but the question was getting to work and back home. Often I'd fall in the streets. I couldn't stop work for I had to have money for my treatments.
   "In June of 1936 I went home. Dad did the best he could. He sent me to a chiropractor in this city. I went five months. But was helped a little.
   "Somehow I feel my case isn't hopeless because I can walk a little in the house. I can't walk outdoors without help. Neither can I stand alone without an object to hold to.
   "It seems that I've lost control of my limbs from my hips down. My toes drop down when I walk. I have feeling in them but very seldom any pain at all.
   "I strongly believe you can help me. So won't you give my letter your prompt attention.
   "Write me and tell me what's my trouble and tell me that I will walk again. "What are your fees? I will do the very best I can to do as you say. Anything you can do I will be grateful.
   "Please help me to start living again. For when I became crippled I gave up all my friends and just stay at home with mother and dad with only my sisters to drop in.
   "I shall expect an answer soon..."

REPORTS

1. 9/13/38 [1676]'s letter to EC:
   "I received my reading and started my treatments on September 9th.
   "I think I understand the treatments with the exception of the sponge off in soda water. Should it come directly after the oil massage?
   "At what time should the treatments be taken? I have been taking them around five o'clock.
   "I have had trouble with my throat since being in this condition. The glands are swollen part of the time. I seem to have a hoarseness and at times spit up a phlegm. Is this caused from nervousness of my condition? I was never bothered with it before.
   "I shall let you know at least ten days before my periods of treatments are up..."
2. 9/20/38 EC's letter to [1676]:
   "Have yours of the 13th. I had hoped to get out to see you while in Hopkinsville. I was there one day last week, but was there such a short time - and so many people to see, saw no one for more than a few minutes. But I'm glad you have gotten started on the treatments. The sponge off is merely that where you have massaged with the oil. It will not be disagreeable. Just make a soda solution; about a teaspoon heaping full in a gallon of warm water, and with a cloth or sponge, bathe over where you have massaged the oil rub. I should think the time is alright, as it is refreshing you for sleep.
   "I think when you get your treatments underway, you will find the glands in throat will be better. As is given, a great part of the trouble is a glandular condition and all of them sympathetically are disturbed, if not direct.
   "Let me hear every once and a while for we wish to have you get the very best from the information.
   "Hoping you are feeling a lot better already..."
3. 10/20/38 [1676]'s letter to EC:
   "I am still taking my treatments and will complete them on November 18th. I will write you later about the treatments.
   "I have a problem to solve and I must get your statement on it. "To begin with, I have had one year of business training and have been wanting to have further training, but couldn't afford it.
   "Through a friend I met a man who is head of an organization and they will pay all my expenses to get the rest of my training. This organization is for the crippled only.
   "They ask that I make my decision by November 20th. This will mean that I will have to leave home.
   "I want so much to finish my schooling but if it means any harm to me while I'm in your care, I wouldn't think of going.
   "Please let me know if I should try to take this training. I want most to walk again and I don't want to do anything that would interfere with me.
   "To walk again will make me realize what a blessing I have received and I shall work much harder in serving the Lord.
   "Please send me an answer right away as I'm anxious to know what to do..."
4. 10/24/38 EC's letter to [1676]:
   "I have yours of the 20th. Why, would by all means accept the offer. It should not make a difference in your treatments but should help you in a mental way to meet the needs. You should be able to take your studies and keep the treatments. Should you not - of course what may be given you next time, do not know. But I am sure there is never, with all the suggestions, any that would interfere with one bettering themselves or making preparation for better work.
   "Have you seen any change since you began the treatments? Write me fully about that, won't you..."
5. 11/07/38 [1676]'s letter to EC:
   "My treatments will be completed on November 19th.
   "And now to give accounts of the improvements which have taken place.
   "I'm afraid I can't explain the improvements very well. The circulation is better. There's also been a slight change, for the better, in my walking.
   "I use to have nervous spells. I would get very weak and nervous. Since starting the treatments I don't recall of having but two or three nervous spells. I didn't cry but a very little and I didn't feel as nervous as I did before my treatments. The treatments have helped to make firm muscles.
   "My legs which were smaller than they should be have gained.
   "My legs still stay cold to some extent but not as much as they did. They use to get so cold I couldn't walk at all. Of course we haven't had very much real cold weather..."
6. 11/17/38 See 1676-2. Also see three additional physical readings between then and 5/11/42.
7. 7/60 In Dr. W. N. Pahnke's breakdown of 69 cases of multiple sclerosis from the Edgar Cayce records, Case [1676] was classified in group 2.

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