Edgar Cayce Readings, 1882-1

Time and Place: 3:35 to 3:50 P. M. Eastern Standard Time. Brooklyn, N.Y.

TEXT

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 of this body. You will answer the questions which may be submitted, as I ask them:
EC: Yes, we have the body, [1882].
As we find, there is rather the complication of disturbances.
Much of the highly nervous tension arises from congestions being produced by resentments, as well as - now - producing very definite disturbances with the liver, its activities, the whole of the hepatic circulation; the very acute pains at times through portions of the limbs, and very severe conditions with the head, an upset stomach at times, and the general disturbance of the assimilating system and the whole nervous system.
As we would find, in making applications for the body, - there must first be a prayerful, meditative attitude; leaving off all of those disturbances which have been so a part of the body.
Then, we would begin to apply the Hot Castor Oil Packs EVERY evening when ready to retire. Have three thicknesses of flannel that would cover the areas from the lower portion of the right rib to the lower portion of the caecum area; covering, then, the liver, the gall duct, the whole of the right portion, and extending over the greater portion of the abdomen. The flannel would be dipped in the Oil and wrung out, rather than the Oil being poured over the flannel, see? Then, after applying, put coverings over same to protect the clothing - such as a heavy pad, towel or cloth. Then put the electric pad over same, and keep this on for at least an hour and a half each evening, as hot as the body can very well stand it. Do this each evening for five days.
After the fifth day, begin with taking Eno Salt twice each day; about half a teaspoonful morning and evening. Continue taking this until there are thorough eliminations through the alimentary canal.
Then take an Epsom Salts Tub Bath; that is, to about twenty gallons of water, as hot as the body can stand same, put at least ten to twelve pounds of Epsom Salts. Lie in this (with the whole body covered except the head, you see) for at least twenty to thirty minutes. This will tend to weaken the body a bit; but rub the body down thoroughly afterwards (immediately after the Bath, you see) with GRAIN alcohol; not rub alcohol but GRAIN Alcohol.
Rest then for at least a day and a half.
Then begin again with the Castor Oil Packs, giving these each evening then for at least three days.
Then begin with the Eno Salt again, taking it for two, three, four, five, six, eight to ten days, in the same way and manner as before. Eno Salts - the fruit salts, you see.
Throughout the period beware of those foods with a great deal of fat. More of the vegetables and fruits. If meat is taken, let it be fish, fowl or lamb.
We would give a gentle massage of evening with Cocoa Butter along the spine; following same with the vibrations from an electrically driven Vibrator.
These as we find should bring, by the time the second round of these have been given, a much nearer normal force for the body.
Be careful that there is no cold taken, or overexposure, during any of these treatments; that is, of getting the feet wet, sitting in drafts, or of over exercise.
Do these for the body, [1882].
Ready for questions.
(Q) Just one Epsom Salts Bath?
(A) One Epsom Salts Bath should be sufficient. If there is not a relief from the headaches, or from the conditions through the limbs, then this may be repeated.
We are through for the present.
Copy to Son, [...]
Copy to Max Hagedorn
Copy to Ass'n file (See directions [which were enclosed] for preparing Castor Oil Packs. We would appreciate a history of this case to time of obtaining Reading to compare with our information.)

BACKGROUND

4/21/39 [1826]'s husband's ltr. to EC: "...I have informed a number of people of the [meeting], most of whom said they would attend - among them will be, I hope a cousin [...]. It was my suggestion that he make your acquaintance. His mother [1882], has been ill for some time. She has had medical advice without any improvement in her condition. I would appreciate it if you would render service in this case for a lesser amount than usually charged. This family are some of the refugees that came from Germany three and half years ago. The two boys are trying to provide for their family - five in number. I trust this request will not be considered as unreasonable or impertinent for truly it will be a contribution to a persecuted people. I believe the boys will be glad to pay about $10. - would pay more if they were financially able..."
4/29/39 EC's reply to ltr.: "...Met your cousin - a very lovely young man - had talk with him and have an appointment for the reading - sincerely trust we may be of some help..."
5/08/39 Son of Mrs. [1882] sent signed application, remitting one dollar.

REPORTS

6/03/39 Son's Letter:
Brooklyn
Dear Mr. Cacey [Cayce];
Thank you very much for your reading and all the interest you have shown.
Referring to your reading, at that date only mother had definite pains in the limphs [lymphs? limbs?], but it is not a general condition. She also does suffer from any severe headaches. Her case history is this: 22 years ago she was operated on the gallbladder. 10 years ago she had a very severe Angina Pectoris. One year ago it was Thrombo-Flebitis [phlebitis] with amboulis [embolis].
Her heart is at present as stated by physicians after an electro cardiogram, organically healthy, but there is a nervous heart-muscle weakness indicated. She also suffers from breathlessness and weakness, as result is not permitted to take any walks or climb stairs nor do any work. In your procedure for treatment you advise a hot epsom salt bath. Do you think it's safe for her to do that? Mother also cannot eat many things, she vomits quite easily and gets pains in her stomach at about the position where liver is or where formerly gallbladder used to be, when eating anything not agreeable.
Mr. Caycey [Cayce], you have to forgive my delayed answer, but since your reading my sister gave birth to a little girl, and we all were quite anxious as hers was a very complicated case.
I again thank you for all your troubles and indulgence and shall await further instructions.
Sincerely Yours, [...]
6/07/39 EC's ltr. to son:
Dear [...]
Have yours of the 3rd - note what you have to say. Feel [...], from the experience of 40 years that will you give the suggested treatments for your Mother in a consistent manner - you will see help. I understand if one tries to reason out why this or that, well, we can soon dissuade ourselves and know there is nothing to it; it is in the doing. It is like one being good - all have various ideas as to what is good - yet the simplest is the one common ground all can meet just being kind. Do hope you will at least give her the chance to try the suggestion - hoping to have been of a service.
And let me hear when you have the chance
Sincerely [signed] Edgar Cayce