Vol. 6
No. 1 |
January, 2002
|
|
Meridian Institute News
RESEARCHING THE SPIRIT-MIND-BODY CONNECTION |
In this issue:
|
Cancer Research Report
|
"The Causes and Treatment of Cancer: A Research
Report Based on the Readings of Edgar Cayce" is now available on the Meridian
Institute Web site. The purpose of the report is to survey
the Edgar Cayce readings that discuss the causes and treatment of cancer
to determine potential relevance to modern research and clinical application.
The primary data source for the project was the 14,
600 psychic readings of Cayce that have been computerized on The Edgar
Cayce Readings on CDROM. Data was extracted via structured searches
using the keyword "cancer." Data synthesis was accomplished by quantitative
analysis of simple frequency parameters (as in Graph I) and qualitative
analysis of the primary themes. Here are some of the themes identified
in the report:
-
CANCER IS AN ENTITY UNTO ITSELF. In most cases, cancer is a group
of cells or tissues which separates ("segregates") itself and forms its
own entity within the larger system of the body. In a sense, cancer
has its own separate identity like a parasite which infests a host organism.
-
CANCER REPRESENTS A FAILURE OF NATURAL PROCESSES. Edgar Cayce observed
that the same processes which result in cancer are present in the body
all the time. Cancer usually results from the failure of natural
processes such as coagulation and elimination of wastes.
-
CANCER DRAWS FROM THE VITALITY OF THE BODY. Cancer uses the body's
life-force energy to survive. Like any parasite, cancer is a drain
upon the resources of the host organism.
-
CANCER HAS MANY CAUSES. There are many etiological (causative) factors
associated with cancer. Heredity, environmental toxicity, poor eliminations,
injury, lack of vitality, and depleted immune system were the most often
cited factors linked to cancer. Specifically, chronic irritation
or bruising were often said to be triggering factors producing tumors which
could become malignant.
-
THERE ARE MANY FORMS OF CANCER. Edgar Cayce recognized the various
kinds of cancer. On two occasions he stated that there are nineteen
forms of cancer.
-
CANCER CAN OFTEN BE PREVENTED. According to Edgar Cayce, keeping
a healthy diet and good eliminations can help prevent cancer. Specific
therapies such as iodex and ash ointment and plantain salve were recommended
by Cayce to prevent lumps and tumors from becoming malignant. Gentle
osteopathic treatment was also often prescribed to set up "drainages" and
improve eliminations thus decreasing the chances for cancer.
-
EARLY TREATMENT RESULTS IN BETTER PROGNOSIS. In agreement with modern
medicine's view of cancer treatment, Edgar Cayce noted that early intervention
produces better therapeutic results.
-
CANCER INVOLVES MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL ASPECTS. Edgar Cayce's holistic
approach to health and healing is notable in the readings he gave for person's
suffering from cancer. The mental and spiritual aspects of prevention
and treatment were strongly emphasized. Cayce also stated that excessive
worry and negative attitudes can make a person with a genetic predisposition
for cancer more vulnerable to developing the illness.
-
CANCER IS SOMETIMES A KARMIC PATTERN. Consistent with the perennial
philosophy which acknowledges the continuity of consciousness, Edgar Cayce
observed that in some cases cancer can result from past life experiences.
-
THE TREATMENT OF CANCER INVOLVES MANY MODALITIES. Edgar Cayce recommended
a wide variety of therapeutic modalities for the treatment of cancer.
Treatments directed at decreasing toxicity and increasing vitality were
emphasized. On the whole, natural therapies that worked with the
body to heal itself were given priority.
-
EDGAR CAYCE SOMETIMES RECOMMENDED SURGERY AND RADIATION. In certain
cases where the cancer was progressive and extreme, surgery and/or radiation
therapy were recommended. Modern chemotherapy techniques were not
available during Edgar Cayce's era.
-
SOME CASES OF CANCER WERE REGARDED AS INCURABLE. Although Edgar Cayce
was generally optimistic with regard to the body's innate ability to heal
itself from almost any illness, in some cases of cancer the disease was
too advanced to expect a physical cure. In such instances, Cayce
would recommend therapies to decrease the pain and suffering while emphasizing
the mental/spiritual (soul) aspects of healing.
The report contains numerous excerpts representing the
various themes documenting Cayce's views. Commentary is also provided
to help explain key concepts and terminology.
Relevance to modern researchers, clinicians, and
the general public is discussed. In particular, Cayce's use of complementary
and alternative medicine (CAM) for the treatment of cancer is one of the
significant findings of the report. CAM involves the combination
of conventional and alternative treatments. The individualized treatment
plans developed by Cayce for cancer provide a model for the integration
of the full range of treatment options.
The Cayce information represents a valuable resource
for researchers, clinicians, and the general public. Further research
is needed to explore specific hypotheses and the efficacy of certain therapeutic
techniques.
The Causes and Treatment of Cancer: A Research Report
Based on the Readings of Edgar Cayce is available on the Internet at:
http://www.meridianinstitute.com/reports/cancer.html
OSTEOPATHIC REGULATION OF PHYSIOLOGY
A recent issue of the AAO Journal (American
Academy of Osteopathy) contained an article by Meridian Institute staff
titled "Osteopathic Regulation of Physiology." The paper documented
a study that explored the effects on physiology of "holding the vasomotor
center," a historical osteopathic technique of inhibitory pressure in the
cervical area, intended to affect sympathetic nervous system control of
circulation. Interestingly, Edgar Cayce also specifically recommended
this technique which has become known as the "third cervical release."
Circulation, skin temperature, heart rate and breathing
rate were measured in 18 participants, during holding the vasomotor in
comparison with a "sham" manipulation - a gentle touching of the tops of
the shoulders. There was substantial individual variability, but averaging
of the responses showed increased circulation to the fingers, accompanied
by increased finger temperature and a briefly reduced heart rate followed
by an increased heart rate, in response to holding the vasomotor center.
Touching the shoulders did not result in any circulatory or temperature
changes, but did cause a briefly reduced heart rate identical to that from
holding the vasomotor center.
The study suggests that simply holding a gentle pressure
on specific nerve centers has potentially therapeutics effects that could
be applicable to the treatment of conditions such as migraine or other
hyperautonomic states. Since even light touching can also have measurable
physiological effects, the question of what constitutes a valid sham treatment
in studies involving manual therapy remains open for further investigation.
Reference
Richards DG, McMillin DL, Mein EA, Nelson CD. Osteopathic Regulation
of Physiology. AAO Journal 2001; 11(3):34-38.
SELF-HYPNOSIS FOR CHILDHOOD ABDOMINAL PAIN
Functional abdominal pain is recurrent abdominal
pain without an identifiable physical cause. In a study conducted
at Upstate Medical University in NewYork, four out of five children resolved
this disorder within three weeks after a single session of instruction
in self-hypnosis. The author, reporting in the journal Clinical
Pediatrics, noted the potential impact of widespread application of
such hypnotherapy may be large because abdominal pain is thought to be
the most common recurrent physical symptom attributable to psychological
factors among children and adolescents.
Reference
Anbar RD. Self-hypnosis for the treatment of functional abdominal pain
in childhood. Clinical Pediatrics 2001 Aug;40(8):447-51.
HEALING ARTHRITIS AND MORE
We recently videotaped a follow up interview with
a research participant who has been working with the Cayce approach to
arthritis. In addition to the improvement in his arthritis symptoms,
other positive outcomes, including the healing of a family member were
reported. Here are some excepts from the interview:
"I was diagnosed with arthritis about twenty-five
years ago. I was diagnosed with both rheumatoid, the more serious
type, and osteoarthritis. But the rheumatoid arthritis was the principle
concern. In the early 1990s I had a major crash with my arthritis
in the sense that I was in the hospital for several weeks and off work
for six months. When I left the hospital I was, in fact, on crutches.
From that time on I was on heavy-duty medication, and I was always concerned
about the medication .
"I started this [Cayce approach] about three years ago . This approach
involved a change in eating habits - a more healthy diet - it has involved
massage, Epsom salts baths, spinal adjustments, and colon hydrotherapy..
"Interestingly enough, one of the initial very positive
effects that I found was that headaches that I used to have almost every
day disappeared within the first week of starting this program. Approximately
ten months later I ceased to take any further medication which I found
personally to be of great benefit. Gradually I found that my health
was improving.
"Prior to starting the program I used to have difficulties
in walking. I would have stiffness for example in my hands,
knees and ankles. This could last up to several hours in the morning
and would tend to disappear. I would have the occasional flareups
in one of my joints, which over time, perhaps a month or so, would settle
down.
"After I started the program I no longer had these.
Today for example, at worst I might have slight morning stiffness in my
hands for perhaps half an hour, but nothing compared to what it was.
I find that I am quite capable of climbing, for example, on ladders, lifting
heavy weights, doing virtually everything which is most gratifying to me
personally.
"My wife also participated in the program in the
sense, of course, that we eat together. So her eating habits have
changed. She found, for example, that she used to have some aches
and pains, and these totally disappeared. Another great benefit of
the program.
"A number of people have said to me in the
last year or so how my health has seemed to improve substantially over
several years ago and I found this most gratifying. Certainly I have
found this program to be extremely beneficial and would recommend it to
anyone who is serious about overcoming problems with arthritis."
|