“These are infectious forces, and unless there is an allaying, peritonitis must come and the inflammations that arise from same . . . and disintegration.
“As we find in the present, we would apply over the abdominal area the grape poultice; the raw grapes crushed with hulls, in a thin cloth container and applied over the stomach and abdomen.
“We would massage gently the areas from which all these portions of the system obtain their impulses, with a combination of equal parts Olive Oil, Russian White Oil, Compound Tincture of Benzoin and Witch Hazel. Shake these well together, and let the massage extend particularly over the upper dorsal and cervical area . . . but extend gradually over the whole area, if the body responds at all.
“We would find that burned whiskey and then an eggnog made of same would be preferable for the diets in the present; this, of course, with small quantity given often, allowed to sip just a bit.
“These, as we find, would be the conditions as best.
“It would be well that the lower limbs, across the lower portion of the abdomen . . . that is, on the spine, not on the abdomen itself (sacral-lumbar), be massaged with grain alcohol, not rub alcohol but grain alcohol, to strengthen the body and yet allay temperature.
“These we would do for the immediate present.
“As conditions respond, or should they respond, it will be necessary . . . of course . . . that very small enemas be given at first. These will keep down the temperature and are the best to allay inflammation through the colon area; then the colonic may be given later. But do not give these too high at first; gradually increase. Use a warm soda solution in the first, followed with the Glyco-Thymoline in the solution . . . or the Alkalin Petrolagar (or alternated). These given every day or two will tend to make for better conditions.
“Ready for questions.”
Q. “What should be done in regard to treatment being given by the doctors?”
A. “There’s little being given except nursing, and sedatives . . . which are not allaying.
“The Oil Rubs, the Packs, as we find, are the better.
“Of course, the grape poultice is not to be heated. This should be changed about every hour, or as soon as the pack becomes heated by the body. Renew the crushed grapes, and keep up the packs for two or three, or four to five hours at the time. Then rest, and then give them again. Just crush the grapes in a cloth, or made so the pack extends over the whole of the abdomen and the stomach.
“The Oil Rubs should be given two to three times a day. Do not disturb the body, just turn gently on the side and massage just what the body will absorb. Shake the ingredients well together, because they’ll separate.
“But these, as we find, are best for the conditions.
“It’s very serious, and the peritonitis is that to be warned against.
“Hence very mild foods, and the stimulation more by absorption . . . which is, of course, the effect from the grain alcohol rubs and the burned whiskey with only the yolk of the egg and a little milk.”
Q. “How often should the grain alcohol rubs be given?”
A. “Two to three times a day, as indicated, with the other oil rub. One is on the upper portion, the other is the lower.
“We are through for the present.”
Second Reading
P.M. Sept. 21, 1935.
“Yes, we have had the body here before.
“As we find, conditions are still very serious. While there are those reactions that apparently make for bloating or swelling, the reactions are not bad if there is the ability to get the reaction through the alimentary canal now.
“We would give immediately a Soda Solution Enema, with the Petrolagar enema following same. This we would repeat again in at least five or six hours, if there is the response.
“Compound or combine this for the nausea, which will work with the system:
Limewater....................1/2 ounce
Cinnamon Water....................1/2 ounce
10% solution Iodide of Potassium....................15 minims
10% solution Bromide of Potassium....................30 minims
Shake the solution together. Give a teaspoonful in two teaspoonfuls of water. Let it be sipped rather than attempt to be swallowed every two hours.
“We would keep the poultice and the rub. These are the best stimulants as we find for the body in the present.
“Ready for questions.”
Q. “How much water should be used for the enema?”
A. “A quart of tepid water for the first, with a level tablespoonful of baking soda. A pint of tepid water for the last, with a tablespoonful of Petrolagar.”
Q. “Should the grape poultice be kept up constantly now?”
A. “As indicated, keep it on for two to three hours; rest an hour, and then repeat again.”
Q. “Would a transfusion be of any benefit?”
A. “We do not find it so in the present conditions.”
Q. “Have the suggestions been followed in the correct manner?”
A. “Very good; best they can under the conditions.”
Q. “Any particular kind of water the body should drink?”
A. “Just the plain water, boiled.”
Third Reading
Sept. 22, 1935.
“Yes, we have the body here; this we have had before.
“Conditions continue to be very serious. There is the necessity of removing those conditions through the alimentary canal. As we find, this is the only hope to relieve the pressure, as has been indicated . . . and carrying out same as has been indicated.
“To be sure, there are weakening conditions, and the excruciating pains that come make for the rising of disturbing conditions.
“But we would tend to be higher and higher with the enemas, and to make for the easing through the applications as given.
“Ready for questions.”
Q. “How often may the enemas be given?”
A. “They may be given, as we have indicated, every few hours, until there is the manner of allowing the gases to be eliminated . . . and the increasing forces that accumulate in the system from absorption to those conditions there to be prevented.”
Q. “Should a colon tube be used, or an ordinary nozzle to a syringe?”
A. “A soft colon tube; one that does not allow too great a quantity of water or pressure from the end . . . let the pressure be more from the side than the end.”
Q. “Is there any warning regarding giving the enemas?”
A. “The warnings have been given, as to how there should not be given too much water at once. Rather allow the reactions to take place in the system, if possible.”
Q. “Should all other treatments be kept up?”
A. “As indicated, these are the only conditions that may suffice if there will be the response.”
Q. “Any other helpful suggestions for the body, or advice to those attending same?”
A. “Be consistent and patient with those activities, and trust in that that it may respond in the body.”
Q. “Has peritonitis set up yet?”
A. “The inflammation has increased; it has not broken as yet.”
Q. “Has the body responded at all to the treatments?”
A. “If it hadn’t, it would have passed long ago!”
Q. “Any advice regarding any stimulants?”
A. “The greater stimulants, as we have indicated, should be those things given; as we find, that may be absorbed at all.
“Of course, the massaging . . . gently . . . of the area over the abdomen will be helpful; with that which would be absorbed to remove inflammation.”
Q. “What should be used for the abdomen massage?”
A. “Oil; Olive Oil.”
“We are through for the present.
”
Fourth Reading
Sept. 23, 1935.
“Yes, we have the body here; this we have had before.
“Still conditions are very serious, but . . . as we find . . . there are greater chances for the recuperative forces with the body; for she has responded somewhat to those applications made.
“It is still necessary that the eliminations through the alimentary canal be continued, even though . . . if there is still the response . . . these will have the appearance of too great an activity, or for a time appear not under control. Still it will be well that there be used the enemas. Now we would change these just a little bit:
“With the soda solution add a little saline solution, that there may be a stimulation to the mucous membranes without same becoming too lax in the reaction. To the quart of water used, add a heaping teaspoonful of soda and a level teaspoonful of salt (table salt). And in the last water change from the Petrolagar to Glyco-Thymoline, a tablespoonful to the pint and a half of water. These should be given every four or five hours, until there is a thorough relaxation through the alimentary canal.
“Still use the grape poultices, but make these a little farther apart; and let these extend from the pit of the stomach to the lower portion of the abdomen, over the whole of the intestinal tract and stomach.
“It would be well to have right away a gentle massage osteopathically, stimulating especially the secondary cardiac plexus area; that there may be the emptying of the stomach itself from the stimulation. This should be given very gently. Coordinate the lumbar (4th lumbar) plexus with this, gently, that there may be the stimulation for the secondary activity of the kidneys and the lower portion of the abdominal area. This we would give about twice a day for the next two or three days.
“After the first manipulations have been given osteopathically, prepare an Alcaroid solution . . . a quarter teaspoonful to half a glass of water . . . and let this be sipped every few minutes; ten to fifteen minutes apart, until the whole quantity . . . or that left . . . can be retained by the body. This will change the reaction from the tendency for regurgitation and emit through the stomach itself. This will prevent these strains now, if there are the reactions from the manipulative forces. For the reaction will turn to the chyle activity.
“Then there may be a little stimulation given in the crushed grapes; that is, the juice only of crushed grapes. Not the same as used for the poultice, but the same character of grapes as used for the poultice. The colder this may be the better; just a little of this will be found to be retained . . . after there has been given the Alcaroid solution and it has been retained.
“Keep the oil rubs for the upper portion of the spine and the alcohol (grain alcohol) rubs for the lower spine; for these will be absorbed by the system.
“Keep the Olive Oil massage over the abdominal area during the rest periods from the grape poultice.
“These, as we find, are the best for the present.
“Ready for questions.”
Q. “How long now should they wait between the poultices?”
A. “Hour and a half to two hours; that’s between each one.”
Q. “But they should be given for several hours straight along as indicated at first?”
A. “We have given, just given, that there is to be a rest period after each grape poultice! Let it stay on the body until it becomes hot, or very warm even to the outside. Then remove and wait an hour and a half to two hours before replacing with another; using the Olive Oil massage during the rest period from same. Let the poultice extend from the aesophagus end, or the cardiac end of the stomach to the lower portion . . . or to the caecum area and the ileum plexus area, across the whole of the abdomen and stomach and bowels.”
Q. “Do the capsules the doctor inserts in the rectum, and the powder given, hinder or help?”
A. “They don’t remain there long enough to do either! Don’t refuse these, if they are necessary according to the doctor, but use the enemas as indicated . . . and if the time comes so that these are removed by the enemas, all right!
“The manipulative forces, now, are to stimulate the activity of the nerve forces and blood supply to the digestive area, and those portions where there is the inflammation. Not too severe. Twice a day these should be given for the next few days. Stimulate the cardiac and secondary cardiac plexus, coordinating such stimulation to the lumbar area.
“To be sure, the head and neck may be massaged for the general rest of the body; but these manipulations as indicated are to empty the stomach; not to make adjustments but to stimulate the plexus so that the activity of the gastric flow is downward and to prevent regurgitation.
“Twenty to thirty minutes after taking the manipulative forces, begin with the Alcaroid solution. Do not attempt to swallow too much. Do not be overanxious that the body is weak, or that it does not retain nourishment . . . if the oil rubs and the other things are provided.
“Then begin with the grape juice (from the crushed fresh grapes, not grape juice that has been allowed to stand). This may be strained; not seasoned with sugar or the like, but just the natural fresh juice. Gradually, later, there may be mixed orange juice with same, half and half; but use the grape juice first . . . from the fresh crushed grapes.
“These will be assimilated, and obtain from the absorption of the oil and the alcohol (grain alcohol) rubs the proper reaction.
“Do these.
“We are through for the present.”
—
We do not often find such a comment as is contained in one of these early readings indicating the nearness of death.
The seriousness of this condition was confirmed not only by statements from members of the family, but by several physicians who were called in for consultation by the family doctor. This young woman was well known in a small community. The street in front of her home had been roped off for a block. In a local church, prayer services were being held for her. The doctors had commented to people in the town that L. K. could not possibly live for more than a day or so.
Subsequent Readings
Other readings were secured on September 25th, September 28th, and October 4th. Suggestions in these readings were along the same general lines as those previously given, with additional information regarding the diet as the body grew stronger.
Treatment
The outstanding part of the treatment recommended in this case seems to have been a grape poultice. These poultices have been recommended most successfully in many other conditions of intestinal inflammation combined with the massages and enemas, and later the osteopathic stimulations. These seem to have been the means of saving this young woman’s life. Crates of Concord grapes were rushed in from a nearby city to be used for this purpose.
Summary
On June 15, 1937, we received the following report from L. K.: “Under the care of six physicians I failed to respond to their treatment, and was gradually growing worse.
“I responded immediately to the treatments recommended in an emergency reading obtained from Edgar Cayce on September 21, 1935.
“I am now able to eat anything that is included in my diet, and in better physical condition than before my illness. I have not had any recurrence of malaria fever or gastritis.”
Under date of October 3, 1937, we have a report from the osteopath, who was called in to give the massages which were recommended. This report states that in her opinion the reading described the condition of the patient accurately. She states that the results of the treatments recommended were splendid.
At the present time this young woman is in the best of health and has had no further complications of an intestinal nature.
III. ARTHRITIS
This individual case study of arthritis presents several interesting features: (1) the thoroughness of the analysis of the condition; (2) the inclusion in the readings of considerable general in
formation on arthritis; (3) the detailed treatments suggested; (4) the complete recovery.
Statement of Condition
Under date of October 7, 1932, Mr. Edgar Cayce received a request for a reading from a young lady in Dayton, Ohio. In this letter no reference was made to the nature of the ailment. In a subsequent letter, before the first reading was given, the following information regarding the condition was given: “My trouble is in my joints. Doctors have told me it is arthritis; but can find no source of infection, no cause for it and, seemingly, know of very little help to offer me. I have considerable pain in all my joints, and am subject to severe night sweats.” (Signed—M. J. McC.) This was the extent of the information furnished relative to the nature and extent of the disturbance.
In 1939, three years after completely recovering from this condition, M. J. McC. gave an oral account of her illness to Mr. Cayce and members of the Association staff. The suffering must have been intense, but the appalling factor was the utter hopelessness of the situation. The eighteen-year-old girl was gradually becoming an invalid, was slowly losing all power of movement in every joint in her body.
First Reading
“We have the body here, M. J. McC. Now, as we find, there are abnormal conditions in the physical functioning of this body. These conditions would prove very interesting and worthwhile in considering a condition that in many portions of the country, and in all portions to some extent, is gradually increasing and that proves unusually hard to cope with; for conditions are so often hidden that it is hard to find the source or the cause of that which the professions have called ‘the point of infection.’
“Were the pathological conditions studied in the proper light, taking some that may be given here as the basis for investigations, this case would prove very helpful and beneficial in many other similar conditions. In this body the point of infection is hidden, yet may be located in the basic forces of the metabolism and katabolism of the system. It is the lack of elements necessary for the developing of that which makes for the regeneration, in the elemental forces of the living organism, of functions that provide the proper coordination and physical balance throughout the system.
There Is a River Page 39