in each one’s physical body. After going through various organs and systems in the body—much like Cayce did in his trance physical readings—and then describing the function of the arterial and venous systems, Still added:
There is still a third and most important system of vessels which accompanies the arteries and veins throughout the body. This is known as the lymphatic system. It supplies the serous fluid in which the tissue cells are bathed. It has to do with the mechanism of nutrition, absorption, and the protection of cells from harmful poisons and bacteria. p. 183
This succinct summary of what Still considered the job of the lymphatic system is mirrored as well in Cayce’s readings. In this book an attempt will be made to present Cayce’s perspective on the lymph, including the numerous health conditions resulting from its poor functioning plus helpful hints from the readings and other sources on how to alleviate and reverse these conditions. With the increase in concern and interest nowadays in the body’s immune system, along with continuing observation and study of autoimmune diseases (in which the immune system reacts against the body’s own tissues), it becomes imperative to learn how we can function more optimally and not take for granted the role the lymphatic system plays in helping us achieve stability and balance as well as relief from some of its destructive symptoms. We will no doubt be amazed and surprised at the importance of the lymphatic system in maintaining our overall health and well-being. It is hoped that these goals will be achieved in the content of this present book.
Note to the Reader: The Edgar Cayce readings are catalogued numerically. Each recipient of a reading was assigned a number to provide anonymity. The first set of numbers refers to the individual or group who received the reading; the second set represents its place in a sequence. For example, in reading 294-3, “294” stands for the person’s name, while “-3” means this was the third reading given for that individual.
When the readings were computerized, the body of the reading was referred to as the “text.” Any notes, letters, background information, related articles, and so on, were also placed with the reading. In terms of style, R stands for reports and B stands for background. To locate this information easier, these letters are used. For example, 202-1, R-5 means that in reading 202-1 under reports (R), item number 5, can be found that particular quote.
The language of the readings can be quite challenging. Rather than try to paraphrase, I felt it was better to quote the text verbatim. Oftentimes reading the quote several times may be required to grasp its meaning.
The readings were given for individuals, yet they carry a universality of content. With the physical readings, however, it is important that the information not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Any medical problems need the supervision and advice of a health care professional.
CHAPTER ONE
The Cayce Health Readings: A Brief Overview
Edgar Cayce, who lived from 1877 to 1945, was a remarkable individual. For most of his adult life he gave what are called “readings,” discourses for people who requested information on a variety of topics. He did all this in a sleeplike state; that is, he appeared to be asleep, yet could respond to questions posed to him, giving replies that far exceeded what he knew consciously. While the accuracy of this information is largely still being tested, the suggestions and recommendations—though given for a specific individual who asked for the reading—have proven helpful to many others with similar situations or complaints. Called the father of the modern-day holistic health movement in America because of the nature of his discourses, Cayce gave thousands of readings, more than fourteen thousand of which are housed in the A.R.E. Library in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and are available for study and inspection by the public. Of these readings, 9,541, or about 67 percent of the total, are categorized as physical readings, since they deal with the health concerns of those seeking guidance for their ailments. It’s fairly safe to state that, when the recipient of the reading followed through with the recommendations contained in it, the results were generally successful. Reports filed along with the reading attested to these outcomes; unfortunately, for a number of cases no follow-up information was forthcoming: the client did not communicate any results or did not return questionnaires. Some followed the suggestions in part or did not attempt the therapies at all. While such outcomes might be frustrating to those wishing proof of their validity, enough information exists to help confirm the accuracy of the diagnoses as well as the helpfulness of the recommended treatments.
FOLLOWING A HEALTH READING
What if an individual today who has a particular health concern would like to attempt a holistic approach as Cayce advocated? What could he or she do about following Cayce’s advice? Several options are open:
1.Read all the readings that cover your particular ailment. A listing of many different diseases and physical concerns are found in the Circulating File Index (medical section). These individual Files can be purchased or ordered on loan; they are small booklets that contain most of the readings on a particular ailment. Decide from this compilation which readings and/or treatments you’d like to follow.
2.Check out or purchase a Research Bulletin. Each one documents a disease along with a commentary, representative readings, and a statistical abstract classifying causes and treatments of the disease. While physical topics for these Bulletins are limited, they do offer the most often recommended remedies for each ailment along with a general overview of the problem.
3.Individual Research Protocols—binders of standardized health packages on nearly fifty specific illnesses—can be purchased through the A.R.E. These explain in layperson’s terms the process used in following the recommendations suggested in the readings for each ailment. You are also invited to participate in a research project on remedies that were recommended for that particular disease.
4.A suggestion offered by Gladys Davis Turner, Cayce’s longtime secretary, was to examine all of the readings specific to your condition. Then choose one reading that matches or resembles most closely your current physical condition, your particular symptoms, same sex, same age or close to your age, and so forth, and follow the suggestions Cayce gave for that person.
While medical terminology has changed since Cayce’s day and new designations of diseases have arisen, it may be more difficult to locate in the readings particular symptoms or conditions that are prevalent today. Yet, through ongoing study and research into the health readings, updates are continuously being made and noted, with the idea of being more serviceable to the individual seeker.
ORIGIN OF INFORMATION
An important question—especially when dealing with psychic readings—is, Where is the information coming from? When we take the time, energy—and money!—to seek answers beyond and outside of ourselves, it is imperative that we question the source of the information. A unique aspect of the body of Cayce’s material is the set of readings called the Work Readings, the 254 series, which was devoted to questions and comments on just what to do with or how to develop this material so that it would be beneficial and helpful to others. One such reading in this series described the seeker’s part in making the effort to obtain health information: “When an individual seeks for personal or bodily aid, it is part and parcel of that individual and [the information] is read by and through the real desire of
