Vol. 1 No. 1 May, 1997
MERIDIAN INSTITUTE NEWS
Meridian’s research director, Doug Richards, has prepared a case study report documenting the results of the project after six months. Here is an excerpt from his report.
“There were 5 participants in the migraine research project. All participants received therapy in a 10-day, live-in program in Virginia Beach in April, 1996. They were given a take-home treatment protocol and daily log sheets. The key elements of the treatment protocol included a diet plan (high in vegetables, no fried food, fast food, junk food), use of the radial appliance to equalize circulation, abdominal castor oil packs, and colonic irrigations. Six months later they were sent a follow-up questionnaire. Overall, 4 of the 5 people obtained some improvement of their migraine symptoms. Improvement was clearly related to compliance with the protocol.”
In describing the results obtained by one of the subjects who had significant healing as a result of the project Doug noted, “Her results were excellent. Her migraine attacks were much less frequent (3-4 in the past 60 days, as compared to 15 in the 60 days before the project began). The headaches were much shorter in duration, and much less disabling. Her digestive symptoms were improved as well. She was able to decrease her migraine medication, and there was a corresponding decrease in medication side effects.”
One of the things that we learned from the study was the importance of support in the healing process. Some of the subjects noted that they needed more support, particularly in adapting the protocol to their lifestyle. Two of the subjects obtained notable improvement in symptoms only to relapse because they were unable to maintain the lifestyle aspects of the protocol (especially diet).
Thanks to all participants involved with the migraine project. We will be maintaining contact to provide increased support and document long-term outcome. Copies of Doug’s case study report and a comprehensive, formal description of the study will soon be available to anyone requesting them.
The most obvious forms of support are part of our language. For example, almost everyone using a wet cell battery needs considerable technical support. Technical support tends to be rather straightforward. “Attach the small copper plate at the 9th dorsal.” The next level of support is helping the person find the 9th dorsal vertebrae, sometimes easier said than done – especially over the phone.
At such times, technical support gives way to informational support or even emotional support. A simple anatomy lesson may suffice. Or maybe a pep talk on not becoming discouraged or intimidated by the technical aspects of this treatment. Maybe a referral is in order (massage therapist, chiropractor, physical therapists, etc.) to assist the person half-way across the continent in locating that important nerve ganglia in the middle of the back. Traditionally, referral and linkage of service fall within the domain of case management support.
Maybe another participant in the research project can share some helpful tip which will clear up the problem (peer support). Some participants have bonded together to form a support group. In certain conditions requiring considerable daily assistance, a designated support person (“companion”) has filled the crucial role of doing those therapies which are so hard to do by yourself (particularly massage).
Most participants have utilized professional support in all its forms, while “at the Beach” (especially spinal adjustments and colonics) and after returning home.
Some forms of support are more subtle. For example, family support can make the difference when you are trying your best to stick to the strict diet for psoriasis and migraine. Family support doesn’t even have to be active support. It may only mean being respectful and considerate by not tempting or sabotaging your efforts to heal yourself.
Since most of our research projects are subsidized by grants, almost all participants benefit from some degree of financial support. We are thankful to those who are in a position to be able to provide this form of support – it helps to keep us all going.
I’m sure that many participants benefit from the mental and spiritual support that is inherent in our programs. Caring thoughts and prayers support healing. Applied spirituality is essential for any of this to really work.
Although I’m sure there are even more forms of support than the few I’ve just mentioned, I want to close with one of most crucial supports that any of us can have. Self-support is a major factor in healing. We sometimes use the word empowerment when talking about self-support. People need to take some responsibility for their own healing.
Write us a note and share your thoughts on support in all its various forms. We appreciate your support in the form of participation in our projects, financial donations, and your kind thoughts and prayers.
1. Voice is stronger
2. Started driving car again
3. More stamina
4. More energy
5. Able to work in garden again (digging, etc)
6. Handwriting has improved
7. Stamina to walk has improved
8. Face has more expression – especially smiling
9. Able to get up out of chair quicker
10. Walking more briskly – gait is more normal
11. Chops own broccoli and onions when eating
12. Does more cooking
13. Dexterity has improved – able to uncap bottles by herself
14. Creativity is increased after long dry period
15. More awareness of dreams
16. Sense of humor has returned
17. More singing
18. Stronger with dog – less fear that dog will knock her over
19. “More present with people”
20. More inner strength (stronger sense of spiritual aspects of life)
Notice that the list has examples of many forms of healing including care, empowerment, and quality of life. Much of the healing was little things, the things that are easy to discount or miss all together. And yet, these are the very things that the mind can magnify. Remember, mind is the builder. What it focuses on expands.
Participants were told to be mindful of any form of healing. When they experience any healing, they are to rejoice and celebrate it in the moment – in the “midst of life.” Then, later during the wet cell treatment and massage (or whenever they pray or meditate), they are to recall and relive the experience of healing. This process of affirming that healing is happening and that it can increase is a crucial step in healing.
Healing of chronic degenerative conditions is a lengthy process requiring patience. A couple of images from the Cayce readings are relevant here – the process of regeneration occurs “line upon line,” “brick by brick.” The little healings will add up if the mind continually affirms them.
Jack Phillips, a participant in our Parkinson’s project, apparently had quite a Christmas season (only a couple of months after starting the wet cell battery). According to his wife (Sally), his energy and stamina were “up” during the whole vacation. Sally described a notable evening during this period:
“In August at the class reunion, Jack showed up in shapshots and video pictures as ‘Sad Jack’ in the background.
He used the wet cell in November and all of December.
We went to the school Christmas party, a progressive dinner at four different homes with transportation on a school bus, and also we went to my Sorority New Year’s Eve party, a long evening of visiting, eating, playing silly games, and no leaving until midnight.
While many friends were worn out, it was said of Jack, ‘I didn’t realize Jack was such a party animal.'”
If you measure the voltage of the battery, be sure to do it after the session. We don’t know what effect measuring might have at a subtle level. From a practical standpoint, measuring the voltage might tip you off that you left out an ingredient, didn’t get the copper and nickels poles sanded thoroughly, or have a bad connection in the wiring. Generally speaking, you don’t need to measure that often. For example, you might measure the day after you mix the battery (to make sure that the battery was mixed correctly) and once a week to make sure the wires and connections are o.k.