Vol.
1 No. 1 May, 1997
MERIDIAN INSTITUTE NEWS
Included in this issue:
MIGRAINE REPORT DOCUMENTS IMPROVEMENT
In April, 1996 Meridian Institute and five persons
suffering from migraine initiated a research project to test Edgar Cayce's
assertion that most migraine is caused by problems in the gastro-intestinal
(GI) tract. Specifically, Cayce stated, "the conditions to which
the body becomes allergic in the digestive system should be looked for
- that deal with all migraine headaches." (reading #3326). Cayce
linked the abdominal complaints associated with migraine directly to the
cause of the condition rather than simply being an unpleasant side-effect.
He said that a nerve reflex to the fifth cranial nerve (the "trigeminal
nerve") transfers the irritation from the abdomen to the head and face
resulting in the headache and sensory phenomena commonly experienced by
migraine sufferers. Cayce's typical treatment recommendations for
migraine consisted of several natural therapies to help heal the GI tract
and decrease irritation to the nervous system.
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 MANY
FACES OF SUPPORT
Support comes in so many forms and at varying
levels. In our research projects we have come to recognize the many
faces of support for the participants in our programs as well as the caregivers
(professional and nonprofessional) who assist the healing process.
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.
MIND THE BUILDER
Engaging the mind in the healing process is extremely
important. A technique that we used during the recent Parkinson's
follow-up week-end was for each subject to create a "healing list" to provide
a focus for the mind. Participants were encouraged to described every
form of healing that they had experienced since joining the project.
Some of the lists were longer than others, but all participants acknowledged
healing of various kinds and degrees. Here is a list from one participant:
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'
CHRISTMAS
Individuals with Parkinson's disease typically
experience fatigue and lack of stamina. Also, due to the illness
their faces are often flat and expressionless.
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.'"
WET CELL TIPS
Remember to sand both plates (copper and nickel)
before and after each session. Store them separately and put the
wires, plates and solution jar anodes out in the sun for a couple of hours
occasionally.
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.
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