THE ROLE OF EXERCISE

      Exercise and activity play an important role in physical therapy and may also contribute to mental rehabilitation due to their mood altering characteristics.  They also provide the opportunity for social interaction which may have therapeutic effects.
     The Cayce readings emphasized the therapeutic value of exercise and constructive activity.  The recommendations for exercise were suited to individual needs and abilities.  Generally speaking, the suggestions were for moderate exercise on a daily basis. There was a consistent emphasis on being outdoors in the open as much as possible.  From a therapeutic standpoint, keep in mind that exercise was a part of the holistic approach and was not the primary therapeutic intervention in most cases.
     Reading 3762-1 is interesting because it relates the role of manipulative therapy (i.e., massage and osteopathic manipulation) to exercise.  It also suggests that some of the therapeutic benefit of exercise is linked to improved eliminations via stimulation of the visceral organs.
     Specific exercises were recommended for certain conditions.  Here is Edgar Cayce's prescription for hemorrhoids:

     "But the best for the specific conditions of hemorrhoids is the exercise, and if this is taken regularly these will disappear-of themselves!  Twice each day, of morning and evening-and this doesn't mean with many clothes on! rise on the toes, at the same time raising the arms; then bend forward, letting the hands go toward the floor.  Do this three times of morning, and three times of evening.  But don't do it two or three times and then quit, or don't do it three or four times a week and then quit, but do it regularly!"   (2823-2)

     The Edgar Cayce Handbook for Health Through Drugless Therapy by Harold J. Reilly and Ruth Hagy Brod is a wonderful resource on Cayce's approach to exercise.