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Health
and Rejuvenation Center
Cayce
Health Database Version 1.0 |
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GLOSSARY
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A
- ABSCESS
- An abscess is a collection of pus formed by the disintegration
of tissues.
- ACIDOSIS
- Acidosis is a condition resulting from too much acid or too little
alkaline reserve in blood and body tissues.
- ADENOID
- Adenoid refers to a resemblance to a gland in appearance; in
the plural: hypertrophied lymph tissue in the nasopharynx; known
as the pharyngeal tonsil.
- ADHESION
- Adhesion refers to holding together by new tissue [e.g., scar
tissue], produced by inflammation or injury, of two structures which
are normally separate. Abdominal adhesions were mentioned in many
Cayce readings, particularly in cases of epilepsy. Adhesions may
interfere with circulation of blood and lymph and nervous system
activity and impulse. Castor oil packs and massage were two of the
most frequently recommended therapies for healing adhesions.
- ADRENAL GLANDS
- The adrenals are important endocrine glands anatomically associated
with the kidneys. Each body has two adrenal glands, each consisting
of two parts. The inner portion of the adrenal is called the medulla
and an outer portion is called the cortex. Both parts secrete important
hormones into the bloodstream.
- ALKALOSIS
- Alkalosis is a condition resulting from increase of base or decrease
of acid without decreasing base in the body fluids.
- ALLERGY
- Allergy refers to a hypersensitive state due to exposure to a
particular allergen; classified as immediate or delayed; includes
serum sickness, allergic drug reactions, contact dermatitis and
anaphylactic shock; usually manifested in the gastrointestinal tract,
the skin, and the respiratory tract.
- ANEMIA
- Aanemia (pernicious) is a decrease in the number of circulating
red blood cells; called also Addison's or addisonian anemia, Addison-Biermer
anemia, cytogenic anemia, and malignant anemia.
- ANEURYSM
- An aneurysm is a saclike swelling in the wall of a blood vessel,
usually an artery.
- ANKYLOSIS
- Ankylosis is an abnormal immobility and consolidation of a joint.
- ANODYNE
- Anodyne refers to any medicine for relieving pain; e.g., opium,
morphine, codeine, or aspirin.
- ANTIGEN
- An antigen is any substance which stimulates cells to produce
antibodies.
- ANTISPASMODIC
- An antispasmodic is any agent that relieves spasm.
- APHONIA
- Aphonia is loss of voice.
- APOPLEXY
- Apoplexy is the condition of having suffered a stroke; intracranial
hemorrhage.
- ARTERIOLE
- An arteriole is a small branch of an artery that communicates
with a capillary network.
- ASSIMILATION
- With regard to the digestive process, assimilation refers to the
absorption of food values via the gut; the absorption and transformation
of food into living tissue.
- ASTHENIA
- Asthenia is loss of strength and energy; weakness.
- ATOMIDINE
- Atomidine is a form of iodine frequently recommended in the Cayce
readings as a glandular stimulant and purifier. Atomidine can be
used externally (e.g., for the treatment of bug bites and stings).
Many people use it as Cayce recommended by putting one or more drops
in a glass of water and drinking it as a medicine.
- ATROPHY
- Atrophy is a wasting away; failure of a cell, tissue, organ, or
part to grow and develop.
- AUTONOMIC
- Autonomic means self-controlling; functionally independent; automatic.
The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic
nervous sytems and regulates automatic processes such as digestion,
circulation, and respiration. Edgar Cayce never used this term in
a reading although it began to be commonly used in medicine during
the latter years that the readings were given.
- AUTOSOMAL
- Autosomal pertains to any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome.
- AXILLA
- Axilla refers to the armpit; the small pyramidal space between
the upper lateral part of the chest and the medial side of the arm.
AXON The axon is that part of a nerve cell through which impulses
travel away from the cell body.
B
- BACILLUS
- A bacillus is any rod-shaped bacterium which produces spores.
- BIFURCATION
- Bifurcation means division into two branches; the site where a
single structure divides into two.
- BRACHIAL PLEXUS
- The brachial plexus refers to nerves originating in the last four
cervical vertebrae and the upper dorsal (thoracic) vertebrae which
control voluntary muscle groups in the shoulder, chest and arms.
- BRONCHI
- Bronchi is the plural of bronchus; any of the larger air passages
of the lungs.
- BRONCHITIS
- Bronchitis means inflammation of the bronchi.
- BURSA
- Bursa are small fluid-filled sacs near or involving a joint. They
assist the bone to move easily over adjacent parts, such as between
two bones or between bone and skin. Bursa facilitate the gliding
of muscles or tendons over bone or ligament structures. Bursa are
numerous and are found throughout the body. Inflammation of bursa
is known as bursitis.
C
- CAECUM
- The caecum is the first part of the large intestine.
- CALCULUS
- Calculus refers to any abnormal stony mass or deposit formed within
the body, usually composed of mineral salts.
- CAPSULA
- Capsula is a general term for a cartilaginous, fatty, fibrous,
or membranous structure enveloping another structure, organ, or
part.
- CAROTID
- Carotid refers to either of the two principal arteries of the
neck.
- CASTOR OIL
- An oil obtained from the castor bean plant, castor oil is used
externally as an emollient (to soothe and soften) and internally
as a cathartic to promote defecation (i.e., laxative or purgative).
- CATARACT
- Cataract is an eye disease in which the crystalline lens or its
capsule becomes opaque, causing partial or total blindness.
- CATARRH
- Catarrh is an inflammation of a mucous membrane, causing an increased
flow of mucus; inflammation of the air passages of the head and
throat.
- CATHARTIC
- A cathartic is an agent that stimulates evacuation of the bowels
by increasing bulk.
- CEREBROSPINAL
- The cerebrospinal nerve system is now called the "central
nervous system." It consists of the brain, spinal cord, and
motor and sensory nerves.
- CERVICAL
- The uppermost portion of the spinal column, there are seven cervical
vertebrae in the neck.
- CHANCRE
- Chancre refers to a venereal sore or ulcer; primary lesion of
syphilis.
- CHIROPRACTIC
- Chiropractic is a popular form of manual therapy. It is a healing
profession in which the structural portions of the body (such as
the spine, joints, and muscle tissue) are manipulated in order to
restore the proper function of the nerves.
- CHROMOSOME
- A chromosome is a rodlike structure that appears in the nucleus
of a cell during mitosis; transmits genetic information.
- CHYLE
- Chyle is a milky fluid absorbed by the lacteals from the food
in the intestine during digestion; composed of lymph and emulsified
fats
- CIRRHOSIS
- Cirrhosis is a liver disease in which the hepatic cells degenerate
and the surrounding connective tissues thicken.
- COCCYX OR COCCYGEAL
- The coccyx (or tailbone), is a part of the spinal column located
below the sacrum. It consists of 3 to 5 fused vertebrae.
- COLITIS
- Colitis is inflammation of the colon.
- COLLAGEN
- ollagen is the protein substance of the white fibers of connective
tissues and in the matrix of bone.
- COLON
- The colon (large intestine) is that portion of the bowel between
the small intestine and the anus. It performs the vital function
of absorbing water and salts that would otherwise be lost through
the anus during a bowel movement.
- COLONIC (IRRIGATION)
- Colonic (irrigation) is a high enema; method of hydrotherapy used
to cleanse the large intestine of accumulated toxins.
- COORDINATION
- In the Cayce readings, coordination generally refers to the harmonious
interaction of the various systems of the body. For example, the
readings emphasize the importance of coordination between assimilations
and eliminations, the circulatory systems (between deep and superficial
circulation), and the nervous systems (between the cerebrospinal
and sympathetic).
- CONGENITAL
- Congenital means existing at, and usually before, birth; referring
to conditions that are present at birth, regardless of their causation.
- CONSTIPATION
- Constipation is infrequent or difficult evacuation of the feces.
- CONSUMPTION
- Consumption is a wasting away of the body, formerly applied especially
to pulmonary tuberculosis.
- CORYZA
- Coryza is an acute catarrhal condition of the nasal mucous membrane.
- CUTANEOUS
- Cutaneous pertains to the skin.
- CYSTITIS
- Cystitis is inflammation of the urinary bladder.
D
- DEEP CIRCULATION
- That portion of the circulatory system associated with the central
(internal) organs of the body. Thus, the deep circulation is the
blood supply to the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and other abdominal
organs.
- DEMENTIA
- Dementia is the loss of intellectual abilities due to organic
(biological) deterioration of the brain. Social functioning is usually
impaired. Cognitive functioning, including memory, judgment, and
abstract thought, is diminished or altered. Alzheimer's dementia
is one of the best known dementias. Stroke, concussion, toxicity,
neurological disease and vitamin deficiency can produce dementia.
Dementia is more common in older persons.
- DEMULCENT
- Demulcent means soothing; bland; allaying the irritation of inflamed
or abraded surfaces.
- DIABETES MELLITUS
- Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by a high
blood glucose level and the appearance of glucose in the urine due
to a deficiency of insulin.
- DIATHERMY
- Diathermy refers heating of body tissues by high-frequency electric
current.
- DIATHESIS
- Diathesis is a vulnerability or predisposition to certain diseases.
- DISTAL
- Distal means farther from the midline or origin.
- DIURETIC
- Diuretic means increasing the excretion of urine.
- DIVERTICULITIS)
- Diverticulitis is inflammation of small pouches (diverticula)
that sometimes form in the lining and wall of the colon.
- DORSAL
- The dorsal is that portion of the spinal column associated with
the thorax or chest. Currently referred to as the thoracic vertebrae,
the 12 spinal segments of the dorsal vertebrae extend from the neck
to the lumbar vertebrae and give attachment to the ribs.
- DRAINAGE
- Edgar Cayce used the term drainage in reference to the body's
natural capacity to cleanse itself via the cleansing flow of the
blood (venous) and lymph.
- DUODENUM
- The duodenum is the uppermost section of the small intestine between
the stomach and jejunum.
- DYPSNEA
- Dypsnea means shortness of breath.
- DYSURIA
- Dysuria is painful or difficult urination.
E
- EDEMA
- Edema is an excessive accumulation of fluid within the tissue
spaces.
- EFFLUVIUM
- Effluvium refers to an outflowing or shedding, or exhalation or
emanation, particularly one that is noxious or toxic.
- ELIMINATION
- The process of removing toxins from the body. Cayce described
four primary eliminating processes: 1) defecation (feces), 2) urination
(urine), 3) respiration (breath), and 4) perspiration (sweat). The
monthly periods of menstruating women was a fifth eliminating process
cited in some readings.
- EMPHYSEMA
- Emphysema is a condition of the lung characterized by abnormal
enlargement of air sacs.
- EMUNCTORY
- An organ or duct having an excretory or cleansing function (e.g.,
the pores of the skin). In the readings, emunctories are frequently
mentioned in association with the lymphatic system.
- ENDOCRINE
- Endocrine refers to secreting internally; applied to organs (especially
glands) and structures that secrete hormones directly into the blood
or lymph.
- ENGORGEMENT
- Engorgement is a local congestion; excessive fullness of any organ,
vessel or tissue due to accumulation of fluids, especially of blood.
- ENTEROVIRUS
- Enterovirus refers to a type of virus infecting the gastrointestinal
tract and discharged in the excreta.
- ENZYME
- Enzyme refers to a protein that is produced in a cell and acts
as a catalyst in a specific cellular reaction.
- EPIDERMIS
- Epidermis refers the outermost layer of skin.
- ETIOLOGY
- Etiology is the study or the theory of the factors that cause
disease.
F
- FISTULA
- A fistula is an abnormal passage or communication, usually between
two internal organs, or leading from an internal organ to the surface
of the body.
- FUME BATH
- A form of hydrotherapy which utilizes heat to vaporize medicinal
solutions to cleanse the body. The body is in a tent or cabinet
during the fume bath so that the fumes can more effectively stimulate
the skin to release toxins.
G
- GALLBLADDER
- The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped sac that stores bile secreted
by the liver. Bile is injected into the small intestine to aid with
the digestion of dietary fat.
- GANGLIA
- Ganglia are a mass of nerve-cell bodies that lies outside the
brain or spinal cord. Edgar Cayce often discussed important ganglia
of the sympathetic nervous system. These ganglia lie along either
side of the spinal column and within the body cavity.
- GASTIRIN
- Gastirin is a hormone secreted by the stomach lining that stimulates
secretion of gastric juices.
- GASTRITIS
- Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach.
- GESTATION
- Gestation refers to the period of development of the young in
viviparous animals; the entire period of pregnancy.
- GLAND
- From a medical standpoint, a gland is any organ or tissue that
secretes a substance to be used elsewhere in the body. Endocrine
glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine
glands release their products through ducts for more specific purposes.
- GLOBULIN
- Globulin is a type of protein characterized by being insoluble
in water, but soluble in saline solutions or water soluble proteins;
occurs in blood plasma.
- GONADS
- The reproductive glands of the body.
- GRAND MAL
- Grand mal is a type of epileptic seizure, characterized by convulsions
and loss of consciousness.
- GRAY MATTER
- Those portions of the nervous system consisting primarily of nerve-cell
bodies which are gray-colored. Particularly, certain areas of the
brain, such as the cerebral cortex. In the Cayce readings, the gray
matter of the nervous system is associated with "activity."
(See impulse and activity.)
H
- HALITOSIS
- Halitosis is offensive ("bad") breath.
- HEMORRHOIDS
- Hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which veins associated with
the lining of the rectum become enlarged.
- HEPATIC
- Pertaining especially to the liver and the organs associated with
the liver. Edgar Cayce often spoke of the "hepatic system,"
which consists of the upper hepatic circulation (through the liver,
heart and lungs) and the lower hepatic circulation (through the
kidneys). He also frequently referred to the hepatic system as the
"battery of the body;" the liver being the "positive
pole" and the kidneys as the "negative pole."
- HERNIATION
- Herniation is the abnormal protrusion of an organ or other body
structure through a defect or opening in a covering, membrane, muscle,
or bone.
- HERPES ZOSTER
- Herpes zoster is a viral infection of certain sensory nerves,
causing pain and an eruption of blisters along the course of the
affected nerve; shingles.
- HOMEOSTATIS
- Homeostasis is the tendency to stability in the normal body states.
- HORMONES
- Hormones are secretions of the ductless or endocrine glands.
- HYDROCEPHALUS
- Hydrocephalus is a condition marked by enlargement of the cranium,
accompanied by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the
skull; "water on the brain."
- HYDROTHERAPY
- The use of water for the purpose of healing. Colonics, steam baths,
sitz baths, etc. are examples of hydrotherapy.
- HYPERTROPHIC
- Hypertrophic pertains to the enlargement or overgrowth of an organ
or tissue.
- HYPOCHONDRIA
- Hypochondria refers to an abnormal anxiety over one's health,
often with imaginary illnesses and severe melancholy.
- HYPOGASTRIC
- The term hypogastric pertains to the lower middle of the abdomen.
The hypogastric plexus is an important autonomic nerve center in
the lower abdomen which supplies the organs of the pelvic cavity.
- HYPOGLYCEMIA
- Hypoglycemia is an abnormally low concentration of blood glucose,
which may lead to tremulousness, cold sweat, etc.
- HYSTERECTOMY
- Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus.
I
- IDIOPATHIC
- Idiopathic means self-originated; any medical condition of unknown
causation. Synonyms for idiopathic include "true" and
"pure." Edgar Cayce sometimes used the term "true"
when referring to the idiopathic form of a disease.
- ILEUM
- The ileum is that portion of the small intestine lying between
the jejunum and the large intestine. It is the final 3/5 of the
small intestine lying chiefly below the umbilicus (navel) and to
the right side of the pelvic region. Peyer's patches are larger
and more numerous in the ileum than in the rest of the small intestine.
- IMAGINATIVE SYSTEM
- Edgar Cayce sometimes referred to the sympathetic
nervous system as the "imaginative system." He associated
the sympathetic system with the unconscious mind and its imaginative
powers. It is likely that the imaginative processes associated with
the sympathetic system are the basis for psychosomatic illness and
healing. The pineal and leydig glands were also associated with
the imaginative aspects of the sympathetic system and "mental
body." (See pineal and additional information on the "pineal
system" under "Edgar Cayce's Perspective Of The Pineal.")
- IMPACTION
- Impaction is the condition of being firmly lodged or wedged.
- IMPEDANCE DEVICE
- The radio-active (radial) appliance is sometimes called the "impedance
device."
- IMPULSE AND ACTIVITY
- The Cayce readings often refer to the impulse and activity of
the nervous system. They associate activity with the processes of
the gray matter (cell body) of nerve cells and impulses with the
white matter (axons) of nerve cells.
- INCOORDINATION
- Incoordination is the failure to work together harmoniously. The
various systems of the body must coordinate to be healthy. Edgar
Cayce cited incoordination as the most common factor in a wide variety
of illnesses. Some of the most common forms of incoordination include
incoordination between assimilations and eliminations, incoordination
in the circulatory systems (between deep and superficial circulation),
and incoordination in the nervous systems (between the cerebrospinal
and sympathetic).
- INDURATION
- Induration refers to the process of hardening.
- INTESTINE
- The intestine is that portion of the digestive tract that extends
from the stomach to the anus. The intestine is divided into distinctive
sections for handling the processes of digestion and absorption
of food and the elimination of waste.
J
- JEJUNUM
- The jejunum is that part of the small intestine between the duodenum
and the ileum.
K
- KARMA
- Sometimes referred to as the "law of cause and effect,"
karma is a Hindu concept used to explain past-life influences. Edgar
Cayce sometimes linked health problems to karmic conditions. In
such instances, he would frequently use the expression, "The
entity is meeting self." Karmic illnesses were typically difficult
to cure. Cayce emphasized the importance of mental and spiritual
application in karmic conditions.
- KATABOLISM (CATABOLISM)
- Katabolism is the opposite of anabolism. It is the aspect of metabolism
which includes all the processes in which complex substances are
converted into simpler substances.
- KUNDALINI
- The sanskrit word kundalini means "coiled up." Symbolically,
kundalini refers to a coiled serpent lying asleep at the base of
the spine, waiting to be awakened through meditation, kundalini
yoga, or some other spiritual discipline. Edgar Cayce referred to
the kundalini energy as a "life force" that operates in
the body in two forms. In a low energetic form, it is the energy
responsible for growth and development. When raised to a high energy
level ("high vibration") through meditation, kundalini
is the energy which produces mystical and psychic experiences.
L
- LACTEAL
- Lacteals are small lymph capillaries which absorb lipids (fats)
from the small intestine. Edgar Cayce often spoke of the lacteal
ducts, especially in cases of epilepsy.
- LESION
- In the ostepathic sense, a lesion is a structural (anatomical)
abnormality which produces a functional (physiological) disorder.
Correction of lesions is a primary goal of traditional osteopathy.
Lesions may be primary or secondary. Primary lesions may be produced
by trauma or posture. Secondary lesions may result from attempts
of the body to compensate for a primary lesion. Reflex lesions may
also be considered to be secondary lesions.
- LEUCOCYTE
- A leucocyte is any colorless, ameboid cell mass; white blood cell
or corpuscle.
- LEYDIG (OR LYDEN)
- The leydig gland is a small (pea-sized) gland in the urogenital
system. Discovered in 1892 by anatomist Franz Leydig, this gland
was regarded by Edgar Cayce to be the "seat of the soul"
in the human body. In 1850, Franz Leydig also discovered the cells
of leydig, which are now recognized as producers of testosterone
in the gonads. Medical science has not yet rediscovered the leydig
gland.
- LOCOMOTORY (OR LOCOMOTORIES)
- Locomotion refers to movement or the power to move. Edgar Cayce
frequently spoke of two key locomotory centers. The brachial plexus
is located in the lower cervical and upper dorsal (thoracic) area
of the spine. It influences the movement of the arms and hands.
The lumbar axis is located in the lower portion of the spine centered
in the area of the 4th lumbar vertebrae. The lumbar axis locomotory
center influences movements in the legs.
- LUMBAR
- The lumbar refers to the lower portion of the back, between the
dorsal (thoracic) and sacral portions of the spine. The 4th lumbar
center is a key coordinating nerve center providing nerve energy
to the pelvic organs and lower locomotories (legs).
- LUMEN
- A lumen is acavity or channel within a tube or tubular organ.
LYMPH (LYMPHATICS) Lymph is a fluid which
flows through the lymphatic vessels. It is usually clear and colorless.
Lymph is formed in the tissue spaces throughout the body and carried
by the lymphathic vessels to the central area of the body where
it is combined with the blood supply. In addition to cleansing the
internal structure of the body, the lymphatic system is involved
with immunity and the absorption of fats from the small intestine.
- LYMPHOCYTE
- A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell produced in lympathetic
tissue.
M
- MASSAGE
- Massage is the methodical use of pressure, kneading, friction
and manipulation on the bare skin for the purpose of relaxation,
stimulation or balancing of circulation, improved nervous system
coordination, and increased eliminations.
- MEDULLA OBLONGATA
- The medulla oblongata is the portion of brain stem located between
the pons and the spinal cord. Edgar Cayce sometime referred to the
medulla oblongata when speaking of "centers at the base of
the brain."
- MENARCHE
- Menarche is the beginning of menstrual function.
- MENINGITIS
- Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (the three membranes
that envelop the brain and spinal cord).
- METABOLISM
- Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical changes that
take place in the body. For example, transformations of chemical
energy from food to mechanical energy or heat are metabolic processes.
There are two basic kinds of metabolism. Anabolism (assimilation
or building up processes) and catabolism (disintegrating or tearing
down processes).
- METABOLITES
- Metabolites are substances produced by metabolism or metabolic
processes.
- MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
- Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system
characterized by loss of myelin and the appearance of scarlike patches
throughout the brain and/or spinal cord.
- MYELIN SHEATH
- Myelin sheath is the sheath surrounding the axon of some (the
myelinated) nerve cells.
- MYOPATHY
- Myopathy refers to any disease of a muscle.
- MYOTONIA
- Myotonia is increased muscular irritability with decreased power
of relaxation; spasm of the muscle.
N
- NATUROPATHY (OR NATUROPATHIC)
- Naturopathy is a system of healing based on using natural therapies
to bring about a cure. The naturopath tends to utilize natural products,
such as herbs and vitamins, rather than on synthetic drugs and surgery,
and may also use nutrition, massage, manipulation, and electrical
treatments.
- NEONATE
- A neonate is a new-born infant.
- NEURON
- A neuron is any of the conducting cells of the nervous system;
a nerve cell.
- NEUROPATHY (OR NEUROPATHIC)
- No longer an active profession, neuropathy was a system of healing
based upon massage and manipulation of the nerves of the body. Edgar
Cayce made numerous referrals to neuropathic physicians, particularly
in cases requiring gentle treatment of the nervous system to make
corrections, coordinate the nervous systems and set up drainages.
O
- ORTHOPEDIC
- Orthopedic refers to correcting deformities of the musculoskeletal
system.
- OSTEOPATHY
- Traditional osteopathy was one of the most frequently recommended
treatments in the Cayce readings. Traditional osteopaths utilized
massage and manipulation, in addition to a variety of relatively
natural therapies, such as hydrotherapy and diet. Underlying traditional
osteopathy are the ideas that anatomy (structure) and physiology
(function) are closely interrelated and mutually interdependent.
Illness is often caused by structural impairment, which causes the
systems of the body to become out of coordination with each other.
Currently, osteopathic medicine relies heavily on drugs and surgery
and has largely abandoned its traditional use of the hands to diagnose
and treat illness.
- OXIDATION
- Oxidation is the act or state of being oxidized; an increase of
positive charges on an atom or the loss of negative charges.
- OSSEOUS
- Osseous refers to the nature or quality of bone; bony. In traditional
osteopathy, osseus was regarded as a primary form of lesion ("osseus"
or "bony" lesion).
P
- PANCREAS
- The pancreas is a large, elongated gland located behind the stomach,
between the spleen and the duodenum.
- PARESIS
- Paresis refers to slight or incomplete paralysis.
- PATHOGENESIS
- Pathogenesis refers to the development of morbid conditions or
of disease.
- PARETHESIA
- Paresthesia is an abnormal sensation, as burning, prickling, etc.
- PARKINSON’S DISEASE
- Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder characterized by
rhythmic tremor and muscular rigidity. During Edgar Cayce’s
era, Parkinson’s disease was usually referred to as "paralysis
agitans."
- PATHOLOGICAL
- Pathological refers to a condition of illness or disease. Edgar
Cayce usually used the term to signify the physical or biological
dimensions of illness as distinguished from the psychopathological
(mental, emotional, or spiritual) dimensions. Disease may involve
both pathological and psychopathological aspects.
- PATHOLOGY
- Pathology is a branch of medicine treating the essential nature
of disease, especially the structural and functional changes in
body tissues and organs causing or caused by disease.
- PERINEUM
- Perineum refers to the structures of the pelvic floor or the external
region between the vulva and anus (in the female) and between the
scrotum and anus (in the male).
- PERINEURIAL
- Perineurial or perineurium pertains to the sheath around a bundle
of nerve fiber. Perineuritis refers to inflammation of the sheathing
surrounding nerve fibers.
- PERIOSTITIS
- Periostitis is the inflammation of the periosteum (a connective
tissue covering all bones of the body and having bone-forming properties).
- PERISTALSIS
- Peristalsis is the rhythmic waves by which organs provided with
both longitudinal and circular muscle fibers propel their contents.
- PETIT MAL
- Petit mal refers to a type of epileptic seizure in which there
are attacks of momentary unconsciousness without convulsions.
- PEYER'S PATCHES
- Peyer's patches are whitish glands of lymphatic follicles in mucous
and submucous layers of the small intestine (especially throughout
the lining of the ileum along the right side of the abdomen). Edgar
Cayce sometimes spoke of these lymphatic tissues with regard to
the functioning of the lacteal ducts and coordination of the nervous
system.
- PHLEBITIS
- Phlebitis refers to inflammation of a vein.
- PHOTOPHOBIA
- Photophobia is the abnormal fear of light.
- PIGMENTATION
- Pigmentation refers to coloration, especially abnormally increased
coloration.
- PINEAL
- The pineal is a small endocrine gland
located in the center of the head. It is richly supplied with
blood vessels and nerve fibers. In certain fishes, frogs, and lizards,
the pineal is associated with a well-developed light-sensitive organ,
or so-called "third eye," and in all species the pineal
is affected by light. The pineal is known to be involved in the
regulation of cycles and rhythms in the body.
- PITUITARY
- Called the "master gland of the body," the pituitary
is a key endocrine gland situated at the base of the brain. The
pituituary secretes several important hormones which regulate other
endocrine glands and various physiological processes within the
body.
- PLASMA
- Plasma is the fluid portion of circulating blood.
- PLATELETS
- Platelets are disc-shaped fragment found in the blood of all mammals.
Platelets function in blood coagulation.
- PLEURISY
- Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleural membranes in the lungs.
- PLEXUS
- A plexus is a network of nerves or of blood or lymph vessels.
- PNEUMOGASTRIC
- Now known as the "vagus," pneumogastric was the medical
term for the tenth cranial nerve during much of Edgar Cayce's life.
The pneumogastric (vagus) is a major nerve which influences the
organs of the chest and abdomen. It is a primary component of the
parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.
- POSSESSION
- Discarnate (as distinguished from demonic) possession was discussed
in several readings given by Edgar Cayce. Certain conditions (such
as schizophrenia, epilepsy and alcoholism) were sometimes associated
with possession. Possession was not necessarily portrayed as a cause
of the illness, rather it was described as a complication of the
disease process. Prayer, hypnotherapy and electrotherapy were the
most frequent recommendations for dealing with possession in the
Cayce readings. Appendix E of The Treatment of Schizophrenia (McMillin,
1991, Lifeline Press) discusses possession as it relates to major
mental illness.
- POULTICE
- A poultice is a soft, moist mass spread between layers of muslin,
linen, gauze, or towels and applied hot to a given area. Edgar Cayce
recommended various poultices such as potato poultice for eye conditions.
- PRENATAL
- From a medical perspective, the prenatal period is after conception
and before birth. In the Cayce readings, prenatal factors are cited
in many readings and usually refer to heredity and biological processes
within the womb prior to birth. However, in certain instances, prenatal
influences seemed to be more inclusive and expansive, taking into
consideration such factors as the mental/emotional patterns of the
parents, other persons in the immediate environment as well as karmic
(e.g., past life) influences.
- PROGNOSIS
- A prognosis is a forecast as to the outcome of a disease.
- PROLAPSUS
- Prolapsus refers to the failing down or sinking of an internal
organ.
- PSYCHOPATHIC
- Edgar Cayce often referred to psychopathic factors or influences
in a wide variety of illnesses. In such cases, he frequently went
on to describe mental, emotional or spiritual patterns that were
causing or contributing to the illness. In other words, psychopathic
was not restricted to cases of mental illness. When psychopathic
factors were cited in a reading, Edgar Cayce often went on to suggest
that the individual work with his mental attitudes and spiritual
ideals as a prerequisite to implementing the physical therapies.
Karmic or past-life patterns were sometimes described as psychopathic
factors in illness. In modern terminology, psychopathic could be
translated as "psychosomatic" (mind affecting the body).
- PURPURUS
- Purpurus is a group of disorders characterized by purplish or
brownish red discoloration, caused by spontaneous bleeding into
the tissue.
- PYLORUS
- The pylorus is the lower end of the stomach through which digested
food is emptied into the intestine.
- PYRAMIDAL TRACT
- Pyramidal tract refers to any of four columns of motor fibers
that run in pairs on each side of the spinal cord and that are continuations
of the pyramids of the medulla.
Q
- QUININE
- Quinine is a bitter, white crystalline substance derived from
cinchona bark. Usually administered in the form of a salt, quinine
is primarily used to treat pain and malaria.
R
- RADIAL ACTIVITY
- Edgar Cayce used the term radial activity to describe a form of
vibratory energy which radiates from the various centers (particularly
nerve and glandular centers) of the body. This energy was utilized
in the electrotherapeutic techniques recommended in the readings.
Notably, the radial ("radio-active") appliance utilized
the radial energy of the body to balance circulation and assist
with nervous system coordination.
- RADIO-ACTIVE (RADIAL) APPLIANCE
- This electrotherapeutic device was recommended in over 900 readings
for a variety of conditions, usually requiring relaxation, balancing
of circulation, and nervous system coordination. The "radial"
energy utilized by this appliance is not radio-active in the sense
of atomic energy. Rather, the name was intended to describe a form
of energy which operates like radio waves. Edgar Cayce also referred
to the appliance as a "radionics device."
- REAGIN
- Reagin is a type of antibody in the blood associated with some
allergic diseases.
- REFLEX
- A reflex is an involuntary reaction to a stimulus. The "knee-jerk"
reflex is a common example of a neuromuscular reflex used in medical
assessment. However, Edgar Cayce (and the osteopathic physicians
of his era) were also interested in more subtle kinds of reflexes
which occur between the nerve centers within the body. Many readings
described such reflexes as the cause of imbalance in the body, resulting
in disease. Traditionally, osteopathic physicians utilized reflexes
in the body as part of their therapeutic techniques aimed at assisting
the body to heal itself.
- RENAL
- Renal pertains to the kidney.
- RHEUMATIC FEVER
- Rheumatic fever is an acute or chronic inflammatory disease occurring
as a delayed infection, characterized by swelling, fever and pain.
- RHINITIS
- Rhinitis refers to inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane.
S
- SACRAL (SACRUM)
- The sacral is that portion of the lower spine below the lumbar
and above the coccyx (tailbone).
- SCEROSIS
- Sclerosis is a hardening of a part due to inflammation or disease.
- SEBACEOUS
- Sebaceous means secreting a greasy, lubricating substance.
- SEMINIFEROUS
- Seminiferous means producing or conveying semen.
- SENSORY SYSTEM
- In the Cayce readings, the sensory system most often refers to
the organs of sensation. Thus, the ears, nose, eyes, and mouth were
frequently associated with problems of the sensory system. Cayce
sometimes used the expression "sensory organism" when
referring to this system. The nerves associated with this system
were also frequently discussed. The cranial nerves (including the
10th cranial/vagus/pneumogastric) were regarded as part of the sensory
system.
- SOLAR PLEXUS
- The solar plexus is a great network of nerves and ganglia situated
behind the stomach. The solar plexus is a primary center of the
sympathetic nervous system. It provides nerve impulse to the visceral
organs, including the liver, stomach, kidneys and adrenal glands.
- SPASTICITY
- Spasticity means an increase over the normal tone of a muscle,
with heightened deep tendon reflexes.
- STASIS
- Stasis means a stoppage or dimunition of blood flow or other body
fluid.
- STREP
- "Strep" is the abbreviated form of streptococcus, a
spherical-shaped bacterium occurring generally in chains.
- STUPE
- A stupe is a cloth, sponge, etc., dipped in hot water, wrung dry,
and applied to body as a compress. Edgar Cayce sometimes recommended
stupes such as turpentine stupes along the lower back or pelvic
area to relieve pain and assist with the healing process.
- SUBLUXATION
- A subluxation is the displacement of a spinal vertebra, causing
it to impinge on a given nerve. Manual therapy (such as chiropractic
or traditional osteopathy) was typically recommended by Edgar Cayce
to correct subluxations.
- SUPERFICIAL
- Superficial refers to the portion of the circulation which is
closest to the surface and peripheries of the body (as contrasted
with the deep circulation). The readings associate the superficial
circulation with the venous and lymphatic circulation and the sympathetic
nervous system.
- SUPERSENSITIVE
- In the Cayce readings, supersensitive usually refers to increased
psychological or psychic openness. Psychic supersensitivity may
mean that the person is in touch with other realms (such as the
"borderland"), hearing voices, or being influenced by
discarnate entities (i.e., possession). As an example, in the case
of Ms. 386, the young woman was described as a "human radio."
Cayce said that for her, "thoughts are things," just as
real in a physical sense as "sticking a pin in the hand!"
In clinical terms, she was experiencing "hallucinations"
or distorted sensory/perceptual phenomena. In a psychiatric setting,
this person would probably be diagnosed with a major mental illness,
such as schizophrenia.
- SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
- In the Cayce readings, the sympathetic nervous system refers to
1) a double chain of nerve cords running on either side of the spine
from the head to the tailbone, 2) three great gangliated plexus
(cardiac, solar and hypogastric), 3) various smaller plexus in relation
to the organs of the viscera, 4) numerous nerve fibers throughout
the body which influence blood vessels and other tissues of the
body. In modern terminology, the sympathetic system is simply equated
with the autonomic nervous system. This translation is generally
useful; however, the readings' conception of the sympathetic system
is much more expansive than is designated by our present-day autonomic
system.
- SYNAPSE
- A synapse is the site at which an impulse is transmitted from
one neuron to another by electrical or chemical means.
- SYNOVITIS
- Synovitis refers to the inflammation of a synovial membrane which
forms the inner lining of the capsule of a freely movable joint.
T
- THORACIC
- The thoracic is that portion of the spinal column associated with
the thorax or chest. Also referred to as the "dorsal vertebrae,"
the 12 spinal segments of the thoracic vertebrae extend from the
neck to the lumbar vertebrae and give attachment to the ribs.
- THYMUS GLAND
- The thymus gland is part of the immune system. Located just behind
the breastbone, the human thymus continues to grow for about a year
after birth. It maintains its full size until after puberty, when
it is replaced by fat and connective tissue. The thymus remains
functional throughout life. Edgar Cayce regarded the thymus as an
important endocrine gland. One of the seven primary "centers"
in the body, its purpose is related to psycho-spiritual development
and functioning in addition to its physical role in the immune system.
- THROMBOSIS
- Thrombosis is the formation, development, or presence of a blood
clot that remains at its site of formation.
- THYROID GLAND
- The thyroid is a primary endocrine gland located below the larynx
(voice box). Hormones secreted by the thyroid control the body's
metabolism (rate at which the body's cells work). The thyroid also
regulates the calcium level of the body. The thyroid requires iodine
to fulfill its biochemical role in the body. When insufficient iodine
is present in the diet, the thyroid becomes enlarged in its attempts
to gather sufficient iodine to maintain normal levels of its hormones.
This enlargement of the thyroid is known as goiter.
- TOXIC
- A condition of being poisonous.
- TRACHEA
- The trachea is a cartilaginous tube descending from the larynx
and branching into the bronchi.
- TRIGEMINAL
- Trigeminal refers to the fifth pair of cranial nerves. Edgar Cayce
consistently linked trigeminal involvement to migraine headaches.
- TUBERCLE
- A tubercle is any of the small, rounded lesions produced by infection
(as in tuberculosis); a small, knoblike process.
- TUBULES
- Tubules are small tubes.
U
- ULCERATION
- Ulceration is the formation or development of an ulcer.
- ULTRA VIOLET APPLIANCE
- The ultra violet appliance is a professional therapy device, available
usually on prescription basis from medical supply houses; requires
goggles and extra care and detailed instructions for use.
- UREA
- Urea is the primary waste product in urine. The excretion of urea
in the urine is the body's principal route for eliminating excess
nitrogen-containing by-products of protein metabolism. Edgar Cayce
sometimes noted the urea level of the blood, particularly if the
body were becoming toxic. Urea is created in the liver and carried
by the bloodstream to the kidneys where it is removed from the blood
and concentrated for excretion in the urine. The transfer of urea
from the liver to the kidneys is part of the process which Cayce
called the "lower hepatic circulation" (circulation between
the liver and kidneys).
- URETHRA
- The urethra is the membranous canal which carries urine from the
bladder to the exterior of the body.
V
- VAGUS
- The vagus is the tenth cranial nerve. The vagus nerve serves the
esophagus, larynx, stomach, intestines, lungs, and heart.
- VARICELIA
- Varicelia refers to chickenpox.
- VARICOSE
- Varicose means unnaturally and permanently distended, as of a
vein. VEGETATIVE NERVOUS SYSTEM Vegetative refers to involuntary
processes which help an organism to grow and remain alive. Edgar
Cayce used this term when referring to the vegetative functions
of the sympathetic nervous system.
- VEIN
- The vein is a blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart.
Edgar Cayce considered venous blood flow as part of the superficial
circulation.
- VENA CAVA
- The vena cava is one of the two large veins located at the right
atrium which returns low oxygenated blood to the heart. VENTRICLES
Ventricles are small cavities, such as of the brain or heart.
- VERTEBRA
- Vertebra refers to any of the 33 bones of the spinal column.
- VERTIGO
- Vertigo is an illusion of movement; a sensation of dizziness as
if the external world were revolving around an individual.
- VIBRATION (OR VIBRATORY)
- Vibration refers to an oscillation or sympathetic activity. Edgar
Cayce often spoke of a subtle vibratory energy or force in the body
which he called the "life-force" or lowest form of electrical
vibration. Each organ of the body has a distinctive energy vibration
signature. When an organ is deficient in this vibratory energy,
disease sets in. The various electrotherapeutic appliances were
recommended to rejuvenate the body by introducing vibratory energy
into the body or to balance the body's own vibratory energies. Various
medicinal solutions were also utilized in electrotherapy. Cayce
said that the vibration of the medicine would enter the body rather
than the chemical itself.
- VILLI
- Villi are tiny fingerlike projections extending outward from the
inner lining of the small intestine.
- VIOLET RAY
- The Violet Ray is an electrotherapeutic appliance. It provides
a high voltage and low amperage source of static electricity. The
Violet Ray was widely used during Edgar Cayce's era, both as a medical
device and beauty aid. Its use was primarily to stimulate the body,
particularly the circulatory and nervous systems.
- VISCID
- Viscid means glutinous or sticky.
- VITAMIN
- A vitamin is an organic substance that occurs in many foods in
small amounts and is necessary for normal metabolism.
- VITILIGO
- Vitiligo is a disorder characterized by loss of Pigment, resulting
in white patches of skin.
W
- WET CELL BATTERY
- The Wet Cell Battery was recommended in over 900 readings, usually
for persons suffering from serious neurological illness. The Wet
Cell is a chemical battery that produces a very weak output of about
25 - 35 milli-volts. Cayce said that the device works with the "vibratory"
energies of the body. Medicinal solutions (such as gold chloride
and silver nitrate) are often included in the electrical circuit
via a solution jar and carried vibratorily into the body.
- WHITE MATTER
- Those portions of the nervous system consisting primarily of nerve-cell
axons, which are white colored due to the myelin sheathing which
surrounds the nerve fiber. Certain areas of the brain consist primarily
of axons and hence appear white when viewed in cross section. In
the Cayce readings, the white matter of the nervous system is associated
with "impulse." (See impulse and activity.)
X
- X-RAY
- A photograph obtained by use of x rays.
Y
- YELLOW SAFFRON
- Yellow saffron is an herbal tea frequently recommended in the
readings for healing the intestine and aiding digestion, assimilation,
and elimination. Yellow saffron tea is one of the primary treatments
for psoriasis (see the discussion of leaky gut in psoriasis).
Z
- ZILATONE
- Zilatone is a laxative intended to improve digestion and eliminations.
It was also recommended in certain cases as a stimulant to the liver
and gallbladder (to "drain" the gall bladder).
Note: The above information is not intended for self-diagnosis
or self-treatment. Please consult a qualified health care professional
for assistance in applying the information contained in the Cayce Health
Database. |
From the Edgar Cayce Health Database
