Cayce Health Database
THE APPLICATION OF SUGGESTIVE THERAPEUTICS
[The following section is from Principles
& Techiques of Nerve Regeneration by David McMillin. It
describes the role of suggestion in Edgar Cayce's "formula for rebuilding
the brain" in illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.]
The fourth component of Cayce's
regenerative formula is "suggestion." Suggestion, in this
context, refers to definite hypnotic techniques that were in use during
Edgar Cayce's lifetime. To appreciate Cayce's perspective it will
be necessary to understand the distinction between formal hypnosis and
Hypnosis can be defined as "an induced sleeplike
condition in which an individual is extremely responsive to suggestions
made by the hypnotist." (American Heritage Dictionary, 1984) The
word hypnosis is usually associated with "formal" hypnotic techniques
such as stage hypnosis. In formal hypnosis, roles are clearly
defined in that there is a hypnotist who seemingly overpowers the mind
of a subject. Usually, the hypnotic trance is induced in a formal way.
For example, the classic image of a hypnotist swinging a pocket watch
in front of a subject and suggesting that "your eyelids are getting
heavy" is a formal hypnotic technique. In speaking of formal hypnosis,
Edgar Cayce often used the verb "subjugate" to describe the process
wherein the mind of the hypnotist dominates the mind of the subject.
Although Edgar Cayce occasionally recommended
"formal" hypnosis, more often he advocated a "naturalistic" approach,
which was used in conjunction with other therapies. Cayce referred
to this form of hypnosis as "suggestive therapeutics." Cayce did not
invent the term, it was in common usage before his career as a psychic
diagnostician. (Davis, 1909)
Cayce often utilized suggestive therapeutics
in combination with other modalities. For example, he might recommend
that the persons administering massage and osteopathic treatments give
positive suggestions while performing the therapies. Similarly during
electrotherapy, suggestions were to be given for the rebuilding of the
nervous system. Cayce also advised that the hypnogogic state be
utilized by giving hypnotic suggestions during the early stages of sleep.
The induction of a hypnotic trance is a common
consequence of various physical treatments. For example, massage
therapists frequently notice that individuals receiving a relaxing massage
enter an altered state of consciousness resembling hypnotic trance.
This is probably due to the muscle relaxation produced by the massage
and the rhythmic patterns of the strokes.
Milton Erickson, perhaps the most famous hypnotherapist
of this century, often referred to trance as a state of relaxed self-awareness.
Therefore, getting people to physically relax and feel comfortable is
an important preliminary step in most hypnotic inductions.
Erickson regarded body stillness as a reliable
indicator of trance. (in Havens, p. 245) Stephen Gilligan (a
student of Erickson) reiterated this theme by associating conscious
mind activities with muscle tension: "As we will discuss further,
it [the conscious mind] arises from and is maintained by muscular
tension." (Gilligan, 1987, p. 23) Gilligan specifically mentions
massage as a naturalistic means of achieving trance in which there
is a "balancing of muscle tonus" and "the strong skin-bounded
differentiation between self and other is dissipated by muscle tone
shifts, thereby enabling the person to synchronize with complementary
biological rhythms and align with unitary psychological processes."
(Gilligan, 1987, p. 42) Gilligan suggests a cultural link between
conscious mind activities and the types of trances utilized by a particular
"Hypnotically entranced individuals
often do not feel like moving or talking in any elaborate fashion.
To reiterate, this lack of movement partly reflects a value implicit
in most hypnotic rituals.... The point to be made is that trance can
be developed and maintained via inhibition of movement or rhythmic
(circular and repetitive) movement, i.e., an absence of irregular
and arhythmic orienting responses (and muscle tension) that give rise
to the conscious mind. The relative immobility of the hypnotic
subject may have developed as a needed complement to the incessant
movement (goal-oriented action) occurring in the waking-state style
favored by Western culture; it may also reflect the dissociation from
the physical self (man dominating nature, including his body) that
generally occurs in our culture." (Gilligan, p. 54)
Immobility and lack of muscle
tension on the part of the subject and the use of rhythmic and repetitive
movements by the masseur are very descriptive of the massage process.
Participation in the massage process quickly leads one to agree with
Gilligan that massage can be a powerful, trance-inducing experience.
If the electrical therapies advocated by Cayce
have the calming effects which he described, it makes sense that subjects
receiving these treatments would also be induced into a hypnotic trance
and would be amenable to direct suggestion.
Furthermore, Cayce recommended that the period
immediately preceding sleep, and the first few minutes of sleep, be
utilized to provide presleep suggestions. Using the presleep period
as a naturalistic hypnotic induction makes virtually every client a
potential hypnotic subject.
Henry Bolduc (1985) provides an excellent orientation
to the use of hypnosis in the Cayce readings. As a professional
hypnotist, his insights and practical suggestions for applying the Cayce
suggestions (particularly regarding self-hypnosis) provide a useful
introduction to this topic and are highly recommended. (Bolduc, 1985)
In a broader sense, Cayce viewed environment
as a powerful suggestive force that must be utilized in therapy.
This aspect of suggestion will be dealt with later when we consider
the role of therapeutic milieu.
Keep in mind that the readings consistently
maintain that healing must come from within. Suggestive therapeutics
is a powerful tool for stimulating the inner healing processes at the
level of the unconscious mind. The readings regard the unconscious
mind as the mind of the soul. Therefore, suggestive therapeutics
is directed at this fundamental soul level of the self. The readings
sometimes us the expression "inner self" in this context.
Here are some excerpts from the Cayce readings
which illustrate the concept of suggestive therapeutics:
"The treatments also that should be included
by the same attendant, or the same one with the body, would be - when
the body is put or is ready to go to rest of evening - to massage gently
but thoroughly all along the whole cerebrospinal system, and during such
periods (for most often we would find the body would gradually fall into
that state of near between the waking and sleeping state) make gentle
suggestions that QUIET, REST, PEACE, HAPPINESS, JOY, DEVELOPMENTS IN EVERY
MANNER THAT ARE CONSTRUCTIVE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY, will come to the
body through its rest period! Or, the suggestion to the deeper portion
of the subconscious forces of the body." (271-1)
"However, for these suggestions to be more
effective, they should not be given in merely a singsong manner; nor said
just once. But take at least the time to repeat same (the suggestion),
positively, three to five times; that there may be the full response in
the positive forces of the suggestion to the mental activities of the
And we would, for the time being, use the same
suggestion; or the same affirmation. And by affirmation we mean
that it should be an affirmation!"
"As to the suggestions that should be given,
- when there are the administrations of ANY of the influences for aid,
whether the rubs or the packs or what not, the suggestions should be of
a very positive nature, yet very gentle, and in a constructive way and
manner; expressing hope always that there is a creating, through the hope,
the expectancy for certain activities to the body that it desires to do,
- much in the manner as would be given to a child in its promptings for
an aid to itself.
And, let the suggestions be constructive in the
spiritual sense, when the manipulations or adjustments are given, as well
as when there are the periods of the rubs and other applications.
These would be well in this manner, though each individual should construct
same in his or her own words:
'Let there be accomplished through the desires
of this body, mentally and physically, that which will enable the body
to give the better, the truer, the more real expression of its own self;
as well as that in which the entity or body may influence itself in relationships
to others for greater physical, mental and spiritual attitudes towards
Then, let the desire of the body through ALL
its activities in the present be of a spiritual nature ...
Q. Should suggestions be made by BOTH the Doctor and those taking
care of her?
A. Just as indicated, these should be made whenever any applications
are made, - whether for the rubs, the adjustments, or the packs.
The BODY desires attention, - but in a manner in which there are, as indicated,
the suggestions that it is to become not so reliant upon others, but so
- because of the very nature of the applications - that it may do more
and more for itself.
Whenever there is the suggestion, it should be
not as "There WON'T be," but "You WILL do so and so," see?
Q. What can we do for the crying - nervousness and her refusing
A. This can only be met through the suggestions, - for, as has been
indicated, these periods come and go; and, as has been outlined heretofore,
it is a lack of the coordinating between the cerebrospinal and sympathetic
impulses or reflexes. (1553-17)
Even through the period of giving the massage,
as well as the Appliance [Wet Cell Battery], let there be suggestions
given to the body in that way not merely of speculation but as to positive
activities of the body; planning, as it were, its activities for the next
day. As an illustration: On the morrow, or in the morning there
will be certain activities. This should be very thoroughly outlined, very
Thus, we will find a change in the activities
of the body, bringing the reflexes to the brain centers with the nervous
system in the ganglia where there are the closer associations with the
sympathetic and suggestive nerve forces of the body.
From the standpoint of application I would
recommend that the person giving the suggestions write out a text to be
used as a guide when giving the suggestions. Otherwise it is easy
to "blank out" while giving the suggestions and lose focus. Note
that many of the examples given by Edgar Cayce contain explicit text to
be used. Sometimes he would merely provide an outline and encourage
the caregivers to include certain basic ideas in a text using one's own
In putting together a text, keep the following
points in mind:
- Be sure that the intent and primary focus of the suggestions are
coming from a spiritual perspective. Know that the suggestions
can have a powerful influence on another human being. Even further,
be aware that these suggestions are registering at a soul level.
Be respectful of the other person. Be careful that the suggestions
are not merely a form of personal control or manipulation. This
is a sacred process. Form the text and deliver it in a prayerful,
- Edgar Cayce would often include in the hypnotic text definite suggestions
for biological healing. For example, he would use phrases such
as, "the cerebrospinal and sympathetic nervous systems will coordinate."
Or, he might give a general statement to the effect that "all the systems
of the body will function in a normal healthy manner." In terms
of nervous system regeneration, suggestions for improved eliminations
(drainages) and better coordination of all the systems of the body would
Unless you have special expertise or knowledge
about physiology, be careful about making the suggestions too specific.
You may not necessarily know what specifically needs to be accomplished
at a physical level. Trust the wisdom of the body by giving
rather broad suggestions about improved coordination and drainages.
- Include some specific suggestions about behaviors or activities
that need improvement. This could be simple activities of daily
living such, as being able to get dressed or feed oneself. The
suggestions may pertain to behavioral problems, such as arguing, fighting,
or treatment noncompliance. Specific suggestions may address
deficit symptoms, such as the loss of memory or cognitive abilities.
The suggestions may deal with emotional problems, such as depression
or anxiety. Sometimes Edgar Cayce would recommend that the text
should list the activities that the person will be expected to participate
in during the day. Naturally, this aspect of the text will be
a personal matter that will be specific to each person's condition,
which may change on a day to day basis.
- Keep the suggestions positive. Even when the person is doing
something that they shouldn't be doing, find a way to express it as
a positive. Whenever there is the suggestion, it should be not
as "There WON'T be," but "You WILL do so and so, see?" (1553-17)
- The tendency is for most people to make the text too short and then
feel as if they have run out of suggestions after only a few minutes.
I recommend that the text be several paragraphs long. Each paragraph
may deal with one of the above points.
For example, the first paragraph may contain
two or three concise sentences of a spiritual nature to set the tone
of the session. You may speak of love (love of God, love of others,
love of self). Seek to get in touch with the soul of the person
you are working with.
The second paragraph may contain two or three
sentences focusing on the physical aspect of healing. The third
paragraph can address specific behaviors or activities. A fourth
paragraph may summarize the above points and close with a spiritual
emphasis of hope and positive expectation.
When delivering the hypnotic suggestions, here are some key points to
- Attune yourself to the healing process. Be a suitable vehicle
for the Creative Forces. You will have to find your own process
to reach attunement. There are various forms of meditation which
are helpful in this regard. As noted above, be in a prayerful
state when giving the suggestions as well as the physical treatment.
Realize that an important aspect of spirituality is the spirit in
which you do things - the spirit of application.
- Repeat each suggestion 3 - 5 times. You can do this in various
ways. You could repeat specific sentences or paragraphs.
You can repeat the whole text numerous times during the treatment session.
If you give the suggestions in the pre-sleep (bedtime) mode, you will
need to complete the text in the first few minutes after the person
has fallen asleep. After 5 or 10 minutes the suggestions will
not be as effective.
Of course, if you are giving a massage or
spinal adjustment, or such, where you cannot read the text, you will
have to improvise. But being familiar with the text and being
aware of some of the issues involved for each individual is helpful.
During certain treatments, such as the electrotherapy, it is easier
and sometimes very helpful to have the text in front of you during
the session. The text is merely a tool to assist with the hypnotic
process, it is not an end in itself. Use it accordingly.
- If the person receiving the suggestions shows resistance to the suggestions,
then rethink the text to see where the source of resistance is.
Most people are accepting of the suggestions that they are loved and
that their bodies are being healed. Behavioral suggestions sometimes
elicit resistance if the person is not very deeply into trance. When
dealing with resistance, do not make a big deal over it. Either find
another more acceptable way of stating the suggestion or wait until
the person is in a deeper state of hypnosis before making the suggestions
which are causing the resistance.
If the person is resistant to the whole idea
of making suggestions, then alter your style accordingly. For
example, when giving treatments you can use an educational approach
to suggestion. You can simply explain what the treatments are
for and how they will affect the body. "The massage will relax
your body and help the circulation to flow better." "The spinal adjustment
I am now making will relieve pressure on the nerves along the spine
and improve nervous system coordination." "The battery treatment
will help the nerves in your brain to function more normally."
Cayce advised health care practitioners to
talk to their patients when giving these kinds of suggestions.
It is a conversational approach to hypnosis based on the premise that
most people will go into an altered state of consciousness when receiving
certain types of physical treatment (e.g., massage, spinal manipulation,
electrotherapy, etc.). Many health care professionals already
use this approach either consciously or unconsciously.
- You may experience some self-consciousness when first applying
suggestive therapeutics. This is normal. Just keep in
mind the purpose for which you are doing it. This is an essential
component of Cayce's formula for rebuilding the brain. When
done properly, this is a deeply spiritual process. Remember
to work at spiritual attunement and you will be able to set aside
personal feelings of inadequacy and self-consciousness when doing
To conclude this section on suggestive therapeutics,
I want to discuss a more expansive aspect of suggestion. Edgar Cayce
noted that the environment itself is a powerful source of suggestion.
Cayce maintained that the environment acts upon an individual in a suggestive
manner through the sensory and sympathetic nervous systems (271-5).
Therefore, a supportive, constructive milieu creates a positive influence
on the nervous systems of persons undergoing treatment.
We could use an analogy here from computer science.
We can think of the brain as hardware and the mind as software. While
undertaking the reconstruction of the hardware (nerve regeneration), it
is essential to provide positive, constructive software (mental programming)
for the system. Suggestive therapeutics and the maintenance of a
healing, therapeutic environment are two means of providing healthy software
via the power of suggestion.
The Cayce readings insist that compassion as
manifested in gentleness, kindness, patience, and caring, is a profound
expression of spirituality and an essential aspect of therapeutic milieu.
In an institutional setting, therapeutic milieu should be considered
more than just a clean facility with adequate programs for exercise
and recreation. Spiritual qualities, as manifested by the staff,
provide the basis for the therapeutic process. In the home setting,
the same principles apply on a more limited scale.
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