Cayce Health Database
OVERVIEW OF CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISORDER
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder (CMT) is an inherited
neurological disease characterized by a slowly progressive degeneration
of the muscles in the foot, lower leg, hand, and forearm, and a mild
loss of sensation in the limbs, fingers, and toes. The first sign
of CMT is generally a high arched foot or gait disturbances. Other
symptoms of the disorder may include foot bone abnormalities such
as high arches and hammer toes, problems with hand function and balance,
occasional lower leg and forearm muscle cramping, loss of some normal
reflexes, occasional partial sight and/or hearing loss, and, in some
patients, scoliosis (curvature of the spine).
CMT is a disorder of genetic heterogeneity, in which
mutations in different genes can produce the
same clinical symptoms. In CMT, there are not only different genes but
different patterns of
inheritance. The most common type, CMT1A, is inherited in an autosomal
dominant pattern. This
means that if one parent has CMT there is a 50 percent chance of passing
the disease on to each
child. Other types are autosomal recessive or sex-linked CMT. Each type
is characterized by
symptoms ranging from severe weakness and wasting of leg and hand muscles
to very mild
symptoms or no symptoms at all. Full expression of CMT's clinical symptoms
generally occurs by
age 30. The more severe symptoms are related to an earlier age of onset.
From a standard medical perspective, there is no cure
or specific treatment for CMT. Proper foot care including custom-made
shoes and leg braces may minimize discomfort and increase function. Physical
therapy and moderate activity are often recommended to maintain muscle
strength and endurance. For some patients, surgery may be beneficial.
(The above information is provided by the National Institutes of Health.)
THE EDGAR CAYCE APPROACH TO CMT
Edgar Cayce gave many readings for individuals suffering
from various forms of muscular atrophy. One series of readings (1122)
has been associated with CMT, although the documentation for such a diagnosis
is not confirmed. Since Edgar Cayce was more interested in providing
helpful information than in making formal diagnoses, many of the cases
for which he gave psychic readings do not have a certain diagnosis.
The 1122 series do contain some useful suggestions, which combined with
other readings on muscular and nervous system degeneration, provide a
rationale for treatment and specific recommendations for creating a treatment
plan for CMT.
For example, reading 1122-1 contains this bit of advice
on integrating physical and metaphysical therapies into a holistic treatment
(Q) Is the physician that is treating her metaphysically bringing
about the desired results?
(A) Only in part, and CAN only in part, until physical conditions
are brought to a normal force, and these will be brought the better by
the coordination of the two, one with another. (1122-1)
This holistic emphasis is particularly important in
dealing with conditions which are caused by hereditary factors.
Edgar Cayce sometimes used the expression "karma" when describing the
patterns of causation in cases where genetic factors are involved:
For, as has been indicated oft, causes may be karma.
Karma is cause oft of hereditary conditions so called. Then indeed
does the soul inherit that it has builded in its experience with its fellow
man in material relationships. (3313-1)
Karma is an ancient concept which refers to the law
of cause and effect. The Cayce readings present a panoramic view
of the human condition which parallels the Eastern religions (particularly
Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism). From this perspective humans are
regarded as immortal beings evolving toward unity with the divine source
of being. This view includes reincarnation and the ability of each
individual to choose certain key probabilities concerning a particular
lifetime. Naturally, genetics play an important role because heredity
provides a relatively stable and predictable means of having the necessary
life experiences to encounter one's personal karma.
In cases involving karma, the mental and spiritual
aspects of healing are emphasized:
As indicated for the body, this is a karmic condition
and there must be measures taken for the body to change its attitude towards
conditions, things and its fellow men. (3124-2)
Yes - here we have very much of a disturbing condition,
this is karmic as well as pathological. Hence in the applications
as may be helpful for this body, we must begin with spiritual beliefs,
spiritual application, or the application mentally of spiritual beliefs.
For mind is ever the builder in the material world.
Here through chemical changes that have come about
in the body, we have the loss of control of the nerve and muscular forces
of the body. Yet atrophy of any kind has not as yet set in.
This, then, indicates the very nature of that implied
in regard to the karmic condition. Hence the first lesson spiritually
is patience. (3779-1)
However, even in cases with significant karma, Edgar
Cayce insisted on a holistic approach utilizing a variety of physical
modalities including electrotherapy, manual therapy, diet, and exercise.
Here is a typical example from a reading given for a twenty-nine-year-old
man suffering from muscular atrophy:
If there is first considered the spiritual attitude
necessary, we would then (not otherwise) begin with the use of the Wet
Cell Appliance carrying to the body the Chloride of Gold and Nitrate of
Silver vibratorially. The Gold should be one grain Chloride of Gold
Sodium to each ounce of distilled water. The Nitrate of Silver would
be one ounce of a two percent solution added to two ounces of half distilled
water and half grain alcohol. Use three ounces of each of these
solutions; that is, three ounces of the Gold Solution and three ounces
of the Nitrate of Silver Solution prepared in the manner indicated....
Following each treatment with the Appliance, each
day, massage the body very thoroughly, beginning at the brachial center
and massaging downward, extending entirely to the tips of the toes; down
the spine, over the lower abdomen, down the limbs themselves, and through
those areas of the sciatics especially. Use for this massage an
equal combination of Olive Oil (heated) and Tincture of Myrrh. This
should be done not too severely, and yet not just patted on; in a rather
deep but not severe circular motion. Take at least twenty to thirty
minutes each day to give this massage.
Keep the attitude creative, constructive.
Keep a well balanced diet, and keep the eliminations.
Thus a blending of treatments (physical, mental, and
spiritual) into a well integrated treatment plan was often recommended
by Edgar Cayce for the treatment of diseases involving muscular atrophy.
Conceptually, the Cayce approach to CMT focuses on
assisting the body in healing itself by the application of a variety of
therapies intended to address the underlying causes of the condition.
The mental and spiritual aspects of healing are emphasized from the standpoint
of working with a spiritual ideal.
Here are some general therapeutic recommendations
for the treatment of CMT:
- ENERGY MEDICINE: The Wet Cell Battery is a simple chemical battery
which is connected to the body via wires and plates for thirty minutes
each day. The electrical energy produced by the battery
is very mild. Most individuals do not feel anything during the
wet cell sessions. A solution jar containing a medicinal chemical
(gold chloride or silver nitrate) is integrated into the circuit of
the appliance. According to Edgar Cayce, the vibrations of the
medicinal solutions are carried into the body and stimulate the glandular
system to produce healing.
- MANUAL THERAPY (SPINAL MANIPULATION): Cayce often recommended
osteopathic manipulations to correct specific problems which may be
affecting nerve functioning and circulation. It
is difficult to obtain the osteopathic adjustments specified by Cayce.
However, a chiropractor may be of help. The frequency of the adjustments
will depend on the recommendations of the individual chiropractor
or osteopath. The use of an electric vibrator may also be helpful
for individuals unable to obtain regular spinal adjustments.
Massage following each Wet Cell Battery session is suggested to distribute
the vibratory energies produced by the appliance.
- EXERCISE: General exercise such as regular walking is encouraged.
Specific exercises directed at the particular pathology of CMT are
- DIET: The Basic Cayce Diet is intended to improve assimilation
and elimination. The diet focuses heavily on keeping a proper
alkaline/acid balance while avoiding foods which produce toxicity
and drain the system. Essentially, the diet consists mainly
of fruits and vegetables while avoiding fried foods and refined carbohydrates
("junk food"). Certain food combinations are emphasized.
- ATTITUDES AND EMOTIONS: The mental and spiritual aspects of healing
are frequently discussed in the Cayce readings. Particularly,
an attitude of desiring and expecting to be healed is important.
A positive mental and emotional attitude and can be created and maintained
by focusing on a high purpose (spiritual ideal) for being healed.
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