PRINCIPAL CONCEPTS OF THE CAYCE HEALTH SYSTEM
The Cayce approach to health and healing is based on the following fundamental concepts:

* Holism - This system affirms that human beings are multidimensional including physical, mental and spiritual aspects which must be considered in relation to health and healing.

* Inner Healing - All healing comes from within. Our bodies have the inherent ability to be healthy. Therapeutic interventions work best by assisting the processes of innate healing.

* Prevention - Healthy lifestyle is emphasized as a means of staying well and preventing disease. Because all healing comes from within, the same therapies which assist the body in healing itself are often helpful in the prevention of illness.

* Self Care - Self responsibility in making choices and applying what we know to be true on a regular basis is the foundation of health. Most of the therapies utilized in this approach are best done in the home and as part of the daily routine of life.

* Natural Therapeutics - "Nature cures" is the basis for many healing systems as it is for this one. Natural remedies and therapies which work closely with and are supportive of the body's innate healing ability are emphasized in this approach.

* Integration - The Cayce Health System acknowledges that all therapeutic modalities and systems of healing can be helpful. The important point is to find the best combination of treatments for each individual. This cooperative attitude seeks the common ground between systems and is known by various names such as "complementary medicine," "integrative medicine," and "comprehensive medicine."

* Individuality - Each person is an special entity. Health and healing can best be achieved by a person-centered approach which recognizes and utilizes the uniqueness of each individual rather than limiting people to diagnostic categories and pathological labels.

* Health & Illness - Health is a state of wholeness, balance and growth. Incompleteness and imbalance ("incoordination") are common experiences which can challenge us to grow and develop. Thus illness can often be viewed as an opportunity for transformation.

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BASIC CAYCE DIET

The following summary describes the Basic Cayce Diet recommended for healing and health maintenance for most people. These diet concepts provide a framework for meal planning.


ACID-ALKALINE BALANCE

Edgar Cayce frequently emphasized the importance of maintaining a proper acid-alkaline balance by eating mostly alkaline forming foods. A comprehensive list of foods is included in this section. The following summary will give you a quick overview of acid and alkaline-forming foods.

Alkaline-Forming Foods (80% of the daily diet should contain these foods):

* All vegetables except dried beans, lentils, asparagus tips, and garbanzos.
* All fresh fruits except cranberries, plums, olives, prunes, and blueberries (preserves and canned fruits are usually acid-forming).
* Almonds, chestnuts, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts.

Acid-Forming Foods (20 % of the daily diet should contain these foods):

* All meats except beef juice and bone meal.
* All grains, cereals, and bakery products except for soybeans.
* All dairy except buttermilk, yogurt, raw milk and whey.
* Peanuts, pecans, and walnuts.


FOOD COMBINATIONS TO AVOID

Certain food combinations are difficult to digest and may cause problems in the digestive system. Here is a brief list of food combinations to avoid:

* Two or more starchy foods at the same meal.
* Sugary foods and starchy foods.
* Milk and citrus fruit or juice.
* Cereals and citrus fruit or juice.
* Large quantities of starchy foods with meat or cheese.
* Coffee with milk or cream.
* Raw apples with other foods.


A TYPICAL DAY'S MENU

Using the laminated Basic Diet sheet as a guide, develop a variety of daily menus which suit your taste and conform to the dietary principles in this section. Here is a simple outline for a typical day's menu:

Breakfast
Either citrus fruit, or cooked or dry cereal.

Lunch
Raw vegetable salad with dressing or fruit salad.

Dinner
Steamed vegetables served with fish, poultry or lamb.


FOOD PREPARATION

Proper food preparation is important to preserve nutrients and avoid toxicity. Here are some suggestions:

* Steam vegetables in their own juices (i.e., patapar paper).
* Never fry foods.
* Use fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits whenever possible.
* Avoid aluminum cookware.


ATTITUDES AND EMOTIONS

Edgar Cayce stated that even the most nutritious foods can turn to poison in the system if eaten while a person is in a negative frame of mind. Never eat when angry, worried or extremely tired.

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Edgar Cayce's Anti-Aging:

The father of holistic health, Edgar Cayce , described basic health practices to support optimal youth and vitality.

Beginning with an alkaline diet rich in fruits and vegetables, a mile walk after dinner, and spending at least 1-2 hours outside everyday, Cayce stressed the importance of the right attitude.

Although the program varies with the individual body, some rough guidelines included: a massage every two weeks, a spinal adjustment each month and a colonic every season.

The standard healthy prescription would also include the following:

Upon rising take a glass of warm water with lemon in it. 3 consecutive days/month - Castor Oil Packs over the whole abdominal area for approximately one hour. Doing this for three consecutive days per month aids in assimilation of nutrients by helping to eliminate toxins from digestive and hepatic areas. Castor oil packs stimulate lymphatic circulation by supporting the Peyer's Patches, clusters of lymph nodes in the small intestines, which are key to health
Almonds eaten daily could prevent breast cancer. Peanut oil rubbed all over the body once a week prevents arthritis. Three day apple fasts should be taken a few times a year to rid the body of toxins.


Hope you all enjoyed that!

Tracey