One of the frustrations many people have when seeking guidance from the Edgar Cayce health readings is that the readings often recommended different treatments for people with similar symptoms or diagnoses. Though “one rule fits all” is quick and easy, many health situations cannot be generalized from one person to the next. Modern science is just now following the lead of the Cayce readings with personalized medicine, where medical decisions are based on an individual patient’s unique characteristics, environment, and genetic information.
For example, the CYP2D6 genetic test can help determine whether certain cancer medications, such as tamoxifen for breast cancer, are likely to be more effective. Another test (CYP2C9) can guide physicians in choosing the proper dosage of anti-clotting medications like warfarin to reduce the risks of adverse effects. Patients who decide to take anti-depressants or anti-psychotic medication may now opt for genetic testing to determine their individual abilities to metabolize particular psychiatric drugs.
The Cayce readings repeatedly emphasized the individual nature of the health readings, even pointing out in reading 681-2, that a person’s optimal diet may change from week to week. Another reading responded to a question about other habits.
(Q) Are the use of tobacco and alcohol harmful to my physical condition?
(A) What is your ideal? Would you prepare these for that you would worship as your Maker? If you would, use them. If you wouldn't, they are harmful. (3100-1)
Scientists have found that there are genetic differences in the metabolism of everything from fava beans, gluten, and dairy to caffeine and alcohol. Not only does a person’s DNA contribute to his or her ability to assimilate substances, physical characteristics and environment also play roles. Weight, muscle mass, and age are only three physical factors that can change metabolic rates. All it takes is drinking a glass of wine in Denver, if one is from Virginia Beach, to reveal the power of the environment to change a body’s reaction to alcohol. Because blood already has a reduced ability to absorb oxygen at Denver’s altitude of 5280 feet, adding alcohol’s oxygenation–disrupting ability creates noticeably more side effects than at sea level.
It is exciting that details provided by advancing technologies are moving medicine towards the holistic vision of health described in the Cayce readings, such as in this reading:
This condition—this body—those conditions surrounded—present, as it were, a unique condition—a condition extraordinary. The whole of the condition may not be classed as a purely medical case, nor a purely mental case, nor a purely psychological case; yet, as given, each must have its portion in the development of the entity—not physical body, but entity—for the proper manifestation of physical forces through this body; yet these are one, and must be considered as being one, when properly coordinating. Treat this as such—not pass it up as, "Well, this will do just as well—'cause they said so'". (960-6)
