A reflex is an involuntary response to a stimulus. Reflexes are transmitted by nerves. The “knee-jerk” reflex is an obvious, highly visible reflex. Other reflexes are hidden deep within the body and much less apparent, yet significant in health and healing.

Edgar Cayce often discussed nerve reflexes in his health readings. In fact, his descriptions of nerve reflexes sometimes resemble complex chain reactions wherein a pressure or lesion in one part of the body ripples through the nervous systems producing diverse and seemingly unrelated problems.

Reading 4872-1 is exemplary in its extensive descriptions of reflex actions resulting in numerous and diverse symptoms. It contains several explicit descriptions of nerve reflexes culminating in the question, “Please explain what is meant by reflex?” Edgar Cayce responded:

“Pressure in an area that through the nerve system produces REFLEX action in organs that are involved by pressures in that area, see? As seen here: The temperature that is produced in system (that is, abnormal temperature) by pressure on the sympathetic, in the cerebrospinal and sympathetic coordinating center in the coccyx area, makes for a high hepatic circulation. How? Reflexly! The temperature, then, is a reflex action. The reflex action in the glands of the system, as produced by abnormal conditions in the lacteals, causes the over-excess of activity to those of the thyroids – in CLEANSING the system – REFLEXLY.”

From a therapeutic standpoint, Cayce also recognized the importance of nerve reflexes. His frequent referrals to osteopathic physicians was based on their understanding of nerve centers and reflexes utilized in osteopathic treatment. For example, many forms of osteopathic drainage rely on regulation of blood and lymph flow by reflex action through the nerve centers which the osteopath manipulates.