I. Physiological Considerations

Anemia, as a disease process, does occur as an isolated event; more frequently, however, it is part of clinical conditions which are ill-defined. Wherever there is a languidness, a debilitation, an excessive tiredness that might only loosely be associated with another defined illness, some degree of anemia is usually concomitant.

The readings see an insufficient number or vitality of red blood cells as being closely related to the white blood cells and their makeup, or to assimilation as a whole. Production of new red blood cells occurs mainly within the bone marrow by “coagulation.” It is, in effect, the same process that is going on throughout the entire body in the rebuilding process of all cells. Iodine seems to be critical in the process of activating the glands to function normally, and when these glands are given the proper vitamins, the hormones then work with the substances brought through the system via the red cells, the plasma and the white cells to produce structure out of energy. The lymphocytes carry many necessary substances from the Peyer’s patches and release this material at the site of construction.

We can visualize how any one of a number of factors might suppress the basic makeup of the bone marrow and result in anemia: decreased intake of iodine, or vitamins, or necessary food substances, as assimilated properties; or any condition within the lymphatics; or circulation which becomes toxic; or any glandular imbalance; or any pathology of the lung.

The thyroid, closely associated with iodine, is frequently an etiologic factor in anemia through malfunction. Faulty eliminations come into play as a factor; the incoordination between the adrenal glands and the lacteal area of the Peyer’s patches; catarrhal conditions in the digestive tract affecting assimilation; and the other factors already mentioned.

The vital production of red cells can perhaps be better understood from the standpoint of the readings if we look at several quotations:

First, we find the blood supply is deficient in its quality as well as in the quantity; deficient in the red blood count as well as the white, yet the attempts of the body to keep a normal balance prevent… the condition from becoming acute. (726-1)

… not as sufficient as of the red blood supply in the system as there should be, though [through?] coagulation; that is, the coordinating of red blood and white blood is good. The rebuilding or the reserve energy in red blood is not sufficient. (4596-1)

… this inability of the system to produce proper coagulations through the – infectious forces of the activities of the glandular system, as related to those activities through the glands above the kidneys – as coordinant with glands about the lacteals…

Q-1. Is there an infection in the bloodstream?
A-1. As has been indicated, rather an incoordination between the glandular forces that create the plasm for the blood supply; that is, between the lacteals and the adrenals. (1502-1)

When asked what caused the weakness of the body, this answer followed:

… the inability of the forces in the glandular system and the blood supply for creating a greater quantity of blood cells. You see, the red blood cells are made within the bone. Well, the bone doesn’t work, because of the shocks to same-the marrow has been in a state lacking proper nutriment. (3193-1)

It can be seen that the assimilation through the upper intestinal tract, the normal function of the glands of the system, the integrity of the bone marrow, and the purifying of the system through proper eliminations all contribute in a major fashion to a normal red blood supply.

II. Rationale of Therapy

In approaching therapy, we should remember that the body has a capability of normal function:

Thus, we would administer those activities which would bring a normal reaction through these portions, stimulating them to an activity from the body itself, rather than the body becoming dependent upon supplies that are robbing portions of the system to produce activity in other portions, or the system receiving elements or chemical reactions being supplied without arousing the activity of the system itself for a more normal condition. (1968-3)

The basic aims to be taken in seeking a therapeutic result are four in number.

1. The eliminations and assimilations normally are coordinate in their activities; better-than-usual elimination needs to be maintained.
2. The diet should be adequate. This brings all essential food elements to that portion of the body which assimilates them if its health is proper.
3. Assimilation is dependent on the nervous system, the health of the Peyer’s patches, and the glandular tissue involved. This needs to be brought to a good level of health.
4. The final step is making sure the bone marrow is functioning properly.

These corrections properly balanced in their application should bring a better functioning production of red cells to the body.

III. Suggested Therapeutic Regimen

Open air, sunshine, and exercise should be a part of each therapeutic regimen, according to the general level of health of the individual.

Diet should include food of an alkaline-reacting nature: vegetables in abundance, fruit and often tuberous vegetables with beef or beef juice, Pigs’ knuckles or pigs’ feet. While these don’t sound particularly appetizing, they contribute to blood building. Broiled liver and such meats are recommended, but nothing fried. Fish is suggested, but not shellfish.

Balancing the eliminations with the assimilations may be begun with colonics where necessary. Good eliminations are vitally important to prevent reabsorption of refuse into the bloodstream and subsequent suppression of function in the assimilations of the body.

The assimilations are stimulated as well as brought into a balance with eliminations through the use of manipulations and adjustments. These would vary in their nature, dependent upon the individual and his needs. But often the area of the seventh dorsal to the second lumbar will need special attention. Assimilation is aided sometimes in the presence of excess acidity in the stomach through the use of medication such as Milk of Magnesia or Milk of Bismuth. Ventriculin, with or without iron, and other enzymes also assist when the need is present to improve the assimilation of the upper intestinal tract. Courses of Atomidine are needed wherever glandular malfunction appears. These may be given over five days with two drops in a half glass of water morning and evening. This dosage might be decreased but should not be increased appreciably. The Atomidine should not be taken during a rest period from other therapy.

The bone marrow is best stimulated with infrared lamp treatments 20 to 30 minutes at a time twice a week over the bone structures where red blood cell synthesis is going on. These should be coordinated with the osteopathic adjustments – that is, they should be taken at the same time if possible and taken over a period of five or six weeks with a rest and then another series.

Patience and perseverance seem to be the key words in this particular disease process. As the glandular system becomes more balanced and as the assimilations and eliminations are more perfected in their functioning, the regeneration of the red cells becomes more adequate and the whole individual then comes into a better state of health.

Should we not attempt to awaken the inner forces to God’s presence? “For, all healing comes from the one source. And whether there is the application of foods, exercise, medicine, or even the knife, it is to bring the consciousness of the forces within the body that aid in reproducing themselves – the awareness of creative or God forces.” (2696-1)

Note: The preceding overview was written by William A. McGarey, M.D. and is excerpted from the Physician’s Reference Notebook, Copyright © 1968 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation, Virginia Beach, VA.