What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is an elevation in overall blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force created by the heart as pushes blood through the circulatory system. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers. The first, or top number, is the “systolic” pressure, created when the heart contracts. The second, or bottom number, is the “diastolic” pressure, or the period during which the heart relaxes. An example of a normal blood pressure is 120/80.

Hypertension affects about 37 million Americans and the incidence rates of hypertension in the United States have increased dramatically over the past 15 years. Elevated blood pressure means that the heart is working harder than normal, putting both the heart and the arteries under a greater strain. This may contribute to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, damage to the eyes and atherosclerosis.

From a medical perspective, hypertension is regarded as an incurable illness of unknown causation. In about 10 percent of cases, hypertension is linked to specific illnesses such as kidney disease and adrenal gland tumors (secondary hypertension). In such instances, treatment of the comorbid disorder may relieve the hypertension.

The remainder of cases are called “essential” hypertension. Standard medical treatment of essential hypertension is directed at control of the illness with drugs and lifestyle changes.

Edgar Cayce’s Perspective of Hypertension

The Edgar Cayce readings, while recognizing the wide variability associated with hypertension, consistently maintain that this disease most often can be traced back to patterns of poor circulation wherein the return flow of the blood to the heart is hindered. In other words, as the arteries carry the blood away from the heart to the various organs of the body and release the blood into the capillaries to nourish the tissue, engorgements and plethoric conditions in the capillaries and veins slow the blood flow as it is recycled to the heart.

Here are a couple of excerpts from the Cayce readings which describe the hindered circulation between the arteries and veins:

“As long as there’s high blood pressure, as long as there’s a tendency for the cells – in the change between the arterial and vein circulation so disturbed – to overflow at times (which IS the actual production or actual condition that produces pressure), under STRAIN there IS the possibility of a blood clot or cell breaking or forming – a bubble, see?” (389-2)

“The blood supply is high in the pressure. This is produced in the greater part by pressures that exist in the transverse and descending colon, and by too much flesh for the body-functionings – as through the abdominal areas….

(Q) Are the dizzy spells and headaches caused by any serious condition?
(A) Caused by this circulation that is so slow in returning to the activity of the central circulation – heart, lungs, liver, kidneys. And this produces, by this slow circulation, the extreme high blood pressure.” (3525-1)

This pattern of hindered circulation was most often noted in the large intestine (colon) resulting in toxic conditions and poor eliminations which further increased the blood pressure.

“(Q) How can high blood pressure be reduced?
(A) This may be reduced by the deep manipulations and colonic irrigations. This, too, will rise again, but it can be kept down in this manner – as keeping off of meats of any kind.” (3305-1)

“There is a subluxation in the 6th and 5th dorsal, as well as a condition out of alignment in the 9th dorsal.
These first produced tendencies for a disturbance in the circulation through the liver and the emptying of the stomach proper. This slowing of the lymph through the circulation in the abdominal area causes an engorgement in the ascending and a part of the transverse colon; of course, a form of prolapsus in the descending and a portion of the transverse.

This combination causes a high blood pressure, or metabolism as disturbed in the body. (2388-1)

Note the references to spinal problems and manipulations to correct these conditions in the nervous system in addition to the problems in the colon. The treatment recommendations which follow address both of these areas.

Edgar Cayce’s Therapeutic Model

Recognizing the systemic effects involved in hypertension, the primary treatment modalities are comprehensive and address various aspects of the condition:

1. Internal Cleansing: Hydrotherapy includes drinking six to eight glasses of pure water daily, colonic irrigations (preferably) or enemas, and cleansing diet of fresh fruits and vegetables. Castor oil packs across the abdomen are recommended to improve eliminations through the liver and colon. Mild laxatives may be helpful if constipation is a problem.
2. Spinal Manipulation and Massage: Osteopathic or chiropractic treatment is recommended to relieve any pressures that may be hindering circulation. Special attention is to be paid to the thoracic vertebrae (2nd to 9th thoracic) as this portion of the spine was often cited in the Cayce readings on hypertension. If osteopathic or chiropractic treatment is not available, the use of an electric vibrator along the spine may be helpful. Finally, gentle massage is suggested to relax the body and balance the circulation.
3. 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.
4. Radial Appliance: The Radial Appliance is a subtle energy device frequently recommended by Edgar Cayce to balance the circulation and relax the body. Most people do not feel anything during a treatment session, but notice improved sleep and sense of well being with repeated use. Edgar Cayce emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive attitude while attached to the appliance and encouraged individuals to meditate during the therapy sessions.
5. Moderate Exercise: Moderate exercise is an important aspect of balanced living. Walking was a favorite exercise recommended by Edgar Cayce for people suffering from high blood pressure. A daily walk after supper is a good place to start.
6. Attitudes and Emotions: The mental and emotional aspects of healing are frequently discussed 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 (ideal) for being healed.