Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures. Osteoporosis is a major underlying cause of bone fractures in postmenopausal women and older persons in general. A fall, blow, or lifting action that would not bruise or strain the average person can easily cause one or more bones to break in a person with severe osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem. Although all bones are affected, fractures of the spine, wrist, and hip are typical and most common. The risk of developing osteoporosis increases with age and is higher in women than in men and in whites than in blacks. Its cause appears to reside in the mechanisms underlying an accentuation of the normal loss of bone, which follows the menopause in women and occurs in all individuals with advancing age.

Prevention of fracture in susceptible patients is the primary goal of intervention. Inactivity leads to bone loss. Some recent studies suggest that weight bearing exercise may reduce bone loss. Modest weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, is recommended. Strategies to prevent falls are important in elderly patients who may fall frequently for a variety of reasons, such as from effects of drugs. Specific environmental interventions can minimize home hazards that increase the chances of falling.

Standard medical treatment for osteoporosis includes assuring estrogen replacement in postmenopausal women, adequate nutrition including an elemental calcium intake of 1,000-1,500 mg a day, and a program of modest weight-bearing exercise. (National Institutes of Health)

Edgar Cayce’s Perspective on Osteoporosis

Edgar Cayce gave several readings for individuals who fit the profile for osteoporosis. For example reading 1158-30 was given for a fifty-one-year-old woman who complained of “continuous crunching of bones.” Edgar Cayce noted her calcium deficiency and recommended increasing dietary calcium in addition to a supplement containing easily assimilated calcium. Also note the recommendation for a peanut oil massage which was common for persons with joint problems.

(Q) Is there some element lacking in my system that permits continuous crunching of my bones? If so, what? Can cracking of bones be overcome? How?
(A) Calcium is lacking. This may be added by the diet, as well as supplementing with the use of CALCIOS. Take just that amount as would thinly cover a cracker each day for five days – once each day. Then leave off for five days. Then take again for five days. Repeat this procedure at least three to six times. We would take it rather in this systematic manner.

Also when the hydrotherapy or masseur treatments are taken, have a thorough body rub with Peanut Oil – especially in the joints and across the rib area, and down the spine. (1158-30)

For a sixty-five-year-old woman suffering from a fractured right arm near the shoulder, Edgar Cayce noted the “lack of sufficient calcium” and prescribed Calcios as a calcium supplement:

While there has been a condition from the fracture, still there is lack of sufficient of the calcium throughout the blood stream to make a perfect union, or to remove the disturbance in the muscular force as well as the tendon about the edge of the edge of the elbow and through the muscular center or adhesive portion to the bone through a part of the shoulder.

For a period of at least three containers of same, we would take consistently the properties found in Calcios. Take this once each day, about the quantity sufficient to spread over a wafer or a Sunshine cracker. It would be preferable to take same in this manner. (1736-5)

Reading 1736-5 gave further instructions for improving systemic functioning for better eliminations, circulation, and assimilations. A mild laxative, colonic irrigations, and a special diet were recommended to help cleanse the system. To assist with the healing of the fractured arm, a specific massage procedure was suggested which involved the use of a saturated solution of salt and apple vinegar. The solution was to be gently massaged into the afflicted shoulder and arm.

The salt and vinegar massage was also recommended for a fifty-five-year-old woman with a broken wrist. In this case, Edgar Cayce observed that there was a “lack of properties necessary for replenishing in the system.” Dietary recommendations for this woman focused on increasing calcium and phosphorus. A glandular stimulant (Atomidine) was also prescribed:

As we find, those adjustments from the accident as indicated here are in a natural position; and unless by the use of same or by the lack of the properties necessary for the replenishing in the system of the vital forces necessary to make a perfect union, these should be proper and alright.
We will find that taking small quantities of Atomidine will be MOST helpful to the body; two minims (not more than this) in a glass of water night and morning.

Also we find it would be well to have a great deal of those foods that carry an abundant supply (though not an overabundance) of calcium, also phosphorous.

Hence to eat the shell fish (PROVIDED these are very fresh) will be most helpful. Use salsify; which may be prepared already, of course, at this special season, and the vegetables that are of the early SPRING nature; such as onions (the smaller kind), radishes, peas. Of course, necessarily, most of these will have to be canned; and are alright, provided not canned with benzoate of soda. These should be a great portion to the diet. (243-19)

Based on these readings, here are some basic therapies recommended for the treatment of osteoporosis:

1. Dietary Supplementation: Use of an easily assimilated calcium supplement such as Calcios is recommended. Atomidine may be helpful as a glandular stimulant. Because Atomidine contains iodine, it should only be taken under the supervision of a physician.
2. Internal Cleansing: To assist with internal cleansing, hydrotherapy (including colonic irrigations) and a cleansing diet of fresh fruits and vegetables are recommended. Mild laxatives may be helpful if constipation is a problem.
3. Massage: Peanut oil massage is recommended. For individuals recovering from injury, salt and vinegar massage may be helpful.
4. 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. Foods containing calcium and phosphorus are also emphasized.
5. Moderate Exercise: Moderate exercise is an important aspect of balanced living. Edgar Cayce particularly recommended walking as a beneficial exercise. 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.