It is the purpose of this chapter to describe certain drugless treat­ments, which have given some very encouraging and progressive results, in spite of the fact that disseminated sclerosis is considered to be incurable by the medical profession all over the world. Cases have been recorded which have been cured or at least permanently improved, the progress of the disease having been arrested either spontaneously or it could reasonably be attributed to the therapy employed.

It must be frankly admitted, however, that remissions of symptoms during the course of the disease, do take place, with or without treatment, so that the patient's hopes rise only to be dashed as recurrence of the old and sometimes new symptoms appear sooner or later.

If the patient is under treatment and an improvement sets in, one is tempted to give credit to the treatment, and in some cases, justifiably so, the improvement showing itself in say a steadier gait, perhaps more often than not in spite of the treatment and not necessarily because of it.

It is, therefore, difficult to assess the efficacy of at least orthodox therapy for the effect of drugs can be most deceiving.

This is what Dr. Glueck of Germany has to say about the treat­ment of disseminated sclerosis:

"Of all the allopathic methods that of injections should be specially avoided in the treatment of this disease, such being solely a matter of experiment causing more damage than benefit, and in any case, can never cure this complaint. Only a strict natural way of living can arrest the disease and bring about an improve­ment. The diet must be exclusively vegetarian, without eggs, ordinary cheese or salt."

But more about the diet question later.

The exact cause of D.S. is not yet known, but it is obvious that there is some disturbance of the circulatory system, and any method that can effect an improvement will, of course, be to the great benefit of the patient. Remember also that the blood, that life-giving stream, is made up from the food we eat.

Dr. Aschner, author of "Technik der Konstitutionstherapie" writes (I now translate): "It is always worth while in diseases of the spinal cord, such as multiple sclerosis, to employ cantharid in plaster. Agreeable surprises are experienced on occasions. On the advice of a foreign doctor a large cantharid in plaster was placed over the region of the lower thoracic vertebrae and continued for a lengthy period. The man, to the astonishment of all, became mobile once again and could follow his occupation."

It does not require a trained, scientific mind in medical matters to recognize the very great importance of a blood-stream that is in itself not only chemically balanced, but also unhampered in its flow through the body. It is an axiom that only with proper uninterrupted circulation can we have bodily and mental health. Unless fresh blood of sufficient quantity and QUALITY is brought to circulate within, and is drained from the afflicted areas of the body, these areas cannot become normal. On the other hand, it is a physiological law that no part of the body can become diseased if it has its waste material removed and receives the adequate quantity and quality of blood.

It is quite evident that micro-organisms are not the primary cause of disease, but are merely secondary invaders on a suitable soil. In normalizing disease conditions, Nature can be assisted only in her own way, in which sustained circulation is the most important factor. Note that it is not the ONLY factor.

Most degenerations, and these include also the NERVES, may be attributed to faulty nutrition. We shall attend to nutrition presently. What we are concerned with at the moment is how to improve the circulation. One of the most effective means in accom­plishing this is what is known as the Cupping Therapy, the technique of which is fully described in Chapter 4. By employing this method the circulation to and through the SPINAL CORD and adjacent ganglia is increased, controlled and improved, providing new blood and removing toxic blood from diseased areas. Hence its value in treating Disseminated Sclerosis.

If the blood stream is not nourished by the proper food, the blood is unable to nourish the cells of the body, including the cells of the spinal cord, resulting in malnutrition and poor health. Therefore, if the properly nourished blood does not reach, in sufficient quantity, all areas owing to a deficient circulation, how may we then expect to enjoy good health?

The cupping method relieves the congestion and proves stimulating and invigorating. Treating over any morbid area diverts the blood from the underlying tissues to the surface, diminishing the congestion of the inflamed nerves or organs, enabling them to approach normality. It is the most efficient mechanical means for enabling reparative processes to take place through an improved blood supply.

The great advantage of the cupping treatment is that it can be used as a home treatment by any adult member of the family whose near relative is afflicted with this dread disease of D.S.

Another promising treatment is known as the Super-heating measure: but for this the patient would have to be prepared to go to Germany, to the Weserbergland-Clinic, Hoster/Weser. The head physician of the clinic is Professor Dr. Lampert, whose book "Ueberwaermung als Heil-Mittel" (Super-heating as a Curative Measure) is published by the Hippokrateserlag Marquardt and Cie, Stuttgart, which firm has kindly given me permission to quote from it. Dr. Lampert writes (I now translate): "... According to our present-day knowledge one sees in Multiple sclerosis of the brain and cord a pronounced focal disease of the central nervous system, which is not hereditary, although it can be found in isolated families. An extraordinary slight contagious infection by an, up to now, unknown micro-organism is assumed to be the cause of the disease. (Notice the word 'assumed'—Translator.)

"One working hypothesis for the treatment of this disease is as follows: We see in multiple sclerosis—as already mentioned—a chronic disease of infection which advances in stages. These stages are characterized by damage to and healing of the nerve network. In places where damage by toxins of the unknown exciter sets in (toxins in my view are due to faulty nutrition: Translator) there arises, as a healing reaction, a local, circumscribed inflammation, brought about by the specific defensive powers which, to be sure, do not always suffice to remove completely the damage caused. There takes place, therefore, either a local healing or a formation of a cicatrix in the network of nerves. Hence the old and proved principle should be observed in the treatment by physiotherapy, viz.: to bring about the acute state from the chronic condition, so that ultimate cure can take place. The aim must be to increase the specific defensive powers exactly as with paralyses, and when possible, to weaken the exciting agent or even kill it. To this end the super-heating method is most suitable. On the assumption that the exciting agent is sensitive to heat it is treated with high body temperatures. In this way 28 patients with disseminated sclerosis were superheated. Of these patients three remained free from their complaint from 8 to 10 years, so that they could follow their daily occupations; 19 were improved and capable of light work, whilst six remained un-influenced.

"It has been observed that often at the onset of the disease and long before severe symptoms have developed, patients react especially well to superheating. Weakness and severe fatigue in the legs as well as spastic paralysis have been seen to clear up. The weakness in the arms is checked with a dynamometer before and after treatment.

"Increased successes have been obtained by both the Americans and French by giving at least 20, and when possible, 30 super-heatings."

An initial course that can set off the development of D.S. can often be traced to a fall resulting in severe shocks to the system. Shock of any kind can be a strong factor in creating conditions that are conducive to nerve degeneration, hence psychotherapy particularly in the form of hypnosis and hypnoanalysis is indicated. Dr. Flanders Dunbar, in his monumental work on "Emotions and Bodily Changes," writes: —

"In cases of multiple sclerosis, one is reminded of the command 'take up thy bed and walk* when one is able to make paralyzed patients get up from their mattress graves. However, this requires much patience.

"A patient suffering from spastic spinal paralysis was unable to eat or hold himself erect. After a few periods of superficial hypnosis —which has to be repeated from time to time—he was able to comb his hair, change his shirt, eat, write, etc. It is unnecessary to point out what relief even improvements of this sort may be to such persons. . .,

"A patient with multiple sclerosis, bedridden for years, was subjected to superficial hypnosis. Even after the first session she was able to walk through a long corridor."

Professor Dr. L. Angel demonstrated on the 20th April, 1950, how a very considerable improvement was achieved in three cases of D.S. within a short time, in two of which a complete working capability was restored by hypnotherapy.

The longer I am in practice the more do I see that behind almost every disease there is an EMOTIONAL factor or factors operating. There is usually a history of severe shock, or a series of lesser shocks, or prolonged worry with emotional upsets and stresses. All these create mental tension resulting in body tension, and these tensions, in turn, cause all bodily functions and processes to become deranged with repercussions upon the mind. A disease arising out of these causes is termed psycho-somatic, psycho-genic and should be treated by psycho-therapy as well as by physical means.

Since we are here now on the theme of hypnotherapy, I feel sure that readers will profit greatly from perusing my book "The Healing 'Sleep'."*

There is not the slightest doubt that there exists in human make-up an inherent force or power, that when tapped, releases "SOMETHING" which brings about "miraculous" cures, and it seems just as certain that there is a "Something"—"The Unknown Self," as Dr. Groddeck puts it, that creates conditions that are conducive to disease.

Now we come to the all-important matter of nutrition.

A German country physician, Dr. Evers by name, had the idea to feed a paralyzed young woman, for whom the medical profession could do no more, with GERMINATING wheat grain and rye. Guided by an instinctive feeling he prescribed a special raw diet, which he thought would be suitable to effect a change for the better in the woman's metabolism, or in other words, to call forth new powers which would effectively reduce the destructive processes affecting her nervous system.

♦Published by Health Science Press at 12s. 6d.

The patient, whose life was soon to end, recovered. Many believed this a coincidence, but further equally striking results were reported.

Dr. Evers explains that years of faulty food, together with other factors, causes the central nervous system to become unstable. The other factors can be an accident causing severe shock, a bad bout of influenza, prolonged digestive and mental disturbances.

As an excess of food which is faulty in its composition creates an accumulation of toxins, a total reform in one's dietetic habits is imperative. In the first rank stands the GERMINATING grains of wheat and rye, as well as raw foods, viz.: fruits and vegetables in the form of salads.

To germinate the wheat and rye first cleanse the grains of the last harvest, then mix together in equal parts. Place in a bowl and, late in the evening, pour cold water over the mixture so that it is well covered. Early in the following morning drain off the water and leave the grain without water during the day. Then in the late evening cover again with fresh water and so on. Continue this day after day until germination sets in. It should not be allowed to proceed until the shoots are too long, otherwise the mixture will not taste good. It is best for the grain to be in a temperature of 57 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit and be covered over with muslin or cheese cloth.

Germination makes the grain softer so that it is easier to chew. The germination should take place in 3 to 5 days. Every morning, midday and evening the grain should be shaken in a sieve and swilled thoroughly with water so that the resulting yeast and acid bacilli are removed, as otherwise the taste will be affected. The germinated grain can perhaps best be eaten with coarse oatmeal, good quality milk, Yoghourt, goat or cream cheeses. About 18 months ago I had the privilege of meeting a Dr. Selzer, who is a specialist in the treatment of Disseminated Sclerosis on Nature Cure Lines. He conducts a most attractive establishment situated in the beautiful Black Forest, the address being Kurhotel Berghof Schonmunzach in Murgtal, Schwarzwald, Germany.

Dr. Selzer was visiting one of the leading Nature Cure Homes in England, and I acted as his interpreter. He explained his methods, which included a special dietetic regime and showed a series of films of his patients in different stages of the disease and in various stages of recovery. The series of films was so arranged that one could easily see the progressive improvement of each patient, i.e., "before" and "after" treatment had commenced. This was indeed most striking and convincing and gave evidence that a more positive attitude should be taken towards this "incurable" disease, but all the time exercising a cautious optimism.

There is in practice in Budapest a Hungarian doctor whose name is Franz Andreas Volgyesi, who, in my opinion, is one of the greatest authorities on hypnosis and hypnotherapy. I have read his two erudite works, which have been translated from the Hungarian language into German. The respective titles are: "Hypnosetherapie and Psychosomatische problem" and "Die Seele is Alles" (The Mind is everything).

He has stated that even in severe organic diseases striking results have been achieved by hypnotherapy, so that it has been possible to improve both physically and mentally those suffering from disseminated sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, and in many cases these patients could carry out their various occupations independently over many years.

The director of the psychiatric and neurological Clinic of the University of Budapest, Professor B. Horanyi has also testified how remarkably easier the gait becomes in patients who are victims of Parkinson's disease and how much more coordinated are their move­ments after treatment by hypnosis, and by other psychotherapeutic measures.

Another professor, Dr. L. Angyal at the above-named clinic, demonstrated in April, 1950, what a very considerable improvement was achieved in a very short time in three cases of disseminated sclerosis by suggestion even in the waking state, and in two cases there was even a complete restoration of the ability to work again.

If we wish to gain health, or anything else in life for that matter, we must be willing to accept in full the means whereby it can be attained.

It is the earnest hope of the writer of this chapter that the information and advice contained in it will turn out to be the "means whereby" sufferers from this crippling, soul-destroying disease of disseminated sclerosis will find relief, a near-cure, or even a cure.

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