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 74.  Shirle y SW, Stewart BH, Mirelman S. Dimethyl sulfoxide in treatment of inflammatory
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 75.  Ek A, Engberg A, Frödin L, Jönsson G. The use of dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO) in the
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 76.  Perez-Marrero R, Emerson LE, Feltis JT. A controlled study of dimethyl sulfoxide in
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 77.  Biggers RD. Self-administration of dimeth yl sulfoxide (DMSO) for interstitial cystitis.
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 79


 in the objective and
subjective improvement of patients with interstitial cystitis.
7
REPORTS SHOWING DMSO’S VALUE FOR OTHER URINARY
SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Bladder diseases in general respond well to instillation of DMSO into the urinary
tract. For instance, as indicated in a 1985 published paper, complex irritative
bladder syndrome responded well to the solvent.
8
Intravesical instillation of DMSO was used in the treatment of patients with
intractable urinary frequency due to chronic prostatitis, chronic cystitis,
tuberculous contracted bladder, and interstitial cystitis. A 1985 report from Japan
indicated that before the application of dimethyl sulfoxide, all four patients were
examined carefully to rule
out cases of acute infectious diseases of the urinary
tract, active urinary tuberculosis, neurogenic bladder (nerve pain of the bladder),
and carcinoma in situ of the bladder (cancer within the bladder). Three of the four
patients achieved an excellent response both subjectively and objectively. In the
United States, intravesical instillation of DMSO had already been established as
the specific method in the treatment of interstitial cystitis and no side effects have
been reported so far. Therefore, the Japanese physicians used intravesical
instillation of DMSO with success and recommend its application for various
forms of intractable urinary frequency.
9
Urethral syndrome in women is an annoying condition that is not uncommon,
but a 1987 report from Poland indicates that it does respond well to DMSO
instillation. The chronic urination disorder is relieved by intravesical
administration of the solvent solution.
10
A case of bladder amyloidosis was treated successfully in February 1986,
report Japanese researchers, with DMSO bladder instillations. A diagnosis was
made by a biopsy of the bladder epithelium (cells lining the inside of the bladder).
Amyloid fibrils were confirmed in the biopsy specimen with polarization and
electron microscopy. The patient was treated with trans-urethral resection (a
surgery) plus DMSO. From these bladder instillations the residual lesion
disappeared within four months. DMSO bladder instillations were given twelve
times without side effects. Thus DMSO bladder instillation with surgical resection
is designated as an excellent therapy for bladder amyloidosis.
11Epilogue
“Pain is only four letters, but it means different things to different people,” said
Ray Peppi of Stamford, Connecticut. Mr. Peppi suffers from excruciating pain
caused by undergoing three back operations for relieving spinal arthritis.
“You can’t understand great pain unless you have it—unless you can’t
remember a day in your life when you didn’t have it. It makes you want to jump
off a roof. It drives you crazy,” Peppi explained.
In desperation, because drugs prescribed by his doctors failed to alleviate his
pain, four years ago the man acquired DMSO from a nonmedical source. The
solvent is not authorized in Connecticut for use on back problems. State residents
whose pain is so severe that they are willing to try anything are using the crude
industrial grade. DMSO did what other remedies couldn’t, said Peppi. It got rid of
his pain.
The Public Health Committee of the General Assembly for the State of
Connecticut considered legislation that would legalize DMSO for use in
Connecticut but rejected it eventually. Texas has passed such legislation, as have
Florida, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
Because of political pressure exerted by interested state assembly members
and by members of the United States Congress, the Food and Drug Administration
has been prevented from simply ignoring the drug. FDA officials promised the
House Select Committee on Aging that they would take another look at it. Dr. J.
Richard Crout told committee members that clinical trials of DMSO, which have
been around for twenty years, and are still being carried out, haven’t been precise
enough to merit the drug’s general use.
Yet, when the medication proves, in fact, to be as effective and safe as the
evidence may show, the American people will certainly be
justified in wondering
why they have had to wait so many years to use it. Some FDA critics argue that if
the Salk vaccine or penicillin were developed today, it would take the same length
of time for them to become available to the people. How many would have died in
the interim? What numbers are suffering needlessly or dying now because DMSO
is unavailable on the legal, open market? This is another of those big questions
underlying the whole DMSO controversy.
Government bureaucracy is known for waste and inefficiency in almost all
areas of activity. In agriculture, housing, welfare, and other areas it has not solvedthe problems for which government programs were initially instituted. Often it has
compounded them. With DMSO the problem is even more serious. Pain, health,
life, and death are involved. To leave an inefficient and ineffective bureaucracy in
charge of approving a pain-relieving, life-sustaining drug like DMSO will cost the
victims of injury and illness far more than tax dollars.
I believe the medical consumer deserves to have the medicines he or she needs
as soon as they have proved to be safe and effective. I ask that the FDA fulfill its
mandate to protect Americans from foods and drugs that are unsafe and to
facilitate the speedy availability of new foods and drugs that are found to be both
safe and worthwhile. DMSO is one of these. DMSO is one of nature’s healers—
among the safest and most efficacious ever uncovered. We are entitled to it. We
must have it generally available.
The life and health of our people lie in the balance. The story I have told
highlights the obstacles DMSO has met in getting FDA approval. More than that, I
have shown that pain relief is available, pathology reversal is possible, and good
health restoration is probable if only DMSO is not denied to us. The crime of
denial is senseless. How do we get DMSO to all the people? If there is no medical
answer, there may be a political one.
With the former Reagan administration’s concern about the regulatory impact
on the return on research and development investments, ways were found to lessen
the FDA ban. The election of Ronald Reagan as our President meant significant
personnel changes for regulators, including the Food and Drug Administration’s
Bureau of Drugs. FDA Commissioner Jere Goyan, a political appointee during the
Carter administration, finally lost his post. Reagan’s advisors had searched for
highly qualified scientists who understood the problems with regulations. But they
wanted regulators who were people-conscious first, then regulation-conscious.
They didn’t find them. Neither did George
Bush. Instead, David Kessler, M.D.,
J.D., has turned out to be the most restrictive enforcer of Gestapo-like rules
coming out of the FDA. Kessler would remove every American’s ability to choose
what should be done for or to his or her body. The FDA, by expanding its mandate
and reinterpreting the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 for its own
purposes, is approaching dictatorial powers. I hope his successor will take
immediate and decisive steps to reverse this trend. I want my book to move the
regulatory process. DMSO, nature’s healer, is a new therapeutic treatment for the
people. They deserve to have access to it.APPENDIX I
The Mechanisms of Action of DMSO, Miscellaneous
Conditions That Respond Well to DMSO
Administration, and Arthritis Treatment Details for
Physicians
DMSO lessens platelet adhesiveness, platelet aggregation, and, thus, clot
formation. Because of its prostaglandin activity, DMSO is a potent vasodilator.
Prostaglandins—long chain hydrocarboxylic acids—are affected in a unique way
by dimethyl sulfoxide. The “good prostaglandin,” prostaglandin E, which is a
powerful vasodilator, is stimulated by DMSO. The “bad prostaglandins,”
prostaglandin E
2
 and prostaglandin F
2
 alpha, which are strong vasoconstrictors, are
depressed by DMSO. Prostaglandin E
2
 and prostaglandin F
2
 alpha not only cause
vasoconstriction but lysosomal destruction. Lysosomes are cellular “toilets” and
their destruction leads to release of the cytotoxic enzyme beta-glucoronidase. This
enzyme not only destroys its own cell, but surrounding cells as well, leading to
further beta-glucoronidase release, and further destruction.
Prostaglandin E
1
, like aspirin and indomethacin, stabilizes lysosomes and
probably blocks the release of vasoconstrictive prostaglandins from brain tissue
and platelets.
Because of the body’s “negative” or destructive responses to injury, including
toxic prostaglandin release, beta-glucoronidase destruction of cells, noradrenaline
stimulation, reduction of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, release of
calcium ions, and other actions,
DMSO may be the initial treatment of choice in
all acute destructive bodily processes.
 These would include any serious injury to
any body part or organ, septicemia, stroke, myocardial infarction, near drowning


 from the daily fasting
8.00 - drink good quality water, in the first glass to
necessarily add bifidum or lactobacterin (1 sachet per
317
317glass of water), or now, a new drug "Linex".
11.00 - compote of dried apricots, prunes, raisins.
14.00 - yogurt, Bifidok or serum Bolotov.
18.00 - vegetable soup (cabbage, carrots, beets, onions, potatoes,
dill, parsley).
22.00 - stewed fruit, herbal tea, honey.
The yield of the 36-hour fasting: the same is just beginning
in the evening.
The yield of the 48-hour fasting: 1-day, both from the daily.
Second day: 8.00 - herbal tea with honey or fruit or yogurt,
buckwheat groats in water, you can add a little vegetable
oil (can be other cereals), always on the second day of fasting
need to drink one quail egg 3 times a day
(Do not worry - quail do not get sick with salmonellosis) on an empty stomach. This
necessary, as quail eggs - this whole periodic table,
and most importantly - natural natural stem cells, which
as required by the body after the dry fasting. Women
You can make masks to the face: quail eggs mixed with cedar
oil, applied at night for 20 minutes.
14.00 - fish soup (the best of the rasp, salmon, pink salmon), can be a bit
sunflower. Salad, any cereal. Tea, juice, yogurt, honey.
18.00 - boiled beets, cereals, tea, juice, yogurt.
22.00 - herbal tea, honey.
The yield of the 3 daily fasting: the first two days are already written.
The third day of the output:
8.00 - Freshly squeezed juices, salads, cereals
14.00 - soup or ear, cereals, salads, tea
18.00 - salad, fish baked in foil, juice, fresh
Fourth day:
9.00 - decoction of dried fruit (raisins, apricots, prunes) - 200,0
12.00 - buckwheat groats - nincompoop - 200,0
15.00 - cabbage salad with 100.0, and fish ear, dairy
Drink - 100,0
18.00 - vegetable broth - 200,0
21.00 - fermented beverage 200.0
Fifth day:
9.00 - porridge "Hercules" with dried apricots - 150,0
Green Tea - 100,0
13.00 - stewed vegetables (carrots, beets, cabbage) - 150,0
Juice - 100,0
17.00 - soup (carrot, beet, cabbage, croutons of bread, or gray
bran sticks), apple - 1 pc.
21.00 - sour milk drink - 200,0
Then you can proceed to the usual food, but perfect -
preferably 2 weeks of feeding with a predominance of fresh vegetables
and fruits.
After exiting the fast food must be perfect.
318
318Nutrition Program for good digestion (at the outlet of
starvation)
Most people are constantly sick or almost sick because
that are trying to recycle a huge amount of excess food
they absorb. After the famine, you can easily and quickly establish
proper digestion. Make it a rule - is not after 16
hours. If you follow this, you will have a good night's sleep. Morning
you'll feel rested. you will naturally be
be self-cleansing of the body and normalizes fat
stratum. Eat breakfast from 9 to 10 am (you can even earlier). Eat
salad of fresh vegetables on the basis of carrots, cabbage and greens (winter
steamed vegetables). The second dish you will have bread from sprouted
grains with honey or sea cabbage, or whole mess with a little
amount of oil. Along with cabbage, carrots and greens, they
will be a good stimulant for the digestive tract,
cultivation of proper microflora, restore the expense of the inverse
links the endocrine system of the body.
First, eat a salad. This will lead to the fact that activated
a number of processes that underlie normal functioning
organism. For example, stimulates the secretion of digestive
juice, because raw vegetables are rich in natural stimulants.
After several years of such food if you feel that your
organism does not perceive a beginning food. as a result you will be able to
to increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables to 60 percent
their diet. Fresh vegetables, fruits and juices are based on them - is
foods rich in vitality. Their fabrics are rich in energy,
supporting structure of the body tissues, the skin elasticity.
The ideal diet is 50 per cent consists of raw fruits
and vegetables. Cellulose and pectin, contained in most
products of plant origin, called ballast
substances, since they are not absorbed by the body. These substances
necessary, they serve an important role in the process of digestion:
adjust the intestinal hormonal system, and through it - the whole
organism, as regulators of motor function of the intestine;
create a favorable microflora in the gastrointestinal tract,
which is partly used by the body as a full
living protein, 10 per cent is protein foods. Protein
may be in the form of meat, fish, eggs, natural cheese, or grow-
the tangent form, such as nuts and seeds. Brewer's yeast,
bread and soup made from sprouted wheat are also an important part of
protein diet. Especially, they are indispensable as suppliers
vitamins B, E and D.
The remaining products are divided into three parts. One third (30%) - is
natural starch obtained from cereals and legumes. Another third
(Not less than 5%) - natural sugar-containing in dried fruits,
honey, freshly squeezed juices. Last third (no more than 5%) consists of
natural fats such as sunflower, corn, olive
319
319oil, natural bacon, butter and ghee. People who are prone
to obesity, should avoid eating sugar, bread,
cereals. Or have them in minimum quantities, and
cereals should be freshly brewed. Chew their
absolutely necessary. While fast food a person consumes oatmeal
3-5 times more than you need. This leads to obesity. If
to use its small quantity, chewing up the status of milk
then it disappears constipation, improves intestinal peristalsis (in
moment of peristalsis chewing speeds up to four times), eliminated
congestion in the gastrointestinal tract.
The recovery period should be two times greater than
lasted starvation. Try at least at this time to eat
correctly. The daily routine in the recovery period remains
approximately the same (walking, physiotherapy,
occupational therapy, recreation), but lean people can add
Special procedures - the oil body massage (especially
loin), hot baths. Persons who are overweight - a sauna,
body massage evaporated urine. Following such a reasonable program
starvation, you'll be filled with vitality, and starvation
become a necessary part of your life. Day after day, watching
the miracle of renovation taking place in your mind and body, you
will enjoy the fact that they had come to the right of life, which
every day makes you a more perfect and healthy.
For a very good rasshlakovki and cleanse the body necessarily
must be taken during the exit mixed turpentine baths
by Zalmanov. Total number of bathrooms 10.
How to prepare serum Bolotov
In a clean 3-liter jar pour cold boiled
wells or spring water.
Dissolve in water 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon of the market
sour cream. Half a cup of herb celandine (all the same - dry or fresh,
but be sure to clean, mold) be placed in a gauze bag
and sink to the bottom of the cans by weight.
Bottle opening tie cheesecloth into 3 layers.
Insist kvass two weeks at room temperature in the dark
place. We must follow - to remove the surface mold and strain,
If you see the sediment.
After 2 weeks of 3 - liter jars pours a liter of kvass
a quart glass bottle with a lid. This portion for the reception
about 3 days.
A 3-liter jar topped up with 1 liter of water and add 1 / 3 cup
sugar.
3 days kvass will again be ready. So you can continue without changing the
celandine, up to 2 - months, adding water and sugar.
Take from 1 tbsp. spoon to 0,5 cups for 20-30 minutes. before meals 3 times
a day for 2 - weeks. Then, to secure the effect of taking
within a month 1 time per day.
320
320OSLO ZHNENI I when exiting Fasting I
When exiting the dry term fasting is usually serious
complications were observed, but still need to know about them.
Complications occur most frequently with people reckless, which
not aware of his actions. in any case be
treated seriously, and to matters related to personal health,
- Twice. So if you decide to practice independently
Fasting - Take it with attention. Master techniques
gradually, to study the literature, the experience of others and, most importantly, watch
behind him. If, after short-term fasting


’s volatile
oil, like that of garlic, has components that leave
the body via the respiratory system and aid the
coughing up of congested mucus. Asafoetida
is taken (usually in tablet form) for bronchitis,
bronchial asthma, whooping cough, and other
chest problems. Asafoetida also lowers blood
pressure and thins the blood. The herb has a
reputation for helping in neurotic states.
Related Species F. silphion  was used in ancient
Rome as a contraceptive. It was overharvested and
died out in about 300 ce. F. persica  is used in the
Middle East for rheumatic problems and backache.
The central Asian F. sumbul  is used as a nerve tonic.
F. jaeschkeana  has recently been investigated as a
potential contraceptive. See also F. gummosa
(following entry).
Caution While safe in adults, asafoetida may be
harmful to young babies.Constituents Galbanum exudate contains
a volatile oil, resins, gums, as well as a
coumarin (umbelliferone).
History & Folklore Galbanum has been used
medicinally for centuries.
Medicinal Actions & Uses Galbanum is a
digestive stimulant and antispasmodic, reducing
flatulence, cramps, and colic. It is also
expectorant. Applied as an ointment, the gum
may help heal wounds.
Related Species See asafoetida ( F. assa-foetida,
preceding entry).
Self-help Use Acidity & indigestion, p. 307.
Ficus benghalensis (Moraceae)
Banyan Tree
Description Tree growing to 65 ft (20 m) with
oval leaves, fig-type fruit, and roots that grow into
the ground from branches.
Habitat & Cultivation Growing wild in India
and Pakistan, the banyan tree is also cultivated
across the Indian subcontinent.
Parts Used Fruit, bark, leaves, latex,
aerial roots.
Constituents Banyan tree contains
ketones, sterols, ficusin, and bergaptin.
History & Folklore The banyan tree is
sacred to Hindus and is frequently found in
the proximity of Hindu temples. The god Shiva
is often shown sitting peacefully in the shade of
a banyan tree. The banyan tree is the national
tree of India.
Medicinal Actions & Uses The astringent
leaves and bark of the tree are employed to relieve
diarrhea and dysentery and to reduce bleeding. As
with other Ficus species, the latex is applied to hemorrhoids, warts, and aching joints. The fruit is
laxative and the roots are chewed to prevent gum
disease. The bark is used in Ayurvedic medicine
for diabetes.
Research In laboratory studies an extract of the
leaves was shown to counter diarrhea. Glycosides
in banyan have been shown to have an antidiabetic
activity, lowering blood-sugar levels.
Related Species See fig ( F. carica, following entry).
Caution The latex is toxic and should not be
taken internally.
Ficus carica (Moraceae)
Fig
Description  Deciduous tree growing to 13 ft
(4 m). Has large leaves and fleshy receptacles that
ripen into purple-brown, pear-shaped fruit.
Banyan tree leaves are astringent and are used to tighten
mucous membranes.Ferula gummosa syn. F. galbaniflua
(Apiaceae)
Galbanum
Description Perennial with a smooth, hollow
stem, finely toothed compound leaves, and umbels
of small white flowers.
Habitat & Cultivation Native to central
Asia, galbanum produces a gum that is obtained
when stems are cut off and successive slices are
made through the roots. Gum wells to the surface
and is collected after it has hardened.
Part Used Oleo-gum-resin.Fig’s pulpy flesh is
emollient and soothing
to inflamed skin.
Habitat & Cultivation Native to western
Asia, fig now grows wild and is cultivated in many
temperate and subtropical regions. Fruit is
harvested in summer.
Parts Used Fruit, latex.
Constituents Figs contain around 50% fruit
sugars (mainly glucose), flavonoids, vitamins,
and enzymes.
History & Folklore The fig leaf was used
by Adam and Eve to hide their nakedness in the
Garden of Eden. There are many other references
to the plant in the Old Testament, mainly to the
sweetness of the fruit and to its use as a medicine.
Spartan athletes in Ancient Greece were said to
eat figs in order to improve their performance.
Medicinal Actions & Uses The fruit sugars
within the fig (especially the dried fruit) have a
pronounced but gentle laxative effect; syrup of figs
is still a remedy for mild constipation. The fruit’s
US_202-223_Digitalis_lutea_Iris_versicolor.indd   211 26/02/16   12:47 pm
212
other medicinal plantsFicus religiosa
emollient pulp helps relieve pain and inflammation,
and it has been used to treat tumors, swellings, and gum abscesses—the fruit often being roasted before application. Figs are also mildly expectorant and, when used with herbs such as elecampane (Inula helenium, p. 107), are helpful in treating dry and irritable coughs and bronchitis. The milky latex from leaves and stems is reputed to be analgesic, and has long been used to treat warts, insect bites, and stings.
Related Species Research published in 1999
showed that an extract of leaves of F. racemosa,  a native of northern India, had a marked protective activity on the liver in rats. The juice  and powdered bark of the Central American  F. cotinifolia are applied to wounds and bruises.  F. indica is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic, diuretic, and treatment for gonorrhea. F. lacor  is used in Chinese herbal medicine to induce sweating, while F. retusa, which is native to China, Indonesia, and Australia, is used in the Chinese tradition to treat toothache and tooth decay. See also banyan tree (F. benghalensis, preceding entry) and peepal (F. religiosa, following entry).
Cautions The latex is toxic and should not be
used internally. Applied to the skin, it may cause  an allergic reaction to sunlight.Foeniculum vulgare (Apiaceae)
Fennel
Description Aromatic perennial growing to
about 5 ft (1.5 m). Has dark green, feathery leaves, umbels of yellow flowers, and small, ridged, oval-shaped seeds.
Habitat & Cultivation Native to the
Mediterranean region, fennel is now cultivated in temperate regions around the world. The seeds are gathered in autumn.
Parts Used Seeds, essential oil.
Constituents “Sweet” fennel seeds contain
about 8% volatile oil (about 80% anethole, plus fenchone and methylchavicol), flavonoids, coumarins (including bergapten), and sterols.  The volatile oil relieves gas and is antispasmodic. “Bitter” fennel seeds contain significantly higher levels of fenchone.
History & Folklore Dioscorides, in the 1st
century ce, states that “the juice, when put into the eye, aids vision, and into the ear, kills the worms (i.e. bacteria) that develop there.”eyewash for sore eyes and conjunctivitis. The  seeds have a longstanding reputation as an  aid to weight loss and to longevity. Essential oil from the sweet variety is used for its digestive  and relaxing properties. It also has estrogenic activity and may prove helpful in relieving menopausal symptoms.
Cautions Fennel seeds are potentially toxic; do
not exceed the recommended dose. Do not take the essential oil internally.
Self-help Uses Acidity & indigestion, p. 307;
Morning sickness & nausea, p. 317; Stomach spasm, p. 305; Gas & bloating, p. 306.
Forsythia suspensa (Oleaceae)
Weeping Forsythia,
Lian Qiao (Chinese)
Description Deciduous shrub growing to
16 ft (5 m). Has toothed leaves, bright yellow flowers, and woody fruit.
Habitat & Cultivation Native to China
and Japan, weeping forsythia is grown for its bright yellow blossoms in temperate gardens all over the world. The fruit is harvested in autumn, just before it is fully ripe.
Part Used Fruit.
Constituents The fruit contains flavonoids,
including rutin, lignans, glycosides, and forsythin. Research suggests that forsythin is antimicrobial, anti-emetic, and anti-inflammatory.
History & Folklore Weeping forsythia was
first listed in the Divine Husbandman’s Classic (Shen’nong Bencaojing), written in the 1st century ce. Weeping forsythia features in a remedy for


 answer. Each case is different as the condition of
each patient is different. In some cases a fast of ten days to two weeks will prove adequate. In
others much longer fasts may be called for. A short fast is rarely enough to secure the correction of
the defects of the nutritional processes needed to enable the chronically underweight person to gain
weight. Here, as elsewhere, the fast should be taken under competent supervision and the judgment
of the supervisor respected.
Since most cases of underweight with which we deal in this country are due, not to insufficient
food, but to incapacity to digest and assimilate food, it is essential that all causes of impaired
nutrition be discovered and removed. Fasting should not be expected to result in a great
improvement of the body’s ability to digest and assimilate the food eaten, if the patient continues
70with practices that perpetuate the impairment. Rest, in order that nerve energy may be recuperated,
is also vital.
Following the fast, it is not wise to overeat on foods that are commonly thought to constitute a
weight gaining diet. On the contrary, the requirements of good nutrition are best met with a diet
consisting of at least sixty percent fresh leafy vegetables and fresh fruits. Canned vegetables and
fruits are not to be considered as food with which to follow up a fast. The protein and
carbohydrate content of the diet may make up the other forty percent, with emphasis on the better
class proteins.
In addition to a greatly improved diet, every other healthful factor that enables us to build and
maintain high level health should be made an integral part of the daily life of the individual. Daily
exercise, an abundance of fresh air, sunbaths where these are at all possible, an abundance of rest
and sleep, emotional poise and freedom from all devitalizing habits will greatly assist in building
weight and in producing the kind of tissue that is desirable.
It will be noted that this advice is similar to that given to the overweight individual who has
fasted and is desirous of building wholesome flesh. The fact is that a normal life builds a normal
condition. Normal weight has its basis in good health and in first class habits of life. The genuine
needs of both types of patients are the same.
7116
Should Children Fast?
I am often asked about fasting for infants and young children. Is it safe? Should it be attempted?
The answer is that children often know instinctively when to fast—and for how long.
Let me cite the case of an anxious mother who consulted me about her young son who appeared
to be, so far as he was able to carry it out, on a permanent fast.
"My child simply won’t eat,” the mother told me. “I have to force him. I make him come to the
dining table. I make him eat. Unless I force him, he won’t touch his food.”
“Why not leave him alone until he gets hungry?” I suggested.
“He never gets hungry. He would starve to death.”
Many mothers face this problem with their children. Few subjects are more talked about—with
more misinformation—than the feeding of children. We hear about loss of appetite,
undernourishment, and underweight in children, and the fact that a child may be suffering from
eating too much is rarely guessed. Yet in forty years I have never seen a child “starve to death”
because it refused to eat. I have watched hundreds of them go without food until they become
hungry, and I have never seen one that was not soon raising old Ned for food.
In the case above, I persuaded the mother to give her boy a chance to get hungry to see if he
would not do the same.
“Wait,” I told her. “When he is hungry he will tell you.”
He did. When the food vanished, when he was not forced to swallow more than his body
demanded or required, he soon began to want to eat normally.
In a few days we had a happy mother and a less unruly boy. She reported: “Dick is now the first
one to the table and we no longer have to force him to swallow every mouthful.”
Leave the child alone when he refuses food. It is certain that he will become hungry within a
reasonable time and will demand food. Abstinence from food is the surest and best
appetizer
available. It is better than coercion, which tends to create resistance. It is better than tempting them
with dainty dishes and flavored and sweetened dishes to appeal to jaded appetites. It is better than
feeding vitamins or giving tonics.
Let the child go without food until a natural demand for food is made in the form of hunger and it
will be content with plain fare. There will be no need to tempt it with special dishes. No chocolate
will have to be added to its milk, ice cream will not have to be substituted for wholesome food,
tidbits and palate ticklers will no longer be found necessary. Why should a child, any more than an
adult, be forced to eat? If there is no physiological demand for food, why should it be forced upon
the child?
With the majority of well-meaning adults, when they undertake to coax a child to eat, the food
with which they tempt the child is usually unsuitable. It is commonly the worst possible selection
that is responsible for the loss of desire for food. It is ruinous to the character of the child to bribe
it by offering money, a toy, a trip to the movies, or to hold out other inducements to it to eat when
there is no natural demand for food. Such means of inducing a child to eat lead inevitably to
overeating.
Overeating results in temporary loss of desire for food. Candy or cookies between meals
72destroys the desire to eat. Mothers who permit children to eat between meals should not be
surprised if they are not hungry when meal time arrives. Children often develop “poor appetites”
because of the unsuitable character of their diet. McCarrison who made original study in the field
of dietetics—and later reported on the Hunzas—says: “It seems to me that ‘loss of appetite’ is one
of the most fundamental signs of vitamin deprivation. It is a protective sign: the first signal of
impending disaster.”
After a brief period of abstinence it should be understood that when the amount of food taken is
reduced, the vitamin needs of the body are correspondingly reduced—the diet of the child should
be changed. Give them more fruits and vegetables (fresh and uncooked) and less cereal, bread,
potatoes, cookies, pies and candies. Eliminate all soft drinks. Mothers will no longer have to
worry about vitamins for their children if they supply them with the natural sources of vitamins.
I quote McCarrison again: “There are no more important ingredients of a properly constituted
diet than fruits and vegetables, for they contain vitamins of every class, recognized and
unrecognized.”
Why feed your child a baked apple, when the uncooked apple is more nutritious and far more
tasty? Why give it candy made of white sugar, synthetic colors and flavors, wood glue, and other
unwholesome substances, as long as there are dates, figs, bananas and other sweet fruits, which are
more tasty and more wholesome? There is more vitamin value in a stalk of celery or a head of
bibb lettuce than in all the vitamin pills in the drug store. An orange or a peach will provide
wholesome nutriment for your child. A dish of ice cream is about as unwholesome as anything he
can take. Soft drinks are poisonous and unfit to swallow. More care in feeding
the child will give
it better health and save parents much anxiety and expense.
Children’s diseases are parents’
mistakes.
Children lack desire for food when they are ill. Enervated children, with gastritis, enlarged
tonsils and adenoids, constipation, diarrhea, feverishness, will express no demand for food. They
should be permitted to skip a meal or several meals, as circumstances warrant, and no effort
should be made to force them or coax them to eat.
Any unusual excitement of children, even a trip or a picnic, may use up so much nerve energy
that indigestion is produced. Symptoms of indigestion may range all the way from irritability,
restlessness, tossing during sleep, bad breath, “growing pains,” white lines around the mouth, to
fever, gastric pains, nausea, vomiting and great discomfort evidenced by extreme restlessness.
When such symptoms are present no food should be given. If children with indigestion are fed and
treated in the customary manner, the state of the stomach and intestinal tract is likely to become
putrescent, laying the ground work for possible serious disease.
Infants become enervated from being handled too much, from being carried about, from having
their rest broken, from being subjected to noise—too much commotion in the house—by being
nursed and trundled too much, by being played with and excited too much, by being subjected to
too much heat and cold, by being fed too much, by being drugged for symptoms and inoculated for
disease prevention.
In dealing with the child, of course, competent
Hygienic
 guidance should be sought and
followed. When a baby is enervated, the digestive function falters; indigestion with fermentation
and putrefaction of food results. The putrescence thus evolved irritates the lining membrane of the
stomach and intestine. The membrane of the stomach, bowel or air passage becomes a site of
supplementary or compensatory excretion, the


  HE
MADE  A WORLD'S RECORD  ON THE IRVING
FISHER  ENDURANCE  TESTING  MACHINE
THE AUTHOR  FEELING  HIMSELF  TO BE THE MOST
FORTUNATE  PERSON  ALIVE
HORACE  FLETCHER  IN HIS MASTER  OF ARTS ROBES
THE AUTHOR, ON HIS SIXTIETH  BIRTHDAY,
PERFORMING  FEATS OF AGILITY  AND STRENGTH
WHICH  WOULD  BE REMARKABLE  EVEN  IN A YOUNG
ATHLETEF L E T C H E R I S M :
WHAT IT IS
CHAPTER I
HOW I BECAME A FLETCHERITE
My Turning Point—How I had Ignored My Responsibility—What
Happens during Mastication—The Four Principles of Fletcherism.
OVER twenty years ago, at the age of forty
years, my hair was white; I weighed two
hundred and seventeen pounds (about fiftypounds more than I should for my height of fivefeet six inches); every six months or so I had abad attack of " influenza " ; I was harrowed byindigestion; I was afflicted with " that tiredfeeling." I was an old man at forty, on the wayto a rapid decline.
It was at about this time that I applied for a
life-insurance policy, and was " turned down "by the examiners as a " poor risk." This was thefinal straw. I was not afraid to die ; I had longago learned to look upon death with equanimity.At the same time I had a keen desire to live,
and then and there made a determination that Iwould find out what was the matter, and, if Icould do so, save myself from my threateneddemise.
I realised that the first thing to do was, if
possible, to close up my business arrangementsso that I could devote myself to the study of howto keep on the face of the earth for a few moreyears. This I found it possible to do, and Iretired from active money-making.
The desire of my life was to live in Japan,
where I had resided for several years, and towhich country I was passionately devoted. Mytastes were in the direction of the fine arts.Japan had been for years my Mecca — myhousehold goods were already there, waitinguntil I should take up my permanent residence ;and it required no small amount of will-power toturn away from the cherished hope of a lifetime,to continue travelling over the world, andconcentrate upon finding a way to keep alive.
I turned my back on Japan, and began my
quest for health. For a time, I tried some of themost famous " cures " in the world. Here andthere were moments of hope, but in the end I
was met with disappointment.
THE TURNING  POINT.
It was partly accidental and partly otherwise
that I finally found a clue to the solution of myhealth disabilities. A faint suggestion ofpossibilities of arrest of decline had dawnedupon me in the city of Galveston, Texas, someyears before, and had been strengthened by avisit to an Epicurean philosopher who had asnipe estate among the marshlands of SouthernLouisiana and a truffle preserve near Pau, inFrance. He was a disciple of Gladstone, andfaithfully followed the rules relative to thoroughchewing of food which the Grand Old Man ofEngland had formulated for the guidance of hischildren. My friend in Louisiana attributed hisrobustness of health as much to this protectionagainst overeating as to the exercise incident tohis favourite sports. But these impressions hadnot been strong enough to have a lasting effect.
One day, however, I was called to Chicago to
attend to some unfinished business affairs.They were difficult of settlement, and I wascompelled to " mark time " in the Western city
with nothing especially to do. It was at thistime, in 1898, that I began to think seriously ofeating and its effect upon health. I read a greatmany books, only to find that no two authorsagreed; and I argued from this fact that no onehad found the truth, or else there would besome consensus of agreement. So I stoppedreading, and determined to consult MotherNature herself for direction.
HOW I HAD IGNORED  MY RESPONSIBILITY.
I began by trying to find out why Nature
required us to eat, and how and when. The keyto my search was a firm belief in the goodintentions of Nature in the interest of ourhealth and happiness, and a belief also thatanything less than good health and highefficiency was due to transgressions againstcertain good and beneficent laws. Hence, it wasmerely a question of search to find out thenature of the transgression.
The fault was one of nutrition, evidently.I argued that if Nature had given us personalresponsibility it was not hidden away in the
dark folds and coils of the alimentary canalwhere we could not control it. The fault or faultsmust be committed before the food wasswallowed. I felt instinctively that here was thekey to the whole situation. The point, then, wasto study the cavity of the mouth ; and the firstthought was : " What happens there? " and " What is present there? " The answer was:Taste, Smell (closely akin to taste and hardly tobe distinguished from it), Feeling, Saliva,Mastication, Appetite, Tongue, Teeth, etc.
I first took up the careful study of Taste,
necessitating keeping food in the mouth as longas possible, to learn its course and development;and, as I tried it myself, wonders of new andpleasant sensations were revealed. Newdelights of taste were discovered. Appetiteassumed new leanings. Then came the vitaldiscovery, which is this : I found that each of ushas what I call a food-filter: a discriminatingmuscular gate located at the back of the mouthwhere the throat is shut off from the mouthduring the process of mastication. Just wherethe tongue drops over backward toward itsso-called roots there are usually five (sometimes
seven, we are told) little teatlike projectionsplaced in the shape of a horseshoe, each of themhaving a trough around it, and in these troughs,or depressions, terminate a great number oftaste-buds, or ends of gustatory nerves. Just atthis point the roof of the mouth, or the " hardpalate, " ends; and the " soft palate, " with theuvula at the end of it, drops down behind theheavy part of the tongue.
During the natural act of chewing the lips are
closed, and there is also a complete closure atthe back part of the mouth by the pressing ofthe tongue against the roof of the mouth.During mastication, then, the mouth is anairtight pouch.
After which brief description, please note, the
next time you take food,
WHAT  HAPPENS  DURING  MASTICATION.
Hold the face down, so that the tongue hangs
perpendicularly in the mouth. This is for tworeasons: one, because it will show how food,when properly mixed with saliva, will be liftedup in the hollow part in the middle of thetongue, against the direct force of gravity, and
will collect at the place where the mouth is shutoff at the back, the food-gate.
It is a real gate; and while the food is being
masticated, so that it may be mixed with salivaand chemically transformed from its crudecondition into the chemical form that makes itpossible of digestion and absorption, this gatewill remain tightly shut, and the throat will beentirely cut off from the mouth.
But as the food becomes creamy, so to speak,
through being mixed with saliva, or emulsified,or alkalised, or neutralised, or dextrinised, ormodified in whatever form Nature requires, thecreamy substance will be drawn up the centralconduit of the tongue until it reaches the food-gate.
If it is found by the taste-buds there located
around the " circumvalate papillae " (the teat-like projections on the tongue which Imentioned above) to be properly prepared foracceptance and further digestion, the food-gatewill open, ) and the food thus ready foracceptance into the body will be sucked backand swallowed unconsciously—that is, withoutconscious effort.I now started to experiment on myself. I
chewed my food carefully until I extracted alltaste from it there was in it, and until it slippedunconsciously down my throat. When theappetite ceased, and I was thereby told that Ihad had enough, I stopped; and I had no desireto eat any more until a real appetitecommanded me again. Then I again chewedcarefully—eating always whatever the appetitecraved.
THE FIVE PRINCIPLES  OF FLETCHERISM.
I had now found out five things ; all that
there is to my discovery relative to optimumnutrition; and to the fundamental requisite ofwhat is called Fletcherism.
First: Wait for a true, earned appetite.
Second: Select from the food available that
which appeals most to appetite, and in the ordercalled for by appetite.
Third: Get all the good taste there is in food
out of it in the mouth, and swallow only when itpractically  " swallows itself."
Fourth: Enjoy the good taste for all it is
worth, and do not allow any depressing ordiverting thought to intrude upon the ceremony.
Fifth: Wait; take and enjoy as much as
possible what appetite approves ; Nature will do
the


 of parent organisations across
the world keen to share information and help each other. I know a lot of
parents who would spend hours on the phone to comfort and help another parent in the same situation. Treating autism is not an easy task. It takes
years of continuous effort and commitment. But, being a parent myself, I
can tell you that it is one of the most rewarding experiences on Earth! In
this book I would like to share with you what I strongly believe to be the
appropriate treatment for an autistic child.
Information on nutrition is not included into the curriculum of western
medical schools and consequently doctors have very little idea about the
value of nutrition in the treatment of disease. Yet appropriate nutrition is a
corner-stone of any successful treatment for any chronic disease Autism
and other learning disabilities are no exception. There are many popular
misconceptions in this area, which have to be clarified.
Autism used to be a diagnosis considered hopeless. With all the know
ledge we have today it is very far from that. And we are still learning every
day. Children diagnosed today are much more fortunate than children
diagnosed ten years ago (if the word fortunate can be used at all), because
their parents have so much more information available to them to start
helping their child immediately. Ten years ago we did not know half of what
we know today. Parents of newly diagnosed children now have no time to
despair - there is too much learning to do! I think, that is very positive. The
learning rollercoaster, your child will take you through, will change your
life forever. Who knows, it may open new horizons and opportunities for
you, as it has done for so many people.
So, let's keep learning! INTRODUCTION
This book has evolved over a period of three years when I worked with
hundreds of children in my clinic. Initially the book was planned to be
about autism as the majority of children who came to see me were indeed
autistic. However, the more children I saw the more it became clear that we
have other epidemics emerging. Attention deficit disorder with hyperactiv-
ity and without it (ADHD/ADD), dyspraxia, dyslexia, various behavioural
and learning problems, allergies, asthma, eczema - all have reached epi
demic proportions. But more than that these seemingly unrelated condi
tions overlap with each other. After years of working with the children in
my clinic I hardly met one child who presented with just one of the above
conditions. Every child has two, three or more of these health problems at
once. For example, a child would present with allergies; at the same time
the parents would describe a couple of asthmatic episodes and eczema
and then would talk about their child's extreme clumsiness (dyspraxia) and
learning problems. A large percent of allergic and asthmatic children are
dyspraxic and hyperactive to various degrees. Many of them have prob
lems with concentration and attention span, which affect their learning
ability. There is an approximate 50% overlap between dyslexia and dys-
praxia and a 30 50% overlap between ADHD and dyslexia. Children who
suffer severe eczema in infancy quite often develop autistic features later
in life. Autism and ADHD overlap with every one of the above-mentioned
conditions. Apart from being hyperactive many autistic children have
severe allergies, asthma, eczema, dyspraxia and dyslexia. ism
THE OVERLAPPING PICTURE
As we can see, modern medicine has created all these separate diagnostic
boxes to fit our children in. But the modern child does not fit into any one
of them; the modern child fits into this rather lumpy picture.
Why are all these conditions related? What underlying problem are we
missing in our children which makes them susceptible to asthma, eczema,
allergies, dyspraxia, dyslexia, behavioural problems, ADHD and autism in
different combinations? Why when they become teenagers, do many of
these children fall prey to substance abuse? Why do many of these children
grow up to become diagnosed with schizophrenia, depression, bipolar dis
order and other psychological and psychiatric problems?
To answer all these questions we have to look at one factor, which unites
all these patients in a clinical setting. This factor is the state of their diges
tive system. I have yet to meet a child with autism, ADHD/ADD, asthma,
eczema, allergies, dyspraxia or dyslexia, who has not got digestive abnor
malities. In many cases they are severe enough for the parents to start talk
ing about them first. In some cases the parents may not mention their
child's digestive system, yet when asked direct questions would describe a
plethora of gut problems. But what have digestive abnormalities got to do
with autism, hyperactivity, inability to learn, mood and behaviour prob
lems? According to recent research and clinical experience - a lot! In fact it
appears that the child's digestive system holds the key to the child's mental
development. The underlying disorder, which can manifest itself in INTRODUCTION 7
different children with different combinations of symptoms, resides in the
gut! Rather than trying to fit a child with autistic tendencies, asthma,
eczema and hyperactivity or a child with dyspraxia, dyslexia and allergies
into any particular diagnostic box we need to have a name for the under
lying disorder, which originates in the gut and manifests itself as any
combination of the above conditions.
Here I propose a name: Gut And Psychology Syndrome  or GAP
Syndrome. Children with GAP Syndrome often fall into the gap - the gap in
our medical knowledge. As a result they do not receive appropriate treat
ment. In the following chapters we are going to talk in detail about what
the GAP Syndrome means, how it develops and how to treat it.
Apart from childhood learning disabilities: autism, ADHD/ADD,
dyslexia, dyspraxia and various learning and behavioural problems, there
is another group of conditions which fit into the GAP Syndrome. These
conditions are schizophrenia, depression, manic depression or bipolar dis
order and obsessive compulsive disorder. The father of modern psychiatry
French psychiatrist Phillipe Pinel (1745-1828), after working with mental
patients for many years, concluded in 1807: "The primary seat of insanity
generally is in the region of the stomach and intestines." And yet, the last
thing a modern psychiatrist would pay attention to is the patient's diges
tive system! We will discuss the scientific and clinical evidence pointing in
the direction of gut-brain connection in schizophrenic patients.
It is beyond the scope of this book to look at other psychiatric condi
tions. Hopefully, future clinical experience and research will shed light on
how many of them may belong to Gut And Psychology Syndrome. Here
we will concentrate on the conditions which receive the diagnostic labels
of Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADHD/ADD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and
Schizophrenia. This book may also be useful for patients who are
diagnosed with allergies, including asthma and eczema. PART ONE:
WHAT IS GOING ON?
1. ALL DISEASES
BEGIN IN THE GUT
Hippocrates, 460-370 BC
GAPS children and adults have digestive problems, sometimes quite
severe. Colic, bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation, feeding difficul
ties and malnourishment, all to various degrees, are a typical part of
autism, schizophrenia and other GAPS conditions. Doctors often explain
these symptoms as a result of patient's "funny" feeding habits and are not
inclined to investigate them.
Whether we look at a child or an adult with GAPS, in the majority of
cases digestive problems start at weaning time or times when breast milk
gets replaced with formula milk and other foods get introduced. In many
cases parents clearly remember that the diarrhoea or constipation started
in the second year, but thinking back would recall that their child had colic,
vomiting (reflux) or other digestive symptoms in the first year as well. In
cases of GAPS adults it is important to speak to the parents of the patient (if
possible) in order to collect a detailed medical history starting from birth.
In those cases where an adult did not have a history of gut problems from
childhood the digestive problems would start later in life due to some
health-damaging event.
The second year of life is the time when many GAPS children start devel
oping fussy eating habits, refusing a whole lot of foodstuffs and limiting
their diet to a handful of foods, usually starchy and sweet: breakfast cere
als, crisps, chips, popcorn, cakes, biscuits, sweets, bananas, bread, rice,
sweet yoghurts. Most of these children would refuse to have vegetables,
fruit (apart from bananas), meats, fish and eggs. About 60-70% of the autis
tic children I have seen in my clinic would have an extremely limited diet,
consisting sometimes of two or three items. It is quite rare to meet an autis
tic child who is not fussy with food. Other GAPS children may not be as extreme as autistic children but the majority of them also limit their diets
in the same typical fashion.
It is


. An 8-ounce glass of freshly squeezed orange
juice. Some additional raw or stewed fruit. Optional: a slice of organic, unsalted, toasted 100%
rye bread.
 LUNCH: a large plate of mixed raw salad with flax seed oil dressing. 8-10 ounces of
the “special soup.” Baked, boiled, mashed or otherwise prepared potato. 1-2 freshly cooked
vegetables. Raw or stewed fruit for dessert.
 DINNER: Follows the same order as lunch but is varied with different vegetables and fruit
for dessert.
 PLEASE NOTE: Either at lunch or dinner, after the patient has consumed the necessary
foods,  he or she may eat a second slice of organic, unsalted, 100% rye bread. However, bread
should NOT satisfy the appetite or take the place of essential foods.
Copyright © Charlotte Gerson, 2007.  All rights reserved.
This material may not be reproduced in any medium, print or electronic without prior written permission from the author.Page 107Healing the Gerson Way—Defeating Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases
www.thegersonway.comBasic Recipes to Start You Off
For a full range of Gerson recipes, please see Chapter 28. The following instructions are only
meant to introduce the most fundamental items of the patient’s essential daily menu.
 BREAKFAST : For one person, put 5 ounces of rolled oats into 12 ounces of distilled water.
Start cold, bring to a boil, let simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile squeeze
orange juice, add prescribed medication(s) (see Chapter 14 ). Serve the oatmeal with pre-soaked
unsulphured dried fruit, e.g. apricots, apple rings, prunes, raisins and mango. Or use raw or
stewed apple or stewed plums, or fresh fruit in season, e.g. peaches, nectarines, grapes or pears.
(No berries!) Up to two teaspoons a day of permitted sweeteners (raw honey, maple syrup, spray-
dried cane juices sold as Sucanat and Rapadura, or unsulphured molasses) may be used.
 LUNCH :  For the salad, cut up, slice and mix varied lettuces, such as red lettuce, Romaine,
escarole, salad bowl and endive. Add to the mixture chopped green onions, radishes, a little
celery, some tomatoes, cauliflower florets, slices of green pepper and watercress.  Dressing:  mix
1 tablespoonful of flax seed oil (during the first month of the therapy; afterwards reduce to 2
teaspoonfuls) with apple cider or red wine vinegar, or lemon or lime juice; add garlic to taste.
“Special Soup” or Hippocrates Soup
(to be eaten twice daily throughout the treatment.)
To save time and effort, prepare enough for two days, i.e., 4 portions. It will keep in the
refrigerator overnight for the next day.  These are the ingredients :
1 medium celery root if available. If not, 3-4 celery branches, i.e., pascal
1 medium parsley root (rarely available, may be omitted)
2 small or one large leek (if not available, use 2 small onions instead)
2 medium onions
garlic to taste—may also be squeezed raw into the hot soup instead of cooking it
a small amount of parsley
1 1⁄2 pounds of tomatoes (or more, if desired)
1 pound of potatoes.
To prepare : wash and scrub vegetables and cut into slices or 1⁄2 inch cubes. Put in lar ge pot,
add water to just cover vegetables, bring to the boil, then cook slowly on a low heat for 1 1⁄2 to
2 hours, until all the vegetables are soft. Pass through food mill, to remove fi bers. Let soup cool
before storing in refrigerator.

Copyright © Charlotte Gerson, 2007.  All rights reserved.
This material may not be reproduced in any medium, print or electronic without prior written permission from the author.Page 108Healing the Gerson Way—Defeating Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases
www.thegersonway.comPLEASE NOTE : Many spices are high in aromatic acids, which are irritants and are likely to
counteract the healing reaction. This is why only the following mild spices are permitted, to be
used in very small doses:
Allspice, anise, bay leaves, coriander, dill, fennel, mace, marjoram, rosemary, sage, saffron,
tarragon, thyme, sorrel, summer savory. In addition, chives, onion, garlic and parsley may be
used in larger amounts.
Two herb teas, chamomile and peppermint, are frequently used by Gerson patients. For details
please see Chapter 13  and Chapter 16.
Copyright © Charlotte Gerson, 2007.  All rights reserved.
This material may not be reproduced in any medium, print or electronic without prior written permission from the author.Page 109Healing the Gerson Way—Defeating Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases
www.thegersonway.comCHAPTER 13
All About Enemas
To the uninitiated the coffee enema is the most surprising and apparently bizarre element of
the Gerson Therapy. Critics like to attack and ridicule it, without bothering to find out its purpose
and function. Yet without this simple tool of detoxification the Gerson method wouldn’t work.
Before going into details, let us make clear why this is so.
The moment a patient is put on the full therapy, the combined effect of the food, the juices
and the medication causes the immune system to attack and kill tumor tissue, besides working
to flush out accumulated toxins from the body tissues. This great clearing out carries the risk of
overburdening and poisoning the liver, the all-important organ of detoxification, which in a cancer
patient is bound to be already damaged and debilitated. It was this recognition that prompted Dr.
Gerson some 70 years ago to incorporate the coffee enema in the program, for he realized that
without this additional means of detoxification the liver was in danger of becoming comatose,
which could severely damage or even kill the patient. How the coffee enema prevents this will be
explained fully in this chapter.
Generally speaking, any kind of enema introduces a substance into the rectum in order to
empty the bowel, or to administer nutrients or drugs. It is a medical procedure of great antiquity:
Hippocrates, the Greek “father of modern medicine” prescribed water enemas for several
conditions some 2600 years ago. In India, enemas were recommended for inner cleansing by
Patanjali, author of the first written work on yoga, in around 200 B.C. According to tradition, the
ibis, a sacred bird of Ancient Egypt associated with wisdom, used to administer itself an enema
with its long curved beak. Closer to our own time, a lady in the court of King Louis XIV of France
is reported to have taken an enema under her voluminous skirts, and “Le Malade Imaginaire,”
i.e., The Hypochondriac, in Moliere’s play of the same title, enjoyed an enema on stage.  It is
only in recent times, and mainly in English-speaking countries, that this simple and safe cleansing
method had fallen into disuse.
The use of coffee  as enema material began in Germany towards the end of World War I.
(1914-1918).The country was blockaded by the Allies, many essential goods—among them
morphine—were not available, yet trainloads of wounded soldiers kept arriving at field hospitals,
needing surgery. The surgeons had barely enough morphine to dull the pain of the operations, but
none to help patients endure the post-surgical pain; all they could do was to order water enemas
to be used.
Although owing to the blockade coffee was in short supply, there was plenty of it around to
help the surgeons stay awake during their long spells of duty. The nurses, desperate to ease their
Copyright © Charlotte Gerson, 2007.  All rights reserved.
This material may not be reproduced in any medium, print or electronic without prior written permission from the author.Page 110Healing the Gerson Way—Defeating Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases
www.thegersonway.compatients’ pain, began to pour some of the leftover coffee into the enema buckets, figuring that since
it helped the surgeons (who drank it), the soldiers (who didn’t) would also benefit from it. And
indeed the soldiers reported pain relief. This accidental discovery came to the attention of two
medical researchers, Professors Meyer and Huebner, at the University of Goettingen in Germany,
who went on to test the effects of rectally infused caffeine on rats. They found that the caffeine,
travelling via the hemorrhoidal vein and the portal system to the liver, opened up the bile ducts,
allowing the liver to release accumulated toxins. This observation was confirmed seventy years
later, in 1990 by Dr. Peter Lechner, oncologist surgeon at the District Hospital of Graz, Austria,
after running a six-year controlled test on cancer patients following a slightly modified version of
the Gerson Therapy. In his report1 he quotes independent laboratory results, identifying the two
components of coffee that play the major role in detoxifying the liver. (see Chapter 8, pg. 75 )
Dr. Gerson became aware of the


 every new patient who
comes to see me receives a full thyroid and hormonal evaluation. Helping a patient balance their hormonal status has proven to be
one of the most rewarding things I do in the practice of medicine. I did not learn how to properly use iodine in treating these
patients until about ten years ago. Over the first ten years of my holistic practice, I diagnosed many patients with hypothyroidism.
Needless to say, I treated many of these patients with thyroid hormone.
During this time, I was frustrated. Although most patients were doing better, I could not believe that so many people weresuffering from thyroid problems. I did not want to treat every patient with thyroid hormone. I wanted to find an underlying reason
why so many patients were suffering from thyroid issues.
At first I looked for nutritional deficiencies such as selenium, iodine, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin C. Although I tried to
correct these deficiencies, my patients were not responding until I gave them thyroid hormone.
Approximately 10 years into this practice I met my mentor on iodine—Dr. Guy Abraham. He showed me the form of iodine I
was using—iodide—was not the most efficacious form and he taught me how to measure iodine levels. Furthermore, Dr.
Abraham’s research was clear; whole-body iodine sufficiency was
best achieved by using both iodine- and iodide-containing
products.
Only when I started using the correct form of iodine—in combination with iodide—was I able to reduce my use of thyroid
hormone.
My practice now is much different than it was 20 years ago. Hopefully, I have become a little wiser (some may disagree with
that). Now, every patient has their iodine levels assessed. If I diagnose a patient with hypothyroidism, I do not start thyroid
hormone therapy until they have sufficient iodine levels. This has allowed me to use much smaller thyroid hormone dosing. Twenty
years ago, my average thyroid dose was 120-180mg/day of desiccated thyroid hormone. Now, it is 30mg/day.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE ALREADY TAKING THYROID HORMONE: RULE OF THIRDS
If someone is already taking thyroid hormone and they are diagnosed with iodine deficiency, the ‘rule of thirds’ comes into
play. These patients may need to:
Maintain the same thyroid hormone dose
Reduce their thyroid hormone dose in half
Stop taking thyroid hormone
The problem is, when starting iodine therapy, I do not know which of the three groups an individual patient will fall into. I tell
my patients if, upon staring iodine therapy, they become
nervous, anxious, or develop palpitations, they need to immediately cut
their thyroid hormone dose in half. If the above symptoms still persist, it is best to stop the thyroid hormone.
Following patients closely can minimize complications. In addition, performing an appropriate exam and checking blood tests
can help guide the process.
WHY DOES TSH INCREASE WHEN STARTING IODINE THERAPY?
One of the most frequent e-mails I receive from physicians and laypeople is their concern about TSH levels elevating after
beginning iodine therapy. As previously mentioned, TSH is released by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid gland to
produce thyroid hormone.
However, TSH has another function besides stimulating thyroid hormone production. It also helps stimulate the body’s
production of the iodine transport molecules–the sodium-iodide symporter-NIS. Without adequate amounts of NIS, iodine would
not be able to enter the cells and be utilized.
In other words, the NIS is like a taxi cab that shuttles the iodine from the blood stream into the thyroid cell in order for the
cell to use the iodine to make thyroid hormone.
This concept is not hard to grasp. Let’s take the example of a patient who is iodine deficient. This iodine-deficient patient’s
body does not require a large amount of NIS since there is little
iodine that needs to be transported into the cells. However, when
this individual begins to supplement with iodine, the extra iodine now needs to be transported into the cells. One way the body
will accomplish this is to increase the production of TSH to stimulate more NIS. In other words, when iodine supplementation is
started, the body will produce more “NIS taxi cabs” to shuttle the iodine into the thyroid cell in order to produce thyroid
hormone.
My experience has shown, when iodine supplementation has begun, an elevated TSH without clinical signs of hypothyroidism
(i.e., fatigue, hair loss, headaches, etc.) as well as normal T3 and T4 levels does not indicate a hypothyroid condition. On the
contrary, the elevated TSH is the body’s appropriate and necessary response to produce more NIS or “taxi cabs” to increase the
transport of iodine into the thyroid cells. How long does TSH stay elevated? I have found that TSH may remain elevated for up
to 6 months before lowering to normal.
How high do TSH levels rise? The normal TSH level ranges from 0.5-4.5mIU/L. I have witnessed TSH levels elevated to 5-
30mIU/L for a period of time–sometimes up to six months–before falling back to the normal range. Remember, if there are no
clinical symptoms of thyroid problems and T3 and T4 levels are normal, it is doubtful that TSH elevation is sign of
hypothyroidism. In this case, TSH elevation is normal and expected. The TSH will
decline back to the reference range after the
thyroid gland is saturated with iodine.
IODINE-INDUCED HYPOTHYROIDISM
I, and my partners, have treated thousands of patients, autoimmune thyroid (AIT) disease patients included, and we have not
seen an epidemic of iodine-induced hypothyroidism. In fact, as I was going to print with this book, I queried my partners on thisissue, and we came up with two cases of iodine-induced hypothyroidism. Keep in mind that is only two out of over thousands of
patients treated with iodine.
Most doctors and some holistic doctors do not seem to understand the concept of how the TSH rises with the initiation of
iodine therapy. Allow me to repeat myself: Increasing TSH levels, without falling T3 and T4 levels and clinical signs and
symptoms, do not indicate iodine-induced hypothyroidism. Finally, it is worth repeating–TSH levels initially rise in nearly all who
start iodine therapy. This is a normal and expected response.
IODINE-INDUCED HYPERTHYROIDISM
Does iodine therapy cause hyperthyroidism? I was taught in medical school that it did, especially in patients suffering from
autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Graves’ or Hashimoto’s disease. Young doctors-in-training are still taught this today. So, let
me answer the question: Very rarely. Between my partners and myself, we estimate that over 12 years, less than 10 patients
out
of thousands treated became hyperthyroid when treated with iodine.
When I lecture to doctors, I tell them one particular condition can predispose to iodine-induced hyperthyroidism. This
condition occurs in a patient who has an autonomously functioning nodule in their thyroid. Sometimes this is referred to as a hot
nodule on a thyroid scan.
An autonomously functioning nodule is not under the feedback control of the pituitary and the hypothalamus. It functions
independently of the thyroid gland. When iodine is present, these nodules can take up the iodine and produce copious amounts of
thyroid hormone leading to hyperthyroidism. This condition can be diagnosed with a thyroid scan. However, it is most frequently
diagnosed after a trial of iodine therapy is given and the patient becomes hyperthyroid after taking the first couple of doses.
How do you treat a patient with an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule? These patients must avoid iodine supplements
and food (such as seaweed) that is high in iodine until the nodule is surgically removed.
Even less frequently, I see iodine cause hyperthyroidism in a patient without an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule.
However, iodine can cause adverse effects, including symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as nervousness, jitteriness, palpitations,
etc., from a detoxification reaction. When this occurs, in most cases, it is due to iodine displacing the toxic halide bromine.
Bromine toxicity can display all the symptoms I mentioned above. More about bromine toxicity can be found in
Chapter 11
.
BREAST CANCER: THE PROBLEM WITH TAKING THYROID HORMONE WHEN IODINE DEFICIENCY IS
PRESENT
One of the main jobs of thyroid hormone is to stimulate the metabolism of the body. In hypothyroidism, the metabolism of the
body is slowed down. Consequently, excess weight gain is common in hypothyroidism. Conversely, in hyperthyroidism, the
metabolism of the body is accelerated and weight loss is more common.
Iodine is not only necessary for thyroid hormone production, it is necessary for the production of all the hormones of the
body. Every gland concentrates iodine and utilizes iodine to manufacture hormones. Furthermore, every cell depends on adequate
iodine stores for the cell machinery to run optimally.
When thyroid hormone is taken, all the cells of the body are affected by it. In effect, thyroid hormone raises the metabolism of
every cell in the body.


n	out	of	the	raw	material	of	consciousness.	The	workshop
where	this	creation	takes	place	is	Akasha,	the	field	of	consciousness.	The
artisans	in	charge	are	those	with	enough	awareness	to	do	the	job.	I’d	like	to
propose	that	even	if	you	don’t	feel	competent	to	make	a	god,	you	can	at	least
teach	yourself	to	make	an	angel.I	once	interviewed	a	man	who	had	remarkable	healing	abilities,	and	he
was	very	modest	about	them.	He	told	me,	“I	could	teach	you	to	do	the	same
thing	in	a	few	days.”	When	I	replied	that	I	doubted	that,	he	said,	“It’s	actually
very	simple.	The	hard	part	is	removing	your	belief	that	you
can’t
	heal.”	The
same	holds	true	for	almost	everything.	We	spend	our	whole	lives	projecting	a
dream,	stepping	into	it,	and	believing	the	dream	is	real.	See	yourself	as	the
one	who	is	doing	all	three,	and	suddenly	the	world	of	angels	becomes	as	real
as	this	world	of	solid	things.12
T
HE
	D
REAM
	C
ONTINUES
HOW	DOES	SAVITRI’S
	tale	end?	The	sun	had	already	dipped	beneath	the	treetops
when	she	ran	back	into	her	hut	and	peered	out	the	front	window.	Yama	was
still	sitting	in	the	dust,	only	now	the	long	shadows	of	the	pines	completely
covered	him.	Savitri	braced	herself,	saying	one	last	prayer,	and	went	out	to
face	him.
And	then?	In	one	version	Savitri	puts	on	a	great	show	of	welcoming
Yama.	The	Lord	of	Death	is	so	pleased	that	he	grants	her	a	boon.	Savitri	asks
for	the	boon	of	life,	which	confuses	Yama.	“You	are	already	alive,”	he	points
out.	But	Savitri	insists,	and	Yama	grants	her	wish.	Savitri	rises	to	her	feet,
saying,	“You	have	given	me	life,	but	I	cannot	live	without	Satyavan.”	At
which	point	Death	is	outwitted	and	must	give	her	husband	a	reprieve.
But	not	everyone	is	satisfied	with	such	a	simple	trick.	I	can	tell	you	what	I
believe.	Savitri	had	conquered	all	her	fears,	and	so	she	went	outside	and
danced	for	Yama.	She	danced	so	exquisitely	that	when	she	ended	up	with	her
head	resting	in	his	lap,	she	whispered,	as	one	lover	to	another,	“Time	isn’t
long	enough	to	satisfy	my	longing	for	you.”
To	which	the	enchanted	Yama	replied,	“But	we	have	eternity	together.”
Savitri	shook	her	head.	“If	you	are	all-powerful,	add	one
second
	to	eternity	so
that	I	can	love	you	more	than	anyone	has	ever	loved.	That’s	all	I	ask.”
Yama	had	never	been	offered	any	kind	of	love,	certainly	not	by	a	young
woman	who	had	every	reason	to	fear	him.	So	he	granted	Savitri	a	single
second	more—and	thus	he	was	defeated.
How?
A	second	to	the	gods	is	a	hundred	years	to	mortals.	In	that	extra	second
Satyavan	returned	home	and	embraced	Savitri.	They	went	inside	their	hut	and
lived	as	before.	They	had	children	and	grew	old	together.	In	time	Savitri’s
father,	the	king,	relented	and	welcomed	them	both	back	to	his	palace.	And	in
her	old	age	Savitri	wondered	if	she	had	asked	for	too	much	time,	because	she
survived	long	after	Satyavan	left	this	world.	She	spent	her	final	years	in
meditation	and	became	enlightened,	so	when	the	extra	second	was	up,	Yama
was	amazed	to	find	that	Savitri	hadn’t	tricked	him	after	all.	She	actually	did
love	him	as	one	loves	the	wholeness	of	life	rather	than	one	aspect	alone.
This	ending	is	beautiful	and	consoling.	I	would	like	it	to	be	read	when	Ihave	no	more	days	left.	In	the	spirit	of	Savitri	I’ve	already	written	this	note,
which	I	will	leave	for	my	family	to	read.
No	matter	what,	don’t	cry	for	me.
I’m	all	right,	and	I’ll	go	on	loving	you	no	matter	what	happens.	This	is	my
road	to	travel
.
Every	once	in	a	while	I	look	at	the	words	for	a	moment.	Somehow,	like
Savitri,	I’ve	won	nothing	more	than	an	extra	second	of	existence.	It	will	be
enough.
REINCARNATION
Making	an	angel	isn’t	the	ultimate	accomplishment	of	consciousness.	Making
a	new	life	out	of	nothing	is.	This	ability	is	known	as	reincarnation.	The
popular	notion	of	reincarnation	is	simple:	we	die	and	come	back	as	somebody
else.	But	how	does	the	soul	clothe	itself	in	a
new
	personality	in	order	to	be
reborn?	In	a	culture	like	India,	where	reincarnation	has	a	strong	foundation,
people	want	to	know	why	they	are	born	with	certain	karmic	tendencies,	and
whole	groups	in	society—astrologers,	priests,	philosophers,	gurus—exist	to
explain	the	process	whereby	Karma	attaches	itself	to	a	soul	and	gives	rise	to	a
new	lifetime	of	experience.
Most	people	are	aware	that	Tibetans	expect	their	religious	leaders,
including	the	Dalai	Lama,	to	reincarnate	as	a	baby	who	will	give	signs	of	his
identity.	These	babies	are	almost	always	born	in	Tibet,	but	there	are	cases
where	they	can	appear	in	Europe;	for	example,	about	a	decade	ago	the	search
for	a	great	lama	led	Tibetan	investigators	to	a	family	in	Spain.	In	India	noted
religious	figures	are	often	matched	to	illustrious	predecessors;	Mahatma
Gandhi	has	been	linked	by	his	followers	to	great	gurus	in	the	past.	Who	is	to
say	which	match	is	valid?	The	subject	becomes	very	complicated.
There	are	Native	American	tribes	in	which	five	or	six	children	may	be
born	who	have	vivid	recollections	of	having	the	same	mother	in	a	prior
lifetime.	There	are	similar	instances	in	Japan	of	children	who	remember
identical	experiences	in	a	past	life	in	World	War	II,	as	if	a	single	soldier’s	soul
fragmented	into	pieces,	each	of	which	was	reborn	separately.	Experts	in	“soul
regression,”	which	takes	a	person	back	one	lifetime	after	another,	claim	that
memories	blend	and	become	absorbed.	Thus	a	great	personage	like	Cleopatra
or	Napoleon	affects	the	recollections	of	an	entire	society,	and	people	in	later
lifetimes	remember	being	Napoleon	when	in	fact	their	lives	were	simply
touched	by	him	in	some	powerful	way.
People	can	become	fascinated	by	the	game	of	“Who	was	I	in	a	prior
lifetime?”	or	even	“Didn’t	I	meet	you	in	a	former	life?”	But	I’ve	known
others	who	cover	their	ears	when	they	hear	the	word	“reincarnation,”distressed	by	the	notion	that	they	might	be	reborn	as	a	pig	or	a	dog.
Reincarnation	offends	Christian	theology,	which	doesn’t	permit	a	second


 life, and a wonderful job. But if you have a mess inside,
you’ll just be trying to use these outer situations to make yourself okay. This
can work for short periods of time, but you don’t want to build your house
on sand. The alternative is when  the stuff starts to come up, the second youfeel that change, relax. Don’ t even wait until you know what it’s about; just
relax and let go. You can work with samskaras at the energetic  level rather
than the mental level. This is much deeper. There are blockages in there, but
they don’t want to be in there. They want to come up and be released.
Surrender is the act of letting go instead of resisting by pushing the
blockages away. You will see it’s not always comfortable when these
disturbances from your past come up. The events weren’ t comfo rtable when
they happened— that’s why you pushed them away. Now that they’re trying
to release, are you going to push them back down for another ten years? If
you are not serious about working on yourself, that is what’ s going to
happen.
Eventually, you will take it seriously that the purpose of your life is
letting go of these stored patterns. Your blocked past is keeping you from
God, and it’s keeping you from having a beautiful life. The same sincere
effort you put into a relationship  or into earning money, you learn to put into
freeing yourself of these blockages. Remember this: It’s not about
renunciation—it’ s about purification. It’s about cleaning out the inside so
you can have a beautiful life, both outside and in. At some point in your
growth you will recognize that freeing yourself is worth the discomfort of
letting go of past disturbances. Look at what athletes go through for the
Olympics. For years they put themselves through hell to win a gold medal.
They feel proud for a while, then what? It becomes a wall ornament. We’re
talking about putting out a fraction of that effort to win everything, and the
fruits of your effort will keep giving over time. Imagine not having those
sensitive blocka ges in there. Imagine being able to enjoy the world as it
unfolds around you. You can begin to appreciate life and wholeheartedly
participate in it. What’ s that worth?
This is what happens when you are willing to let go of your past. This
is a very import ant spiritual practice. You should be able to look back on
your past and say, “Thank you.” It doesn’ t matter what happened.
Remember, every moment there are trillions and trillions of things going on
in the universe,  but you only get to experience one. How can you not
appreciate the one you got to see? You came down to Earth, and this was the
experience you had. That’ s what your life is: the sequence of experiences
you got to experience. Learn to love and appreciate your past. Fully
embrace it, thank it for teaching you, and let go of any judgment that there
was something wrong with it. Your past is uniquely yours. It happened. It’ssacred. It’s beautiful. Nobody else ever had it, and nobody else ever will.
Embrace your past, hug it, kiss it—love it to death.Chapter 33.
Meditation
Many practices can help you on your spiritual journey. As you do them,
always remember that your intent is to cease storing blockages.  If weekend
retreats help you with the process of letting go, then do them. If a form of
therapy helps you open up and release, then do it. A time-honore d technique
for spiritual growth is meditation. In order to meditate, you have to let go of
your traditional relationship with your mind and emotions. There are many
forms of meditation, but the bottom line of all of them is letting go of your
addiction to focusing on your thoughts. Focus on your breath, count, do
mantra, feel the energy—in other words, focus on anything except the
thoughts arising  in your mind. As you practice meditation you will find that
your ability to let go during daily life is greatly enhanced. Relaxing and
releasing on the meditation cushion is the same process as relaxing and
releasing during  daily activity. Eventually, you will find that you remain
clearer throughout the day—you  are always aware of what is going on both
inside and outside. This clarity of presence is one of the gifts of meditation.
There are many meditation techniques. If you don’t have a technique,
you can try this simple practice. Commit to sitting down for a short period
twice a day, preferably at the same times each day. This requires the
discipline to give this inner work priority over everything else. Most people
manage to eat and sleep at certain times each day; they also manage to find
time for their jobs and their relationships. This inner work on yourself is
more important than everything  else you do. In the end, it will affect the
quality of your life more than all the other things you do each day. Many of
today’ s teachers  say that to sit in meditation for fifteen minutes in the
morning and fifteen minutes in the evening is a good starting point. That
alone will create great benefits. Just put aside the time to sit down in a quiet
place.What do you do during that time? What you don’t want to do is expect
to have a spiritual experience. If you expect that, you’re going to get
disappointed and you will stop meditating. You are sitting down for the
same reason you sit down to play your scales on the piano, to learn. If you
sit down  to practice the piano and expect to be playing Beethoven when you
get up, you’re going to quit the piano. The same is true of meditation. The
reason you sit down to meditate  is to learn how to remain conscious inside
while your mind creates thoughts and your heart creates emotions. Whatever
is going on in there is fine—as long as you can objectively observe it. This
is called mindful meditation.
Suppose someone says, “I can’t meditate. I sit down, and my mind
doesn’ t shut up. It just keeps talking and talking.” That’ s actually a pretty
good state—you know you’re not your mind. You actually watched your
mind talk for fifteen minutes and noticed that it didn’ t shut up. You don’t
normally notice that. You norma lly get all involved in the thoughts the mind
is creati ng. This time you notic ed them, and you noticed that they did not
stop. That, in and of itself, is a form of witness consciousness. You were
witnessing the thoughts instead of getting lost in them. Don’ t call that a bad
meditation. If you practice the piano and make mistakes, that’s not a bad
practice session. Every practice session is about learning. Likewise, there is
no such thing as a bad meditation—there is just practicing being aware of
what is going on in there.
Of course, there are higher states of meditation than simply noticing
the mind, but you should not set expectations. Expectations are just another
mind-trip. Decid e that you are sitting down because you choos e to learn to
be present and work on yourself. This is a time when you don’t have so
many external distractions, so you can practice being present. That’ s all.
You may not like what you see inside, but you are learning to be present
with it. Y ou’re learning to be at peace with what used to drive you crazy.
To appre ciate the purpose of spiritual techniques, you have to realize
that you are addicted to your mind. You’re more addicted to your mind than
people are to drugs. In fact, the reason many people start doing drugs is to
get away  from their mind’ s incessant chatter. That’ s also why some people
start drinking—the mind can be impossible to live with. If you are like most
people, you are addicted to every single word your mind says. If your mind
suddenly says, “I don’t like it here, I want to leave,” you leave. If it says, “I
think something good will come from being here, I want to stay for awhile,” you stay. You are absorbed in your thoughts, and you follow
whatever the mind says. In essen ce, your mind is your guru, and you need to
back of f from that relationship.
Changing your relationship with your mind is a major part of the
spiritual journey. You don’t do this by fighting with the mind and resisting
thoughts. You do this by learning not to listen to the mind. You are the
consciousness, and the mind is the object of consciousness. You must be
able to withdraw your attentio n from the mind, even when the mind is
talking. The easiest way to do this is to pay attention to something else. One
very common meditation technique is to pay attention to your breath. Just
watch your breath. Over time you will see that if you are watching your
breath go in and out, you are not focusing on the mind. If you try this very
simple technique of watching your breath, you’ll see how addicted you are
to the mind. One moment you’re sitting there watching your breath and not
being distracted by the mind. The next thing you know, you’re lost in your
thoughts.


 on already,  the present moment is always
elusive because  the instant you register it as either a sensation, an
image, a feeling, or a thought, it’s gone. So let’s boil these  insights
down. The now, the place where we all live, can be described as:
the junction point where the timeless is converted into
time
the only “real” time we know in the waking state
a totally unpredictable phenomenon
a totally elusive phenomenon
Now, if  all these characteristi cs are being correctly described, it
turns o ut that we have been fooling ourselves to believe that time
is a  simple ma tter of tick-tock on the clock. In some my sterious
way, ea ch of us occupies a tim eless domain, and to produce a four-dimensional w orld for the purpose of living in it, we mentally
construct it. That is, we create the world in consciousness first and
foremost. Reality, including ordinary clock time, is constructed in
consciousness as well.
We mu st not fall into the tra p of saying that the mind creates
reality. The mind is a vehicle for active thinking experience, and,
like tim e and space, it has to  have a source beyond some thing as
transient and elusive as thou ghts. If we trusted our min ds, we’d
equate going to sleep with death. In sleep the conscious mind
gives up the w orld of solid physical objects and clock time. Yet
when w e wake up in the morning, there is a return of solid objects
and clock time. They were held in waiting, so to speak, by
consciousness, even during the eight hours a day that the thinking
mind was out of commission.
If th e d irect pa th aims to tak e us beyond the illusion we accept
as r eal, it must deliver the experience of being timeless. In its
fullest state, the timeless experience is simple, natural, and
effortless—it is  the sense of self, which quietly lies insid e every
other experience. We are only partially there. The exercise in this
chapter, which  allows you to experience your body in awareness,
thaws o ut one aspect of the  illusion. The present discussion of
being t imeless thaws out another aspect. In both cases, as
physicality and  clock time sta rt to lose their grip, you realize that
there is another way to live: being metahuman.
When you start being metahuman, you exist at the timeless
source of the self. It’s a huge step to know that the timeless is with
us, bey ond any belief in birth and death, age and decay. Things
appear and disappear in our dreams when we’re sleeping. Yet we
don’t m ourn them, because we know that dreams are an illusion.
What matters isn’t the things  that appear and disappear, o nly that
you don’t mistake the dream for reality.
Discovering that the same is true about our waking dream sets
us f ree from t he fear of death. Metahuman is about mo re than
this. Liberated  from illusion, we can be free of all fear. In the end,
waking up leads to absolut e freedom. We don’t just l ead our
everyday lives. We navigate the field of infinite possibilities.I11

R E C O V E R I N G  T H E
W H O L E  M I N D
magine that you’ve gone to a cabin in the woods that sits by a
small lake. The sun wakes you up very early, and when you walk
down to  the lake in the pale light of dawn, it is perfectly still. The
surface is mirror-like and undisturbed. You have the urge to pick
up a pebble and toss it into the lake. The pebble lands with a plop,
ripples spread  out across the water, and, as the ring of ripples
widens, they fade away until nothing remains but the still surface
of the lake. It h as returned to what it was before you came along to
disturb it.
In this modes t experience is reflected the whole story of the
human mind. All that’s needed is to see the scene in reverse, like
running a film backward. The surface of the lake is perfectly still.
A faint ring of ripples distur bs the water, at first in a way that’s
barely d iscernible. The ripple s grow bigger and the ring starts to
shrink. All at once a pebble pops out of the water and f lies into
your hand.
This is how the human mind looks from the perspective of
metareality. Th ere is pure c onsciousness, still and undisturbed.
Faint activity begins to stir, s o faint that you have to be quiet andvery alert to notice it. But this activity—call it a vibr ation in
consciousness—becomes mo re urgent until something fully
formed pops into existence: a sensation, image, feeling, or
thought.
In d aily life a myriad of mental events pop into existence, and
they are so con stant and compelling we never experience  the still
surface of the lake, which is pure consciousness. The direct path
aims to recover this experien ce, because a still, undisturbed state
of a wareness is whole mind. Whole mind contains the infinite
potential that is unique to Homo sapiens. A s with so ma ny things
in meta reality, whole mind is already here and now. You  have to
have a lake before you can throw a pebble into it, and you have to
have a lake for the pebble to pop out of it, too. Both p rocesses
occur in the co smos as every subatomic particle emerges from the
quantum vacuum and fades back into it. Likewise, your thoughts
arise from silence, poise in midair only as long as it takes to be
noticed, and then fade back where they came from.
If w hole mind is already here and now, why do we ne ed to
recover it? The answer offered in this book is that metareality lies
beyond the illusions of virtual reality, which bamboozles us by
seeming to be real. Whole m ind is indisputably real, as th e direct
path aims to prove. But I feel that something more is needed. If
mental activity were exactly like pebbles popping out of a lake,
each thought would naturally die away, and the mind  would
effortlessly ret urn to its und isturbed state. In other words, there
would be no i nterruptions, no clinging or blurring or storms to
whip the lake up.
Unfortunately, our minds are not smoothly connected to pure
consciousness. Our minds are a confused, chaotic jumble, vividly
described in some Eastern traditions as a monkey. Every thought
joins the storm of other thoughts without returning to a still,
undisturbed st ate. To be hu man is to ride the storm. Once you
learned as a small child to speak and put thoughts into words,
your mind was off and running. Fueled by the agenda of the ego,
“I” started the endless task of accepting A and rejecting B. Even
two- or three-year-olds want  what they want: toys to call “mine,”
attention from  their mother, their favorite foods, stories th ey want
to h ear over and over again. Rejection is a vital part of the ego’sagenda as well. A two- or three-year-old throws some toys on the
floor, re jects hugs and kisses, refuses to eat certain foods, and so
on.
There is a fam ous cartoon by Carl Rose and E. B. W hite
showing a mother and child at the dinner table. The caption goes:
M OTHER:  “It’s broccoli, dear.”
D AUGHTER:  “I say it’s spinach and I say the hell with it.”
If kids spoke in adult voices, that’s exactly how they’d talk!
From the perspective of metahuman, none of the ego’s agenda
is a necessity. Why go to the  trouble of constructing a se lf when
you already are  the self? The o nly real necessity is to be here now
and allow life to unfold.
But bec ause our thoughts don’t fade away into pure, quiet
calmness, an obstacle arises. Thoughts interfere with our ability to
be here now. Every thought generates a new thought, every
sensation a new sensation. This endless mental activity is so
distracting that we cannot see our source or touch it or sense its
presence. Getting rid of mental interference has become hard
work. T he years spent in Zen  Buddhist monasteries or sitting in
lotus pose in a Himalayan cave are images in popular culture that
represent just how arduous it  is to quiet the mind. The dir ect path
cuts thr ough th e hard work i n a simple way, as illustrate d in the
following exercise.
E x e r c i s e :  E y e s  O p e n,  N o  T h o u g h t s
This exercise is reserved for  the moment you wake up in the
morning. When you open your eyes and before you get out of bed,
your mind begins its day. You are preset to jump in to your
customary rou tine. You start to think about what you have to do
that da y, and very