Scleroderma– a Personal Research Story

NOTE: Do read the Addendums at the end of this article, especially Addendum II, written in May 2011.

In February 1974, a New York ARE member, Sid Kalugin, gave an interview on the Barry Farber Radio Show, describing how his life had been saved from a very painful death from Scleroderma through the Edgar Cayce readings. Scleroderma is a disease of the connective tissue wherein the victim is said to “turn to stone.” Sid commented that, when his leg was completely diseased, he could have taken a hammer and chipped off pieces of his leg like chipping at a rock. With approximately 3 months to live, he was directed to the Cayce readings through a friend who had given him a copy of a life-altering book by Thomas Sugrue, THERE IS A RIVER.

Shortly before he achieved total remission, Sid met a friend of mine, Elaine Morgan, who assisted him with the final curative steps— since she herself had been cured of the disease only 2 years earlier. After he felt completely cured, Sid was interviewed by both the Virginia Sun newspaper (a copy of this interview appears in the circulating Scleroderma file) and Barry Farber. The response was phenomenal! Sid never realized that so many people suffered with this disease, a disease for which there is no known cure recognized by the traditional medical world. As a result of these numerous responses, Sid formed a Scleroderma information center in New York City. I worked with this information center during the early years as an astrological consultant. My service was for astrological research, to provide supportive data and make suggestions for the presiding medical doctor. Here, I would like to share 2 case studies.

The first case is that of a 7-year old boy which was the most complex case that we encountered. The child had open-heart surgery when he was 3 years old. There were kidney problems that the doctors could not alleviate. There was a blood disorder. And, lastly, this boy had vitiligo, no skin pigmentation. Because my original astrological diagnosis was quite long, I will discuss only the two most important astrological influences— Venus/Saturn and Saturn/Neptune. In relation to the kidney problem, I knew that Venus in Libra opposing Saturn produced renal retention, often due to the thickening and hardening of the long tubules of the kidneys. This, in turn, caused a block and inadequate procolation. Since the filtering systems (kidneys and skin, both ruled by Venus) were not functioning properly, there were leaving behind what they should have taken out! A transiting Uranus at that time indicated spasms, incoordination and reflex influences from other organs (nerve systems). Consequently, while there was retention, Uranus made him constantly feel that he had to urinate, although he had little urine.

I strongly suspected that Saturn also blocked the assimilation of some vital nutrient. Copper is ruled by Venus. I searched through stacks of medical books for some link but I found nothing. As a last resort, I perused Rodale medical encyclopedias (from the 1970s). Amazingly, in Rodale’s THE HEALTH SEEKER (page 552), I found the statement that “copper deficiencies may actually be involved in vitiligo.” This was later substantiated in the 1968 RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCES, published by the U.S. government. This was an important discovery since it indicated what mineral had to be transferred via vibration, which could be done simply using Edgar Cayce’s Wet Cell Appliance, as this trace mineral was not being assimilated through the normal absorption systems.

Venus also rules the thymus gland that assimilates iron to form hemoglobin in the blood. Iron can only be utilized in conjunction with copper! Since the Venus-Saturn opposition clearly shows a copper deficiency, the iron could not be used to form hemoglobin.

The next aspect came closer to describing the actual ailment of Scleroderma, Saturn inconjunct Neptune, forming a Yod configuration. This aspect produces subtle degeneration of cell life as found in tuberculosis or pre-TB states. This aspect pattern can produce thyroid irregularity that leads to poor circulation. Cayce stated in his readings that poor circulation was always a problem and that Scleroderma was very similar to tuberculosis because the same bacteria bacillus were involved. According to Cayce, both scleroderma and tuberculosis require both the use of Atomidine for the thyroid and glandular system and inhaling 100 proof apple bandy fumes from a charred oak keg. It is the fumes from this inhalant that destroy the bacteria.

In the second case study, I collected the birth data but I wrote no diagnosis. Sid told me that it was useless since the scleroderma had spread to the kidneys and other vital organs. The young lady had heard Sid’s interview with Barry Farber while she was lying in her hospital bed with a medical diagnosis of having only two weeks to live. In order that she would not lose hope, Sid visited her in the hospital and suggested massages with peanut oil that Cayce recommended for circulation¹. As a substitute for Atomidine, he recommended sea kelp, as a form of iodine. He included an outline of the Cayce treatment and urged her to obtain the Scleroderma File from the ARE Headquarters. He never heard fro the young lady after leaving her hospital room, feeling that she would have passed over even before she received the circulating file.

One year later, while at a local shopping mall, a young lady ran over to Sid, embraced him and thanked him so much for saving her life. It was the same young lady from the hospital who had been medically diagnosed as having only two weeks to live! She had immediately initiated the treatment outline given by Sid that provided sufficient remission until the circulating file arrived whereby she then was able to carry out the complete Cayce treatment. As long as there is life, there is hope!

SCLERODERMA UPDATE 2007

My original article on Scleroderma was written in the mid-1970s. I have continued to research this disease and I have acquired many new observations. Two case studies from the Cayce Readings can be found here.

The current medical definition: Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses which occur when the body’s tissues are attacked by its own immune system. Scleroderma is characterized by the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and organs of the body. This leads to thickness and firmness of involved areas. Scleroderma is also referred to as systemic sclerosis. Eventually, this disease attacks the internal organs and, with traditional treatment, it is fatal. If you read my original article, you can see why Scleroderma is the most curable of the incurable diseases.

In an overview by Dr. McGarey, “…the glandular deficiency creates a lack of nutrition in the circulation of the skin itself which in turn causes a checking of the flow of the lymph circulation. As the disease progresses, conditions in the circulation become more disturbed and areas develop of a hardening where the lymph or emunctory flow is destroyed. The nerves in these areas become involved as described earlier— causing organic involvement on the part of the body to bring about better conditions. As the lymph flow is destroyed, the lymphatics themselves become inflamed, creating the germ or the tubercle bacillus, which consumes the circulation of the skin creating a malformation. In the more advanced cases of Scleroderma, the perspiration of the skin of course becomes involved, destroying the sweat glands. And without this normal breathing of the skin, a gradual increase in acidosis within the body comes into being. This makes the body more susceptible to colds and to intercurrent infections.”

This overview can be read in its entirety at edgarcayce.org
or simply Google “Scleroderma Cayce.”

“Cayce insisted that, in each Scleroderma reading, that this was a disease process that involved tubercle bacilli in the skin (the same bacilli found in tuberculosis). In an article entitled “Acid-fast Microorganisms as a Possible Cause of Scleroderma”. (Medicina Cutanea, Ano 1-N. 6-Mayo 1967, paginas 583-596. Editorial Cientifico-Medica— Barcelona), a microscopic demonstration of the (Scleroderma) organisms was made. Cayce’s unconscious visualization of what he called tubercle bacilli no longer needed even an uninformed apology— there was proof.” [See 3/16/68 Dr. Cantwell’s letter enclosing a reprint of the Scleroderma article printed in English.]

Astrologically, I see Scleroderma as a disease associated with a malfunction of the Mutable signs with a strong Saturn. Uranus transits, associated with inflammations, were primarily the trigger aspects.

Cayce actually gave the clue to the astrological signature when he stated that it was the same bacteria bacilli in Tuberculosis that was the cause of Scleroderma. In Cornell’s ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MEDICAL ASTROLOGY, he assigns Sun-Moon/Saturn/Gemini-Sagittarius-Pisces to the natal signatures. These are the identical signatures that I have observed with Scleroderma!

With strong Mutables placements in the natal chart, the individual is subjected to many changes and vicissitudes during the life, especially during the childhood and formative years. With a strong Saturn, there is great fear associated with these life changes. The individual often feels that he or she must be responsible, mature and assume premature, adult-like assumption of duties so that the individual never does learn how to handle responsibilities effectively. The enjoyment of life is very much limited by these chores. Saturn says: Before you can be happy, the people you love must be happy.

See Dysfunctional Saturn article on this website.

The asset of the Mutable signs (Gemini-Virgo-Sagittarius-Pisces) is their flexibility and adaptability to life’s circumstances. Early pressures and fears circumvented this nature ability to adjust and easily adapt. Ultimately, the fear of change and the lack of adaptability in these people manifests through the body turning to stone… no flexibility at all.

In the Cornell Encyclopedia, he also associates “Tuberculosis of the Skin” with the Cadent Houses— 3-6-9-12. I do not find that the 9th House is connected with the many Cadent health issues that I have researched— Alzheimer’s Disease, Learning Disabilities and Scleroderma. However, houses 3-6-12 are often involved. With planets in the Cadent Houses, the individual often “thinks” about doing but does not “do.” I use the analogy of sitting at the bus stop thinking about what you are going to buy at the mall— and being so preoccupied that you miss all of the buses. My advice to people with many natal Cadent placement is to relocate to another time zone that will pull the Cadent planets into Angular Houses (1-4-7-10), making them more active.

In one of the Scleroderma case studies, it is stated regarding the psychological profile: “She began to realize that she was a compulsive achiever, driving herself always to accomplish more. This realization reduced her drive to achieve to more reasonable levels. Terri followed her treatment program persistently and consistently, amazing her parents with her ability to care for herself.” Her mother commented, “She is a different person.”

While Cayce prescribed a lengthy treatment program, Sid Kalugin listed the primary 3 treatments:

• Take a formula of iodine called Atomidine to stimulate the glands. When you cannot readily purchase this, although it is available through the Heritage Store in Virginia Beach, Barr Products and Village Green Apothecary in Bethesda MD, iodine from sea kelp can be used initially. There is no known toxicity level for Kelp Iodine at this time. Do not take Kelp while you are using Atomidine!
• Massages with Peanut Oil to stimulate the circulation in the skin.
• Essential: Breathing the fumes of Laird’s 100 Proof Apple Brandy from a Charred Oak Keg. This is required to kill the bacteria in both Scleroderma and Tuberculosis. This can be obtained from the Heritage Store in Virginia Beach. A woman at Heritage who uses the keg (only 1 gallon so not large at all) advised to heat the keg with a heating pad during the day. When the brandy is heated, the fumes are potent! This Keg Treatment is also used for bacterial asthma and pneumonia.

ADDENDUM I: In February 2010, I received an excellent post from Margaret Meuller on Scleroderma. I asked if I could post her private response and she said….

Lynn, it’s all about helping others find out that there are people who are getting well. Please mention The Roadback Foundation website www.roadback.org
There are people with dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and scleroderma who’ve been able to get to remission. The Roadback Foundation was established by volunteers who have either been helped, or have a loved one who has been helped. They have a list of doctors all over the world who will treat with this protocol, because, most doctors have been taught that this method of treatment is not effective. The ones who do are saints. I’m living proof it works, and so are the others.

I have only been in treatment for 10 – 11 months, and the average treatment to remission is three years. During this time I have become symptom free, but still have mycoplasma in my system at above normal levels.

I have also tested positive for lyme, and I believe, as do many scleroderma ap patients, that our mycoplasma infection is the result of an insect (tick, flea, biting fly, mosquito) bite. The rheumatological community denies that there is an infectious cause for scleroderma.

All the grant dollars are for stem cell or genetic research right now, so no one is even looking at the most obvious causes. Besides, the return on investment is in the medicines that are created, not the cures. I’m not bitter or a conspiracy theorist, but I’ve worked and researched long enough to understand the realities of the marketplace. “Just the facts, m’am.”

That is not to say that there are people who are not in remission. There are plenty. Some brave souls have completely gone off antibiotics with no recurrence of illness, others stay on a maintenance dose. I personally know a few of these people, as I have corresponded and talked to them on the phone. One is Jessica Ferguson a UCSD student who four years ago had skin scores of 26 and lung fibrosis. Last August she was told she was in complete remission, and has set a record for UCSD in the swimming relay, and is a nationally recognized ESPN Collegiate Athlete. She is also pre-med student.

There is also a group of five patients who were treated about 12 years ago by Dr. Trentham in Boston who are all still in remission. He was trying to set up a clinical trial, and could not get funded for a larger trial involving thousands. I’d love to write a book about them.”

The woman I know of who has been in remission the longest was sick for more than twelve years before she started on the protocol. Her name is Helen Gaggen and she has remained well and physically very active for more than twelve years.
Given others’ success, I’m optimistic I, too will get well, because we caught my scleroderma in the early stage.
There is an herbalist, Stephen Buhner, who wrote a book called Healing Lyme. Since I’m already on the antibiotic and supplement protocol for scleroderma, I’ve decided, on my own, to add in Buhner’s herbal protocol for lyme. My Lyme symptoms are reversing, some dramatically so. My approach

¹ Cayce actually recommended the combination of peanut oil and olive oil for superficial circulation and he recommended peanut oil only for rheumatism and arthritis.

ADDENDUM II – MAY 2011:

In the April-June 2011 VENTURE INWARD magazine from the ARE, there was an article on Scleroderma taken from the materials of Gladys McGarey MD. This article gives new insight on the treatment and cause of Scleroderma.

Gladys’s first-line therapy for this disease is:
1 – “therapeutic reimen of castor oil packs” over the liver for 90 minutes (or longer if desired) 3 times each week. Castor oil packs absorb toxins from the liver (for this reason, the oil must be washed off immediately after the pack is removed) and it stimulates the lymph.
2 – Apply castor oil on the hands each night and cover the hands with cotton gloves
3 – Obtain massages as often as one can. The manual lymph drainage massage is particularly helpful with this disease that attacks the lymph.
4 – Keep the diet as alkaline as possible.
5 – Atomidine for the glandular system – this can be taken as Formula 636

In 1969, a doctor from Spain said that he had identified an acid-fact bacteria in the skin of ALL scleroderma patients. However, Cayce said that the bacteria was the result of the hardening of the skin, not the cause.

Cayce said that the cause was related to a deficiency in the hormones of the Adrenal and Thyroid glands (Cardinal signs, Saturn-Taurus-Mars) and a dysfucntion of the Liver. “With these hormones absent, the effect on the glands is…to produce a tubercle bacillus or germ in the lymphatics of the skin as a direct result of the skin being destroyed. NOTE: The lymph is ruled by the Mutables, Water Signs, the Moon and Neptune.

To work with the glandular system, Cayce advised the use of Atomidine, a iodine supplement that stimulates the glandular system. There are directions on the bottle (Heritage Store or Baar) for taking this. One can also take Formula 636 three times daily as this contains atomidine and a digestive aid. Formula 636 helps me when I experience acid reflux and the effect is immediate. This iodine supplementation is taken in waves, on and off cycles.

I noticed that this article did not mention the fumes of 100 proof Apple Brandy in a charred oak keg. These fumes kill the bacteria but it does not solve the glandular problem.

There is a book by Dr. John Pagano, ONE CAUSE, MANY AILMENTS, who researched psoriatic diseases using the Cayce readings. He states the same and adds that the glandular deficiency “creates a lack of nutrition” in the skin and in the flow of the lymph. He uses the same regimen for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and
eczema. He does use the charred oak keg therapy with peanut oil massages.

Since this is a book on the Leaky Gut Syndrome, it is important with all skin diseases to avoid eating foods of the Nightshade Family — tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers (sweet and hot).

foods of the Nightshade Family — tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers (sweet and hot).

Filed in Medical Astrology

1. Adam Gainsburg Says:
   Jul 11, 12:46 PM

Lynn,

This information was strongly helpful for me in my work with one of my clients with scleroderma. She has a 5deg orb Saturn/Neptune quincunx, a loose Sun/Moon conjunction in Pisces and Saturn on the DC.

Through my Breath of the Soul treatments and a full ‘transmission’ of her SouthNode in Virgo in the 10th she’s come to see the disease as the result of the battle between her karmic beliefs/needs and who she is meant to become in this life.

Once again, this information is amazingly helpful to me for this client.

Blessings,

Adam

1. Lynn Koiner Says:
   Jul 11, 05:52 PM

Scleroderma is a disease of the Mutables and these people have lost all of their flexibility — so they turn to stone.
I have not talked to any of these people in my initial research in many years so I cannot get a personality profile update.
Stress and responsibilities are a problem for them.
I would like to obtain newer data and be able to ask profiling questions.

I recently went to the Medical Museum at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington DC. There was a exhibition on the lymph and they described a disease, very similar to scleroderma, and they described it as being a tuberculosis of the skin with the bacteria being carried around by the lymph. This was amazing to see what Cayce had said all along about this disease.

1. Melody Says:
   Jul 28, 11:55 AM

Hi Lynn,

You said you wanted more people for your research, and I have scleroderma. However, I have the morphea form, which supposedly does not affect the internal organs. It affects the skin, muscles, tendons, etc. I was diagnosed with morphea with a skin biopsy in 2001. I think I developed fibromyalgia at about the same time but that was not diagnosed until recently. I have a lot of fatigue and all-over pain, but pain particularly in my right hand, arm, shoulder, and neck on that side.

I was born on December 13, 1950 at 6:47 pm. In October of 1999 through April of 2000 a lot of people close to me died – my mother, my mother-in-law, my husband (pancreatic cancer), and then my father. Before that I was doing a lot of caretaking of my mother and husband, which was also stressful.

I’d be happy to answer any questions for your research, and can probably find other people who might too, since I am in some support groups.

Melody

1. Lynn Koiner Says:
   Jul 30, 05:35 AM

Thank you so much for sharing this personal story. I am wondering if the “care-taking” issues did not play a part in this disease since it is associated with Transpluto at 6 degrees of Leo Retrograde — this makes you very self-conscious and likely to take on such responsibilities. I will examine this in future charts.

Saturn is “dysfunctional” in that it forms a 150 degree aspect to Jupiter and squares to your 6th House planets.

Learning to say NO, defining boundaries and putting self before others will be a major part of your healing process.

Venus is one of the rulers of the skin and, at the time your symptoms manifested, the progressed Venus crossed your 8th House Jupiter…in Mutable signs. The solar arc Venus was opposing Pluto. Saturn in late Taurus was afflicting your Moon-Pluto opposition. It was the really stress of experiencing so much that overwhelmed the body.

Pluto is connected with viruses and bacteria. As Cayce stated — and as indicated by an exhibit in the Walter Reed Army Medical Museum — scleroderma is a type of tuberculosis of the skin. I hope that the Cayce protocol listed in my article may help you in some way. And, again, thank you so much for sharing this valuable information.

1. Kristen Says:
   Sep 15, 04:12 PM

I am 25 I have not been officially diagnosed with scleroderma yet (thankfully!) but I have positive bloodwork for it. I am working with a naturopath, psychologist, resonance repatterning specialist, and chiropractor. I was born on March 23, 1983 at 9:30PM. I started having some symptoms in June of 2004 but it has gotten much worse this past April. Any input that you would have would be wonderful! I have an 11 month old baby girl and I have to get better! I need help I feel terible and am having a difficult time breathing and just getting around day to day to take care of my baby and do my school work and housework.
Thanks!
Kristen

1. Lynn Koiner Says:
   Sep 16, 11:46 AM

Kristen – You know that I cannot give a diagnosis but I can share what I know.
Your chart is not typical for scleroderma. It is strong for toxin build up (Fixed t-square with Moon as out of sign Apex), for food reactions and possible malabsorption of nutrients (Moon in Cancer).

What you can do is just do the things that anyone can do to maintain personal health —
1) The atomidine protocol (cleanses the glands)

2) Breathing fumes of 100 proof apple brandy from charred oak keg (keep keg on heating pad during the day as warm fumes are stronger — the Heritage Store in Virginia Beach is very helpful with this). This would help with breathing in general and I plan to get one for myself in December when I visit the ARE.

3) A detox protocol (I can only suggest finding an alternative healer in your area). The turkey rhubarb formula from Pro Herb (in Utah) is excellent for keeping the colon clear. Toxin build up often starts in the bowels and colon (Scorpio planets).

4) Food allergy tests are expensive but you can start out by avoiding all Nightshade foods — tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers. These also thin the intestinal wall causing toxins to leak from the digestive tract.  Some forms of Scleroderma are caused my Leaky Gut Syndrome.  The late Dr. John Pagano has worked with the Cayce remedies.

5) For the absorption problem, Solaray Super Digestaway or HCL with Pepsin should be taken with meals and vitamins for improved absorption. Another is Cayce Formula 636 – this contains Atomidine already.

Astrologically, this condition is related to the P Mars crossing Venus in Aries in the 6th House and the transiting Eris crossing your Mars from 2004…for 5 years. So, its leaving your Mars can mark a time of improvement. Pluto will also trine these planets and this favors healing.

Read what I have said and do what feels right for you.
God bless and get well. Talk with your practitioners about these ideas.

1. Lynn Koiner Says:
   Jan 4, 03:35 PM AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASES:

She does have the markers for auto-immune — Mars in early degrees of Aquarius and very afflicted from the 1st House. There is a lot of anger here and, when turned inward, will cause the body to attack itself. Because of the Fixed signs, there is definitely toxin build-up that is causing inflammation in the body. Removing the toxins in the colon is helpful. I do not know if colonics are given in Croatia but a gentle approach would be helpful, not just laxatives. Foods that have a laxative effect such as greens and grains. Next, alkalizing the body is very important. The Cayce Diet does this. I have listed this below.

I do not know your mother’s symptoms but, if I had to guess the problem, I would say that she had Fibromyalgia. I have discussed this on the Medical Forum, if you want more details.

The Cardinal afflictions cause so much stress in the life that are resented that the body attacks the adrenalin that it produces.  Read ADRENALINE DOMINANCE on my website.

With Mars and Neptune in Air signs squaring each other. She could also have a heart mumor due to a leaky valve. This will not cause problems (I have 2 leaky valves myself) but it can lower her energy level so that she does not have the energy to handle all of the CRISES in her life, even crises that she generates.

BASIC CAYCE DIET http://www.cayce.com/caycebasicdiet.htm

The following summary describes the Basic Cayce Diet recommended for healing and health maintenance for most people. These diet concepts provide a framework for meal planning.

ACID-ALKALINE BALANCE

Edgar Cayce frequently emphasized the importance of maintaining a proper acid-alkaline balance by eating mostly alkaline forming foods. A comprehensive list of foods is included in this section. The following summary will give you a quick overview of acid and alkaline-forming foods. Alkaline-Forming Foods (80% of the daily diet should contain these foods): * All vegetables except dried beans, lentils, asparagus tips, and garbanzos. * All fresh fruits except cranberries, plums, olives, prunes, and blueberries (preserves and canned fruits are usually acid-forming). * Almonds, chestnuts, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts. Acid-Forming Foods (20 % of the daily diet should contain these foods): * All meats except beef juice and bone meal. * All grains, cereals, and bakery products except for soybeans. * All dairy except buttermilk, yogurt, raw milk and whey. * Peanuts, pecans, and walnuts.

FOOD COMBINATIONS TO AVOID

Certain food combinations are difficult to digest and may cause problems in the digestive system. Here is a brief list of food combinations to avoid: * Two or more starchy foods at the same meal. * Sugary foods and starchy foods. * Milk and citrus fruit or juice. * Cereals and citrus fruit or juice. * Large quantities of starchy foods with meat or cheese. * Coffee with milk or cream. * Raw apples with other foods.

A TYPICAL DAY’S MENU

Using the laminated Basic Diet sheet as a guide, develop a variety of daily menus which suit your taste and conform to the dietary principles in this section. Here is a simple outline for a typical day’s menu:

Breakfast Either citrus fruit OR cooked or dry cereal — do not mix.

Lunch Raw vegetable salad with dressing or fruit salad.

Dinner Steamed vegetables served with fish, poultry or lamb.

FOOD PREPARATION

Proper food preparation is important to preserve nutrients and avoid toxicity. Here are some suggestions: * Steam vegetables in their own juices (i.e., patapar paper). * Never fry foods. * Use fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits whenever possible. * Avoid aluminum cookware.

ATTITUDES AND EMOTIONS

Edgar Cayce stated that even the most nutritious foods can turn to poison in the system if eaten while a person is in a negative frame of mind. Never eat when angry, worried or extremely tired.

PS I have driven through your mom’s birth place in 2003 on my way (by bus) to Sinj. Now you may wonder why someone would travel to Sinj on holiday. I used to be friends with the wife of the former Ambassador from Croatia. We worked for the Salvaton Army charity together. She was wonderful. I miss her very much but I do have a photograph of us together. Anyway, after seeing a short film about a blind man, Josef, who spent his life building a road in his village in the hinterland, I knew I wanted to visit the Hinterland. Looking puzzled, she recommended Sinj and I loved this little village. The Croatian people seem very outgoing to me and I like this. When the bus arrived in Sinj, I asked for a taxi…but there are no taxis in Sinj…so the driver grabbed 3 men who were getting into their car to drive me to the hotel…and they did. I will never forget my trip to Sinj and Zagreb as long as I live. I visit Slovenia more often and, while not Slovenian, I am an important officer for the Slovenian Womens Union…go figure but I love this part of the world. I was also at the Serbian astrology conferences in 2001 and 2003.

1. Lynn Koiner Says:
   Jun 18, 06:34 PM

SCLERODERMA & LYME TESTING: There are 2 basic tests for Scleroderma – 1) Skin Biopsy (this cannot differentiate between localized and systemic) and 2) Tests for 2 proteins called antibodies. There is often a dis-diagnosis because auto-immune diseases often have very similar symptom manifestations. Lyme Disease generates symptoms similar to Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. I do not have a lot of examples for Lyme Disease but these are my astrological findings so far…

Introduction: Lyme disease was named in 1977 when arthritis was observed in a cluster of children in and around Lyme, Connecticut. Further investigation revealed that Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria. It takes about 36 hours for the infection to take place. Early use of antibiotics are essential.

I never find one planet ruling a disease but there are planetary patterns: *Natal – Mars in Cardinal sign, often Libra, is strong. Neptune is strong (so this could be the ruler that you are looking for). I often look at the pre-natal epoch for the development of the body and its weaknesses. *Transits and progressions: Mars-Neptune and Venus progressions; Quotidian Progressed are significant in the timing of onset.

Lyme comes from a compromised immune system. A friend who has been bitten in her yard twice says that the groundsman as never gotten Lyme disease working in the deer infested development.

A naturopath told me that she has observed that people with a lot of (people) parasites in their lives are most susceptible to Candida and Lyme.

Neptune is afflicted in your chart on the 7th House so it is very likely that you can attract the 2-legged parasites and these weakens your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to internal parasites. Country Life’s Para-Force was recommended by the Naturopath.

SCLERADERMA is a disease of the Mutable signs and here we have a Mutable T-Square with Pluto opposing the Moon and Mars in Gemini squaring these planets. This does not mean that you have scleroderma but it DOES mean that you will always have problems with your lymphatic system.

I have an article on the lymphatic system on the website. There are systems of exercise that help stimulate the lymph such as the rebounder and T-Tapp exercises. Combined with lymph massages and drainage, this should help in your overall well-being.

With Scleroderma, there is a psychological profile described in my article – a fear and rigidity around change. If you are not this way, you may not have scleroderma. When I have severe neuralgia from the EBVirus, the doctors felt that I had an auto-immune disease. I do not have the anger issues associated with AID – it turned out to be food intolerances from taking so many antibiotics. Taking anti-inflammatory supplements and avoiding certain foods, including sugar, cured my symptoms within 15 days.

Having strong Mutable placements only means that the lymph will be problematic in the life. I have many Mutables and my health problems are mostly connected with the lymph – ear inflections and the EBVirus (swollen glands in the neck). I had a very severe ear infection with blood and crust in my left ear from traveling by plane. Within 30 minutes of having a lymph drainage, the infection, blood and crust were completely gone.

Auto-immune diseases are associated with Mars and Transpluto and both are strong in your chart. I feel that many adult health issues are connected with unexpressed traumas from childhood. When such traumas occur very early in life, they are out of the range of adult awareness. In your own chart, such traumas occurred around 6 months and between 1-2 years of age.

The afflictions to the Moon denote food intolerances. If you have good health insurance, I would suggest having the Elisa test for food intolerances. This would show foods to which there is a delayed reaction.

I am very aware of the health ramifications from breast implants. These can cause all of the symptoms that you describe and, since many of the symptoms disappeared when they were removed, this tells you that they may be the root of your health issue. Detoxing the body comes from 1) clearing the colon first (I use the Hulda Clark Liver-Gall Baldder Cleanse described on the Medical Forum), 2) Stimulating the lymph, 3) Alkalizing the blood with a more alkaline type diet (veggies).

The astrological triggers for your health problems started in 2006 and this will continue into 2010 at the latest. Saturn was in Leo hitting your fixed positions ruling toxin build up. This also slows the thyroid, possibly causing low body temperature. The thyroid-adrenal test is called the Hormone Saliva test. This is the ONLY accurate hormone test, not the blood test. A good gynecologist can do this but simply checking your body temperature can tell you without the HSTest. Saturn and Taurus rules the Thyroid and the Throat Chakra.

Next, in 2006-07, Pluto in Sagittarius entered the Mutable T-Square, impacting the lymph. Finally, Uranus in Pisces and Saturn in Virgo are transiting this configuration.
In early 2007, the Solar Arc Venus crossed the 4th House Transpluto (articles on my website). This can trigger auto-immune reactions – subtly connected to the critical, perfectionist childhood.

I am not a doctor and I cannot make any diagnosis. But, if diseases last when outer planets transit a Configuration, this health issue should improve by 2010. You have had many improvements already but the body needs time to repair itself.

It may be possible that Saturn into Libra can bring the possibility of children.

1. Margaret Mueller Says:
   Feb 22, 03:52 PM A SCLERODERMA THEORY:

I have scleroderma, and bumped into your thread here by accident. The book “Scleroderma: The Proven Therapy that Can Save Your Life” by Henry Scammell explains the mycoplasma bacterial infection that causes scleroderma. Mycoplama bacteria that have no cell wall, and can change shape, enter the white blood cells and change their function — not unlike viruses that enter our DNA and cause cancer. Sixty years ago, Dr. Thomas McPherson Brown began treating scleroderma patients with antibiotics, and found that all symptoms, including lung fibrosis, would reverse. This is not a ‘cure,’ people who reach remission must stay on a low dose maintenance of antibiotics to stay healthy.

You may also check the website roadback.org, a volunteer-staffed organization that educates, has patient testimonials, and an active bulletin board where patients share their experiences.

All of this seems to dovetail with this thread. I thought you’d want to know.

1. Lynn Koiner Says:
   Jul 8, 07:27 AM

RAYNAUD SYNDROME:

There has be some research finding that the supplement, Nattokinase, helps with Raynaud, since it stimulates the circulation in the extremities. This is available at a health food store, such as Vitamin Shoppe.
As Margaret has commented, Scleroderma is due to bacteria infecting the lymph.

1. Gwen Says:
   Oct 21, 07:48 PM

Birthdate: 9-7-1954 at 7:49 a.m. in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
I have come down with morphea around 2008 small lesion under left breast. My mother suffered Alzheimers and passed away in 2009 the morphea started again left leg one spot and then up my left leg. I have been treated with uva1 phototherapy with some success. I am very tired have thyroid issues as well TSH 7.5H, T4 total 4.5L. Had some high eosinophils but now within normal range.

I took care of my father for a long time while my mother was ill and then after. I have a very stressful job and am going back to school. Alot of dysfunctional people in family.
A lot of stress. Can you tell me if you think what I have going on?
I also think I may have been bitten by a tick in June of 2008.
Thank you so much

1. Suzanne Says:
   Jan 22, 12:42 PM

Birthdate February 1, 1948 in Boston MA at 10:01 AM. I have suffered from muscle fibrosis for 10 years. Have worked with a doctor for the last year who diagnosed it and has helped me make significant progress. I’m curious about any astrological causes and related recommendations for diet, massage, exercise that could supplement his work.

1. Lynn Koiner Says:
   Apr 6, 11:55 AM

LYME DISEASE: Too many people get Lyme who have no contact with deer. This link talks about the prolific Japanese Barberry. It is a harbored of the Lyme Tick. Mice are infected as well as deer.
http://www.joenesgarden.com/2010/04/newsy-note-japanese-barberry/

1. Lynn Koiner Says:
   Sep 6, 09:13 AM

RICA (9-2011): When I looked at your chart, there are NO Mutable signs, except Neptune in Sagittarius. This does not fit the traditional profile for scleroderma.
At the time of Onset, the only aspects occurring was Saturn transiting your 6th House, hitting the Leo-Taurus square. At the same time, the solar arc (1 degree for a year added to all of the planets) Moon opposes Jupiter in Taurus.

Rica, I cannot give a diagnosis but I will go through possibilities. When you come to the US, NYC has an Edgar Cayce Center there and a couple of years ago someone there gave a lecture on Scleroderma. The castor oil packs are always helpful but it takes a long time. Always wash off the castor oil after application so toxins do not get re-absorbed.

Whenever there are skin conditions, there is toxicity from food intolerances. ONLY the ImG or Elisa test can determine food intolerances. I will try to obtain some food elimination diets for you, if you cannot find this test.

A very expensive doctor in Bethesda MD (Rifkin) always advises patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis to use this diet, only take steroids for 3 months (after that, it ravages the body) to control the inflammation. I have one in a PDF that I will e-mail it to you (it is on the medical forum for those who are interested), along with a very restrictive food elimination diet. After 2 weeks, you should see improvement.
DO AVOID – tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and all peppers.

Astrologically, you have a powerful Cardinal T-Square. Cardinal signs affect the glandular system, especially the adrenal-thyroid. ONLY a hormone saliva test and determine accurately what your levels are — NOT THE BLOOD TESTS! Usually a gynecologist can give these tests.

The 5th House, the location of the cardinal Apex planets, rules the function of the liver. A liver detox program will help but the easiest is a supplement by Planetary Herbals, BUPLEURUM LIVER CLEANSE. Take 4 tablets at night on an empty stomach.

You have Saturn and Transpluto (perfectionism/Liver/intestines and blood sugar) in the 6th, affecting the body’s filtering system.

The Fixed signs, which were afflicted by Saturn and the Solar Arc Moon, always indicate toxin build-up. It is essential that you …

1) first, improve eliminations for the toxins to get out. I use www.ProHerb.com TURKEY RHUBARB. Just take 1-2 daily with a big glass of water. It is not necessary to take these every day but do so for the first month.
2) improve the lymph through exercise, water, American saffron tea made daily (the Heritage store in Virginia Beach VA has this).
3) Keep the blood alkaline. Google Cayce Diet for this as it is 80% alkaline. Use blood purifiers but these are also found in Bupleurum.

There is a book by Dr. John Pagano called ONE CAUSE MANY ALIMENTS — it has Scleroderma information. If you can find Dr. Pagano, I would see him. His book is really based upon the Cayce information on these diseases.

1. Sue Says:
   Nov 15, 03:22 AM

I was born on 30th August 1964 in Lismore a small town in northern NSW Australia. 18 months ago I woke up feeling unwell. I stayed in bed and slept for the best part of 3 days. My joints ached continually and I did not recover in due course so I saw a doctor. When my fingers began aching he did blood tests which showed a highly elevated ANA. I saw a specialist and both said the result could go down so to come back in 12 months. I saw a natropath, acupuncturist and chiropractor regularly and felt great. I saw the doctor again after 12 months and my levels were indicative of sclorderma. I am now seeing a nutritionist as well as the other therapists. Recently my elbows and knees have begun aching. They have ached on and off since I had glandular fever 12 years ago, usually when I get tired. In the past few weeks my fingers and toes have also begun aching. I have become fairly depressed and paranoid about looking for symptoms since the doctor gave me the list of what to look for which is not helping the situation at all. I am really keen to move forward and am happy to try any alternative as I feel now is the time to act. I am not normally this obsessive and do not want to continue in this vein. Interestingly I am probably the healthiest I’ve ever been. I would really appreciate your guidance. Thanks Sue

1. Leah Says:
   Jan 28, 05:52 PM

Dear Lynn,
My name is Leah. I was born on October 7th, 1972 at 6:58 pm in Saint Paul Minnesota. I’ve been chronically tired since my teen years. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2006. I had many symptoms for years prior to diagnosis. Fatigue, sleep disturbances, chronic widespread muscle and joint pain. 3 of my toes have toe contracture starting 12 years ago. My skin on elbows thickened and swelled 7 years ago. My finger skin thickened about 7 years ago but has softened in the last couple of years. My hands and feet go numb and tingle for the last 6 years. I’m short of breath. I was diagnosed last week with scleroderma. I fear all these years of being told fibro it was really scleroderma. I was also diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in August 2012. Any insights you may have I will be eteranal grateful for. Sincerely Leah

NOTE: Leah has posted on my Medical Forum

1. Elena Strickland Says:
   Jan 31, 12:26 AM

Hi Lynn,

My daughter Halia is 9, she developed systemic scleroderma when she was 6. Her birth date is July 1, 2003 at 4:20 pm. She has been through cytoxin treatments which helped keep her lung fibrosis at bay but she is not doing well. She weighs only 38 lbs and cannot gain weight even though she eats healthy and takes an appetite stimulant. She sees her doctors and therapists regularly but they give us little hope for the future and offer almost nothing in the way of treatment protocol except to suggest another round of cytoxin, which I think is not a good idea. I want to save my little girl, any thoughts would be helpful, thank you!

1. Lynn Koiner Says:
   Jan 31, 12:33 PM

ELENA (1-2013):
I am so sorry about your little girl. Unfortunately, I am not a doctor. Everything that I know about Scleroderma is in the article. The last Dr. John Pagano has a book in which he feels that toxins from the intestinal wall can contribute to this ideas — ONE CAUSE MANY DISEASES. You could check this out.

At the A.R.E. Center in NYC, someone lectured on scleroderma (and I was unable to get there). They may know the speaker who could help you.
Have you tried any of the suggestions that I made in the article? Which ones have helped?

If you have not tried any of the suggestions, I do not know “something else” that would work better that I did not include…everything that I know is in the article.

Sid Kalugin, with whom I corresponded about scleroderma in the 1970s, is still alive, according to a friend….he has had scleroderma for about 50 years – so it does not have to be a death sentence.

Most diseases, I have observed improve with food eliminations – mainly gluten, dairy and the Nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers, sweet and hot).

Let me know how the recommendations work for you…Lynn

1. Jessica H. Says:
   Mar 6, 05:27 PM

Lynn – can you help me? I was born March 31, 1978 at 12:00 PM (noon exactly) Marion, VA. I am a fire sign. I had a horrible virus in December and have been experiencing joint pain and foot pain for almost 2 months. I was seeing a GP that told me my ANA test came back positive but that it wasn’t high enough at 1:320 to be referred to a Rheumotolgist. That was my last dealing with that approach to medicine. I started seeing a functional medical doctor on Monday and will start an elimination diet next Wed. I already have hypothyroid disease and scalp psoriasis. I know something is going on but I don’t know what. Any advice. Sincerely, JLH

1. Connie Tate Says:
   Feb 14, 01:25 AM

Dear Lynn—

I am reading our info about scleroderma with great interest. Also that you have Lyme Disease. My deepest sympathies. I’ve had it for five years now (totally disabled for three going on four). I am wondering if you have done charts on individuals with Lyme and also if you have looked at the astrology of this illness as an ecological, and political phenomenon—given the vitriolic controversy in the medical community over it.

Also, if you would look at my chart, that wqould be most helpful. Let me know how much you charge.

Tx. All the best to you,

Connie Tate
conniedtate@gmail.com
212-842-9043

1. Connie Tate Says:
   Feb 14, 03:33 AM

An addendum to my earlier entry—

Another astrologer made this interesting observation from a chart of a client with Lyme:

“… this is a disease that targets the central nervous system and the joints. This particular client had issues surrounding an opposition from Chiron to Uranus, which tends to show a highly sensitized energetic system.”

This caught my eye because I, too, have Chiron oppposing Uranus (south and north nodes conjuncting, respectively.

—Connie

—————–

With Scleroderma, the perspiration of the skin of course becomes involved, destroying the sweat glands.  And without this normal breathing of the skin, a gradual increase in acidosis within the body comes into being.  This makes the body more susceptible to colds and to intercurrent infections.”

This overview can be read in its entirety at –    www.edgarcayce.org/health/database/health_resources/scleroderma.asp or simply Google “Scleroderma Cayce.”

“Cayce insisted that, in each Scleroderma reading, that this was a disease process that involved tubercle bacilli in the skin (the same bacilli found in tuberculosis).  In an article entitled “Acid-fast Microorganisms as a Possible Cause of Scleroderma”. (Medicina Cutanea, Ano 1-N. 6-Mayo 1967, paginas 583-596. Editorial Cientifico-Medica – Barcelona), a microscopic demonstration of the (Scleroderma) organisms was made.  Cayce’s unconscious visualization of what he called tubercle bacilli no longer needed even an uninformed apology – there was proof.” [See 3/16/68 Dr. Cantwell’s letter enclosing a reprint of the Scleroderma article printed in English.]

Astrologically, I see Scleroderma as a disease associated with a malfunction of the Mutable signs with a strong Saturn.  Uranus transits, associated with inflammations, were primarily the trigger aspects.

Cayce actually gave the clue to the astrological signature when he stated that it was the same bacteria bacilli in Tuberculous that was the cause of Scleroderma.  In Cornell’s ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MEDICAL ASTROLOGY, he assigns Sun-Moon/Saturn/Gemini-Sagittarius-Pisces to the natal signatures.  These are the identical signatures that I have observed with Scleroderma!

With strong Mutable placements in the natal chart, the individual is subjected to many changes and vicissitudes during the life, especially during the childhood and formative years.  With a strong Saturn, there is great fear associated with these life changes.  The individual often feels that he or she must be responsible, mature and assume premature, adult-like assumption of duties so that the individual never does learn how to handle responsibilities effectively. The enjoyment of life is very much limited by these chores. Saturn says: Before you can be happy, the people you love must be happy.

See “Dysfunctional Saturn” article in this website.

The asset of the Mutable signs (Gemini-Virgo-Sagittarius-Pisces) is their flexibility and adaptability to life’s circumstances.  Early pressures and fears circumvented this nature ability to adjust and easily adapt.  Ultimately, the fear of change and the lack of adaptability in these people manifests through the body turning to stone…no flexibility at all.

In the Cornell Encyclopedia, he also associates “Tuberculosis of the Skin” with the Cadent Houses – 3-6-9-12.  I do not find that the 9^th House is connected with the many Cadent health issues that I have researched – Alzheimer’s Disease, Learning  Disabilities and Scleroderma.  However, Houses 3-6-12 are often involved.  With planets in the Cadent Houses, the individual often “thinks” about doing but does not “do.”  I use the analogy of sitting at the bus stop thinking about what you are going to buy at the mall – and being so preoccupied that you miss all of the buses.  My advice to people with many natal Cadent placement is to relocate to another time zone that will pull the Cadent planets into Angular Houses (1-4-7-10), making them more active.

In one of the Scleroderma case studies, it is stated regarding the psychological profile: “She began to realize that she was a compulsive achiever, driving herself always to accomplish more. This realization reduced her drive to achieve to more reasonable levels. Terri followed her treatment program persistently and consistently, amazing her parents with her ability to care for herself.”   Her mother commented, “She is a different person.”

While Cayce prescribed a lengthy treatment program, Sid Kalugin listed the primary 3 treatments:

• Take a formula of iodine called Atomidine to stimulate the glands. When you cannot readily purchase this, although it is available through the Heritage Store in Virginia Beach, Barr Products and Village Green Apothecary in Bethesda MD, iodine from sea kelp can be used initially.  There is no known toxicity level for Kelp Iodine at this time.  Do not take Kelp while you are using Atomidine!
• Massages with Peanut Oil to stimulate the circulation in the skin.
• Essential: Breathing the fumes of Laird’s 100 Proof Apple Brandy from a Charred Oak Keg. This is required to kill the bacteria in both Scleroderma and Tuberculosis.  This can be obtained from the Heritage Store in Virginia Beach.  A woman at Heritage who uses the keg (only 1 gallon so not large at all) advised to heat the keg with a heating pad during the day.  When the brandy is heated, the fumes are potent!  This Keg Treatment is also used for bacterial asthma and pneumonia.

I am continuing to conduct research on this disease.  Any birth data and case studies that my readers can share will be kept confidential.  I can be contacted at  lynn.koiner@gmail.com

 

Treatment for Scleroderma – added 2023

Since scleroderma can lead to life-threatening complications (such as severe damage to the heart, lungs, and kidneys), it’s important to seek medical attention if you show signs of this disorder.

Although at present time there’s no way to halt the overproduction of collagen and cure scleroderma, certain medical treatments can help manage symptoms and limit damage. Treatment depends on the affected areas, and may include use of medication, surgery, and/or physical therapy.

Natural Remedies for Scleroderma

There’s little scientific evidence to support the use of alternative medicine in treatment of scleroderma. However, the following remedies may be useful for individuals looking to manage this condition.

1) Scleroderma and Vitamin D

In a 2009 study of 156 people with systemic scleroderma, researchers found that vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency rates were very high among people with the disorder. The study’s authors note that common vitamin D supplementation does not appear to correct the deficiency in scleroderma patients, and that a higher dose is most likely needed for such individuals.

If you’re coping with systemic scleroderma, consult your doctor to determine an appropriate daily dosage of vitamin D (a nutrient thought to help regulate the immune system).

2) Scleroderma and Vitamin E

Topical application of vitamin E gel may reduce healing time and soothe pain in people with digital ulcers caused by systemic scleroderma, according to a 2009 study of 27 patients.

Past research suggests that vitamin E may have antifibrotic action and help to curb the buildup of excess tissue.

 

ACID REFLUX CAN CAUSE SCLERODERMA:

GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux.  Cayce Formula 636 helps with this.

When you swallow, a circular band of muscle around the bottom of your esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into your stomach. Then the sphincter closes again.

If the sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus. This constant backwash of acid irritates the lining of your esophagus, often causing it to become inflamed.

Risk factors

Conditions that can increase your risk of GERD include:

• Obesity
• Bulging of the top of the stomach up into the diaphragm (hiatal hernia)
• Pregnancy
• Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma
• Delayed stomach emptying

Factors that can aggravate acid reflux include:

• Smoking
• Eating large meals or eating late at night
• Eating certain foods (triggers) such as fatty or fried foods
• Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol or coffee
• Taking certain medications, such as aspirin