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MY BKI.ATHING SYSTEM

The Importance of Physical Exercise immediately before Deep-Breathing.

In scores of books in all languages dcep-brcathing js recommended, and always prescribed in thc same manner, namely, that in the early moming one should stand in front of an open window and perform a long series of very fuli respirations, morę often tban not combined with holding of thc breatli but nothing else.

Many years ago, in my tirst book, My System," I main-tained that it was a wrong idea to stand quietly and take deep breaths without any previous physical cxertion. And all my considerable experience sińce that time has convinced me that I was right. It is always a healthy practice in daily life to take fairly deep and regular breaths, but tlić special fuli respirations, whereby large ąuantities of air are pumped into the lungs. should ncver bc performed unless the body really needs this extra supply; otherwise derangement in the relatiee prcssurcof the ycssels of thc body will be caused, thc eąuilibrium in the tissues will be disturbed, and giddiness and dizziness result. On thc other hand, the deep breaths will be morę complete. will be performed morę easily, and givc morę comfort, if combined with sonie form of bodily cxercise or physical exertion reąuiring inereased change of air in the lungs.

If such exercise only lasts a short time, we should utilisc the opportunity and take some deep breaths immediately after it. The exercisc of longcr duration, one should perform deep-brcathing continuously during thc movements.

Beginners in the art of breatliing unacquainted with gymnastic exercisc, may profitably practise deep-breathing when walking to or from their business. They should take 4 to 5 strides during inhalation and 5 to 7 during exhalation. After some practice the number of strides may be augmented. But there should always be some morę strides during

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