The Hindu-Yogi Science of BreathAtkinson, William Walker
Religion
The Hindu-Yogi Science of Breath
Atkinson, William Walker
Respiration -- Religious aspects -- Hinduism; Yoga
This exercise is very bracing and stimulating to the whole body, and
is a well-known Yogi practice. Many of the air cells of the lungs
become inactive by reason of incomplete breathing, and often become
almost atrophied. One who has practiced imperfect breathing for years
will find it not so easy to stimulate all these ill-used air cells
into activity all at once by the Complete Breath, but this exercise
will do much toward bringing about the desired result, and is worth
study and practice.
(3) RIB STRETCHING.
We have explained that the ribs are fastened by cartilages, which
admit of considerable expansion. In proper breathing, the ribs play an
important part, and it is well to occasionally give them a little
special exercise in order to preserve their elasticity. Standing or
sitting in unnatural positions, to which many of the Western people
are addicted, is apt to render the ribs more or less stiff and
inelastic, and this exercise will do much to overcome same.
(1) Stand erect.
(2) Place the hands one on each side of the body, as high up
under the armpits as convenient, the thumbs reaching toward
the back, the palms on the side of the chest and the fingers
to the front over the breast.
(3) Inhale a Complete Breath.
(4) Retain the air for a short time.
(5) Then gently squeeze the sides, at the same time slowly
exhaling.
(6) Practice the cleansing breath.
Use moderation in this exercise and do not overdo its
(4) CHEST EXPANSION.
The chest is quite apt to be contracted from bending over one's work,
etc. This exercise is very good for the purpose of restoring natural
conditions and gaining chest expansion.
(1) Stand erect.
(2) Inhale a Complete Breath.
(3) Retain the air.
(4) Extend both arms forward and bring the two clenched
fists together on a level with the shoulder.
(5) Then swing back the fists vigorously until the arms
stand out straight sideways from the shoulders.
(6) Then bring back to Position 4, and swing to Position 5.
Repeat several times.
(7) Exhale vigorously through the opened mouth.
(8) Practice the Cleansing Breath.
Use moderation and do not overdo this exercise.
(5) WALKING EXERCISE.
(1) Walk with head up, chin drawn slightly in, shoulders
back, and with measured tread.
(2) Inhale a Complete Breath, counting (mentally) 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, one count to each step, making the inhalation
extend over the eight counts.
(3) Exhale slowly through the nostrils, counting as
before--1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8--one count to a step.
(4) Rest between breaths, continuing walking and counting,
I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 7, 8, one count to a step.
(5) Repeat until you begin to feel tired. Then rest for a
while, and resume at pleasure. Repeat several times a day.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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