Breathing Deeply

1895

An Exercise Easy to Perform and of Undoubted Value.

With the preliminary but important matter of clothing satisfactorily settled we are ready to breathe. If very weak, lie down on an easy couch — lie flat on the back. See that the air is fresh, but avoid a draft. Draw in a long, slow breath, letting the diaphragm and abdomen expand as fully as possible. Then by a contraction of the diaphragm, a quick drawing in of the muscles of the stomach, force the air into the upper part of the lungs and hold it there a moment or two before allowing it to pass up into the throat. This is done by a contraction of the vocal cords and is not usually difficult. But if the cords will not close and the air is not readily controlled close the lips and hold the nose for a moment, which will prevent the air from all leaving the apex of the lungs. With practice the vocal cords will come under perfect control.

Some have difficulty in establishing the abdominal breathing, especially those who have been in the habit of breathing entirely from the throat. But when the clothing no longer forms an obstruction this will gradually right itself. The natural mode of breathing asserts itself most readily when one is lying down; therefore that position is recommended for the daily practice, which should be persistent, but also very gentle. Do not allow yourself to become really fatigued and be careful not to make the lungs ache. If one deep breath brings weariness or dizziness, stop with the one breath, but try again when fully rested. The upper part of the chest will gradually expand and in time will round out beautifully.

The careful practice of deep breathing will bring new vitality to any organ not incurably diseased. It will enrich the blood more than any preparation of iron or cod liver oil. It has greater power than any anodyne to soothe and restore exhausted nerves. It will round the throat, straighten the shoulders, fill the chest, give a sparkle to the eyes, a color to the cheeks. Those who like to sing will rejoice to find their voice gaining marvelously in strength and purity of tone. — Demorest Magazine.