The movements or exercises of the arms, legs and the body in the combined massage exercises may also be done without the massage.
Thus, when dressed, the arms, legs and trunk may perform the same movements as when massaging, but without the hands touching the clothes. Done in this way, the hands should move at a distance of about two inches from the clothes and be firmly clenched while exercising, thus contracting and concentrating on the muscles of the arms and also as far as possible concentrating the mind on those other parts of the body put into play by an exercise.
In this way another concentration system, similar if not better than the Indian exercises, is obtained. Of course, this is not nearly as efficient as when done without clothes and with the addition of the massage. It might be desirable to try them in that way at a time when exercise is needed, and there is no time, or convenience for the removal of clothes.
Deep breathing can also with great benefit be combined to some of these exercises in the same way as explained under the detailed description of the massage exercises.
SUPPLEMENT
HOW THE EXERCISES MAY BE UTILIZED IN SOME DISEASED AND DISORDERED CONDITIONS OF THE BODY
The massage exercises and deep breathing exercises may be used with benefit in certain stages of different diseases. This should, of course, be done only on the recommendation of a physician.
Inasmuch as the same disease does not attack all people to the same degree, it is, of course, impossible to state exactly when or at which stage of a disease the patient might begin to practice the exercises. Neither can it be said precisely how long an exercise or performance shall last in each case; it will vary from five to twenty minutes. This is a matter for the family physician to decide; however, the following hints may be in order. If the use of the exercises practiced moderately is recommended, begin them slowly for five or ten minutes daily (or as long as advised by the doctor) with a light pressure of the hands, and continue thus for several days. The exercises can then be made more vigorous by increasing the pressure of the hands to a moderate or stronger degree. The time can then likewise be increased to fifteen or twenty minutes in proportion to the improvement in the condition and strength of the performer.
It is not meant to imply that it is necessary to immediately hurry to a doctor or hospital when disorders of a mild character occur; for instance, a slight pain or stiffness in the muscles of one of the limbs or other part of the body, a headache, obesity without complications or slight constipation.