Note well the undeniable fact as asserted by the philosopher, that air is of the first importance.
If air had to be paid for, or if only a very limited amount were to be distributed to each consumer, there would be an instant and universal recognition of its supreme value. Its restriction would compel every individual to appreciate the unique worth of the true Elixir of Life.
What Mortality Statistics Teach Us
According to statistics of the United States census, the annual death rate from all causes is one million. Of this number, four hundred thousand died from diseases of the lungs. The figures demonstrate that two persons, at least out of every five, come to their death prematurely—and from a preventable cause.
Another aspect of the truth is gaining wider recognition day by day throughout the civilized world. This has to do with the appreciation of fresh air as a fundamental of health. There has been a remarkable awakening to this effect within a generation. Today, the preferred treatment of consumptives demands that they shall live out of doors if possible; the windows in the hospitals are seldom closed; sleeping porches are built wherever space permits.
It is unfortunately true, however, that there has been little advancement in general knowledge as to the science, the art, and practice of correct breathing. Yet, I have been surprised and gratified by the eager attention of those friends to whom I have made explanations and given exhibitions during the last few years. Without an exception, these friends have manifested a keen desire to learn the secrets of breath-control and to win for themselves the benefits thus conferred.
In order to broaden my knowledge and to render it exact, I have made serious studies and experiments through a term of years. I am convinced that if, instead of gymnasiums, institutions were established for training in the development of breath-control, the grim death-toll of one million for one year in our country would dwindle amazingly.
The Gymnastics of Breathing
You must always remember that the correct carriage of the body during the period of the breathing exercises is a factor of great importance, since the lungs function variously in accordance with different postures of the body.
After the fundamental principles of deep breathing are mastered, the next step is to connect it with different exercises, respectively, of the arms, the legs, the trunk, and the head. At first it will be found somewhat difficult to combine attention to the various parts concerned, but the ability to do this will be readily mastered by practice.