This exercise is the most difficult of all breathing gymnastics, and should not be attempted by the sick. It requires great endurance. Even an athlete should not attempt it, until the others are well in hand.
The first part is exactly like the exercise marked “The Short Controlled Breath.” But in the second part, instead of expelling the air suddenly, you proceed to exhale very slowly (after holding the breath a few seconds). Care should be taken to see that the upper chest is held high as long as possible while exhaling. With the last atom of breath leaving the lungs, drop (relax) the shoulders and whole frame. Quickly take two or three more cleansing breaths to quiet the heart and lungs.
When one is ready for this strenuous exercise, it becomes a great force for building breadth and depth to the chest, and new inner vitality.
During the first few weeks one performance of this exercise is enough for the day. After the second month, two exercises per day, fifth month, three exercises per day, etc., very gradually increasing the number.
The Climax Breath
In Condensed Form
(a) Exhale “ss.”
(b) Inhale slowly. “Hiss” through smallest opening of lips and closed teeth. Place hands on diaphragm, as in Photograph 3.
(c) Hold breath several seconds.
(d) Exhale slowly “ss” through small opening of lips and teeth.