Packing the Lungs with Air.
DEEP breathing and holding of the breath is an item of importance. Persons of weak vitality find an uninterrupted succession of deep and rapid respirations so distressing that they are discouraged from persevering in the exercise. Let such persons take into the lungs as much air as they can at a breath and hold it as long as they can; they will find a grateful sense of relief in the whole abdominal region. Practice will increase the capacity of the lungs and the ability to hold the breath. After a time the art of packing the lungs may be learned. This is done by taking and holding the long breath and then forcing more air down the trachea by swallows of air. The operation may be described by that of a fish's mouth in water. To those who have never learned, it will be surprising to what an extent the lungs may be packed. Caution at first is needful, but later practice will warrant large use of the treatment. The whole thoracic and abdominal cavities will receive immediate benefit, and continuance, and temperance in eating, good air and right exercise, will bring welcome improvement.—Herald of Health.