How to Breathe by E. H. Matthewson, M. D.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 3, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 48.

How to Breathe

By E. H. Matthewson, M. D.

STEPS TO HEALTH. NO. 3.

How to Breathe.

IF the blood does not freely circulate in all parts of the body we do not get the full benefit of the oxygen it contains. It is therefore necessary to breathe in a way that will stimulate the circulation of the blood. If the shoulders are thrown back, the chest forward, and we use the muscles of both the chest and abdomen, the full regular movements will aid the heart in forcing the blood to all parts.

If we find that we do not use the chest or abdomen sufficiently when we breathe, but are only taking shallow inspirations, it is our duty to make a constant effort to breathe as deeply as possible, always taking the erect position mentioned, and keep the practice up till it becomes natural to us.

One of the valuable results of a brisk walk on a cool winter's morning is the increased breathing which we are compelled to do. Cool bathing also stimulates breathing and

quickens the circulation, while overheated rooms would be detrimental to both.

Deep breathing greatly stimulates the circulation, besides providing us with a much larger quantity of pure air; and if our breathing be shallow, the circulation must of course be feeble, and the poison which would otherwise be thrown out, would be carried again to all parts of the body, and we would be doubly poisoned.

It is the custom in Chili to have no openings in the room for either the escape of smoke, impure air, etc., or for the admission of pure air, with the exception of the kitchen, and during the damp season they use burning charcoal, which renders the air unfit for use, and is a great cause of disease. Our rooms should admit of free circulation, that the air may be carried away after we have received its good quality and a new supply brought to us.

When we first enter a close room, we notice its offensive odor and its stagnating depressing effect; but after a time we become accustomed to it. If the room be warm, we soon feel sleepily and exhausted from the effect of the poison it contains. We can not always therefore depend on our feelings, but should see to it that the circulation is as free as possible.

The temperature of the room should also be looked after, as air above seventy degrees is weakening or debilitating to all parts of the body. We have found, therefore, that deep breathing of pure air, in free circulation and of proper temperature, is essential to our health and vigor.

Having the right quality and quantity of air, we will be somewhat stimulated by it; but the amount of food and air which is carried to all parts of the body, will depend largely on the strength of the circulation. This will be considered next week.