Lung culture is more important than other branches of learning and training which require more time and a greater outlay of time, money and effort.  In the Nature Cure regimen, breathing exercises play an important part.

Breathing Exercises

General Directions

The effectiveness of breathing exercises and of all other kinds of corrective movements depends upon the mental attitude during the time of practice.  Each motion should be accompanied by the conscious effort to make it produce a certain result.  Much more can be accomplished with mental concentration, by keeping your mind on what you are doing, than by performing the exercises in an aimless, indifferent way.

Keep in the open air as much as possible and at all events sleep with windows open.

If your occupation is sedentary, take all opportunities for walking out of doors that present themselves.  While walking, breathe regularly and deeply, filling the lungs to their fullest capacity and also expelling as much air as possible at each exhalation.  Undue strain should, of course, be avoided.  This applies to all breathing exercises.

Do not breathe through the mouth.  Nature intends that the outer air shall reach the lungs by way of the nose, whose membranes are lined with fine hairs in order to sift the air and to prevent foreign particles, dust and dirt, from irritating the mucous linings of the air tract and entering the delicate structures of the lungs.  Also, the air is warmed before it reaches the lungs by its passage through the nose.

Let the exhalations take about double the time of the inhalations.  This will be further explained in connection with rhythmical breathing.

Do not hold the breath between inhalations.  Though frequently recommended by teachers of certain methods of breath culture, this practice is more harmful than beneficial.

The Proper Standing Position

Of great importance is the position assumed habitually by the body while standing and walking.  Carelessness in this respect is not only unpleasant to the beholder, but its consequences are far-reaching in their effects upon health and the well-being of the organism.

On the other hand, a good carriage of the body aids in the development of muscles and tissues generally and in the proper functioning of cells and organs in particular.  With the weight of the body thrown upon the balls of the feet and the center of gravity well focused, the abdominal organs will stay in place and there will be no strain upon the ligaments that support them.

In assuming the proper standing position, stand with your back to the wall, touching it with heels, buttocks, shoulders and head.  Now bend the head backward and push the shoulders forward and away from the wall, still touching the wall with buttocks and heels.  Straighten the head, keeping the shoulders in the forward position.  Now walk away from the wall and endeavor to maintain this position while taking the breathing exercises and practicing the various arm movements.