90 The Law of the Rhythmic Breath 



the other, with the Fdyu, and disclose their in- 

 fluence by the modifications in the forms of the 

 cells. An illustration of a magnified section of 

 skin betrays all these Tattvic activities in oblong, 

 squared, and triangulated spheres and dotted cir- 

 cles. In a single layer of the cuticle, it is com- 

 puted there are a billion scale-like cells to the 

 square inch. 



Every movement of the body is a manifesta- 

 tion of Fdyu, and acts of levitation are exhibitions 

 of supreme mastery of this Tattva. It is more 

 than probable that it is an excess of Fdyu which 

 gives people sometimes in dreams the sensation of 

 flying; and deep breathing when walking almost 

 literally gives wings to the feet, so lithe and buoy- 

 ant does it make the body. 



Fdyu has an acid taste, and the acidity of the 

 stomach which accompanies most gastric disturb- 

 ances is unmistakable proof that this Tattva is 

 flowing in excess. All the exercises in alternate 

 breathing, and the Held-breath especially, are of 

 great benefit in all gastric disorders; and I know 

 of nothing else that can give so speedy relief to 

 intense suffering in acute attacks. Four or five 

 repetitions of the Held-breath exercise are suffi- 

 cient at one practice, but the intervals of practice 

 may be every hour if the need be urgent. Do not 

 confound Prdndydma with the exercise; that is, 

 do not say you take a Prdndydma. You take an 



