CHAPTER VI. 



NOSTKIL-BEEATHING VS. MOUTH-BREATHING. 



One of the first lessons in the Yogi Science of Breath, 

 is to learn how to breathe through the nostrils, and to over- 

 come the common practice of mouth-breathing. 



The breathing mechanism of Man is so constructed 

 that he may breathe either through the mouth or nasal 

 tubes, but it is a matter of vital importance to him which 

 method he follows, as one brings health and strength and 

 the other disease and weakness. 



It should not be necessary to state to the student that 

 the proper method of breathing is to take the breath 

 through the nostrils, but alas! the ignorance among civil- 

 ized people regarding this simple matter is astounding. 

 We find people in all walks of life habMufUly breathing 

 through their mouths, and allowing their cnildren to fol- 

 low their horrible and disgusting example. 



Many of the diseases to which civilized man is subject 

 are undoubtedly caused by this common habit of mouth- 

 breathing. Children permitted to breathe in this way grow 

 up with impaired vitality and weakened constitutions, and 

 in manhood and womanhood break down and become 

 chronic invalids. The mother of the savage race does bet- 

 ter, being evidently guided by her intuition. She seem? 

 to instinctively recognize that the nostrils are the propey 

 channels for the conveyal of air to the lungs, and she trains 

 her infant to close its little lips and breathe through the 

 nose. She tips its head forward when it is asleep, which 

 attitude closes the lips and makes nostril-breathing imper- 

 ative. If our civilized mothers were to adopt the same 

 plan, it would work a great good for the race. 



Many contagious diseases are contracted by the dis- 

 gusting habit of mouth-breathing, and many cases of cold 

 and catarrhal affections are also attributable to the san? 

 cause. Many persons who, for the sake of appearances, 

 keep their mouth closed during the day, persist in mouth- 

 breathing at night and often contract disease in this waj. 



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