6. Take a shorter but deep breath, lasting three to five seconds.
Besides being beneficial to the lungs, the respiratory
muscles and the heart; this exercise is also very beneficial for
the vitality of the nerves, especially those of the brachial plexus
(the nerves of the arms, shoulders, upper back and upper
chest).
The General Deep Breathing Exercise
A
1. Arms hanging loosely at sides or place hands on
hips, elbows and shoulders thrown backward, without
strain.
2. Inhale as deeply as possible, at the same time rising on toes.
3. Exhale through the mouth, at the same time sinking on heels.
The General Deep Breathing Exercise
B
Position.—Arms outstretched horizontally to the front and parallel to each other.
1. Inhale as deeply as possible, at the same time bringing
the arms horizontally outward to the sides and
continuing as far back as possible, while rising on
toes.
2. Exhale through the mouth while dropping the arms slowly downward to the sides and sinking on heels.
Exercises A and B may also be done without rising on
toes, but this exercise greatly strengthens the feet and ankles
and the muscles of the legs and gives a good poise.
