Chapter 39—The Importance of Cleanliness
In order to have good health, we must have good blood; for the
blood is the current of life. It repairs waste and nourishes the body.
When supplied with the proper food elements and when cleansed and
vitalized by contact with pure air, it carries life and vigor to every part
of the system. The more perfect the circulation, the better will this
work be accomplished
The external application of water is one of the easiest and most
satisfactory ways of regulating the circulation of the blood. A cold or
cool bath is an excellent tonic. Warm baths open the pores and thus aid
in the elimination of impurities. Both warm and neutral baths soothe
the nerves and equalize the circulation.
Exercise quickens and equalizes the circulation of the blood, but
in idleness the blood does not circulate freely, and the changes in it, so
necessary to life and health, do not take place. The skin, too, becomes
inactive. Impurities are not expelled as they would be if the circulation
had been quickened by vigorous exercise, the skin kept in a healthy
condition, and the lungs fed with plenty of pure, fresh air
The lungs should be allowed the greatest freedom possible. Their
capacity is developed by free action; it diminishes if they are cramped
and compressed. Hence the ill effects of the practice so common,
especially in sedentary pursuits, of stooping at one’s work. In this
position it is impossible to breathe deeply. Superficial breathing soon
becomes a habit, and the lungs lose their power to expand.
Thus an insufficient supply of oxygen is received. The blood moves
sluggishly. The waste, poisonous matter, which should be thrown off
in the exhalations from the lungs, is retained, and the blood becomes
impure. Not only the lungs, but the stomach, liver, and brain are
affected. The skin becomes sallow, digestion is retarded; the heart
is depressed; the brain is clouded; the thoughts are confused; gloom
369
The Ministry of Healing, 271
370
The Ministry of Healing, 237, 238
282