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Chapter 20—General Hygiene
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The knowledge that man is to be a temple for God, a habitation
for the revealing of His glory, should be the highest incentive to
the care and development of our physical powers. Fearfully and
wonderfully has the Creator wrought in the human frame, and He
bids us make it our study, understand its needs, and act our part in
preserving it from harm and defilement.
The Circulation of the Blood
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.
At every pulsation of the heart the blood should make its way
quickly and easily to all parts of the body. Its circulation should not
be hindered by tight clothing or bands, or by insufficient clothing of
the extremities. Whatever hinders the circulation forces the blood
back to the vital organs, producing congestion. Headache, cough,
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palpitation of the heart, or indigestion is often the result.
Respiration
In order to have good blood, we must breathe well. Full, deep
inspirations of pure air, which fill the lungs with oxygen, purify the
blood. They impart to it a bright color and send it, a life-giving
current, to every part of the body. A good respiration soothes the
nerves; it stimulates the appetite and renders digestion more perfect;
and it induces sound, refreshing sleep.
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
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