Chapter 36—Importance of General Health
Good Blood, Healthy Lungs—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 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. A similar
effect is produced by tight lacing. Sufficient room is not given to the
lower part of the chest; the abdominal muscles, which were designed
to aid in breathing, do not have full play, and the lungs are restricted
in their action.
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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 settles upon the spirits; the whole system becomes depressed
and inactive, and peculiarly susceptible to disease.—
The Ministry of
Healing, 272, 273
.
Constant Supply of Fresh Air—The lungs are constantly throw-
ing off impurities, and they need to be constantly supplied with fresh
air. Impure air does not afford the necessary supply of oxygen, and
the blood passes to the brain and other organs without being vital-
ized. Hence the necessity of thorough ventilation. To live in close,
ill-ventilated rooms, where the air is dead and vitiated, weakens the
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