Published in 1905

The percentage of civilized men who breathe correctly is quite small, and the result is shown in contracted chests, and stooping shoulders and the terrible increase in diseases of the respiratory organs.

The connection between correct breathing and health is readily seen and explained.

The author briefly shares the differences from the eastern parts of the world versus western.

When the oxygen comes in contact with the blood, it unites with the hemoglobin of the blood and is carried to every cell, tissue, muscle and organ which it invigorate and strength things this combustion arising from the change in the waste products generates heat and equalize is the temperature of the body.

Arterial blood, properly exposed to the air, contains about 25% of free oxygen.

Eastern scientist believe that there is absolute Energy in the atmospheric air we breathe that is carried throughout the body.

Prana : Absolute energy

Western scientific theories regarding breath can find themselves to the effects of the absorption of oxygen through the circulatory system while the Yogee theory also takes into consideration the absorption of prana

Yogi theorist expand the western scientific theory of the central nervous system by turning the solar plexus as the abdominal brain which is situated in the epigastric region just back of the pit of the stomach and it is thought to control the main internal organs.

One of the first lessons in the yogis science of breath is to learn how to breathe through the nostrils.

Mini contagious diseases are contracted by the habit of mouth breathing. When deep breath is taken through the mouth, there is nothing from mouth to lungs to strain the air or catch the dust or other foreign matter in the air unlike nostril breathing.

The four methods of respiration
High breathing: Collarbone breathing. Raises abdominal contents. Minimal air exchange. Worst option.

Mid breathing : Rib breathing. Not considered the best option.

Low breathing : Best option thus far. Also called Deep breathing.

None of the first options include the lungs becoming completely filled with air.

Yogi Complete breathing : Combination of the three Witt the objectionable parts of each eliminated.

1: Sit or stand erect: inhale steadily through nostrils filling lower lungs. Then fill middle lungs then upper all in continuous inhale.

2: Hold for three seconds
3: Exhale slowly holding chest in a firms position. When fully exited, relax chest & abdomen.

At the end of inhalation, occasionally slightly elevate the shoulders thus raising the collarbone allowing air to pass freely into the small upper lobe of the right lung. Which place is where sometimes tuberculosis breeds.

The complete yogi breath uses all parts of the lungs which reduces risk for breathing or pulmonary diseases and colds.

Fill the lungs completely with air to cover the entire surface area where perfusion occurs thus enriching more blood with rich nutrients and then distributed in the body.

When feeling a slight cold approaching, complete yogi breathing vigorously.

The author continues to note the negative effects of lack of oxygen when breathing. When inadequate breathing occurs= less nutrient rich blood travels to organs in body.

Three forms of Yogi Breath:
Cleansing breath: Cleans out the body. Refreshing. Page 48
1. inhale complete breath
2. Retain for a few seconds
3. Pucker lips as if you were to whistle without moving cheeks.
4. Exhale with vigor a portion of the entirety. Continue until all air exhaled.

Yogi Nerve Vitalizing Breath: Nerve stimulant. Increased blood flow to all parts of body. Page 49
1. Stand erect
2. Complete breath and hold
3. Extend arms in front keeping relaxed.
4. Draw hands back to shoulder slowly
5. Push fists back out slowly.
6. Draw fists back in tightening muscles but fast this time.
7. Push back out slowly and return fast.
8. Practice cleansing breath when doing so.

The yogi vocal breath: used to develop the voice. Used only occasional.
1. long inhale complete breath. Taking as much time as possible.
2. Hold
3. Expel air vigorously through one great breath with mouth wide open.
4. Rest lungs with cleansing breath.

The seven Yogi Developing exercises
The retained breath
Lung cell stimulation
Rib stretching
Chest expansion
Walking exercise
Morning exercise
Stimulating circulation

Author then shares 7 minor yogi exercises

Author shares the benefits of rhythmic breathing.

You have the ability to send Prana to parts of the body that have pain.

You can transfer your Prana to other people next to you or even at a distance.

Book reviews exercises that consist of meditations that help the body become spiritual and healthy and one.

Author concludes with the encouragement not to allow the breathing experience to distract you from the good qualities of life. ( )

GB-8

"Science of Breath" provides a great balance between western theories and eastern ideas. This book would be a good aid to anyone in the martial arts or those who just study Ki. ( )