CHAPTER VI.


NOSTRIL-BREATHING VS. MOUTH-BREATHING.

One of the first lessons in the Yogi Science of Breath, Is to learn
how to breathe through the nostrils, and to overcome the common
practice of mouth-breathing.

The breathing mechanism of Man is so constructed that he may breathe
either through the mouth or nasal tubes, but it is a matter of vital
importance to him which method he follows, as one brings health and
strength and the other disease and weakness.

It should not be necessary to state to the student that the proper
method of breathing is to take the breath through the nostrils, but
alas! the ignorance among civilized people regarding this simple
matter is astounding. We find people in all walks of life habitually
breathing through their mouths, and allowing their children to follow
their horrible and disgusting example.

Many of the diseases to which civilized man is subject are undoubtedly
caused by this common habit of mouth-breathing. Children permitted to
breathe in this way grow up with impaired vitality and weakened
constitutions, and in manhood and womanhood break down and become
chronic invalids. The mother of the savage race does better, being
evidently guided by her intuition. She seems to instinctively