Page:Hatha yoga - or the yogi philosophy of physical well-being, with numberous excercises.djvu/219

Rh If you take these morning washes, you will not need many warm baths, although an occasional "soaking" will do you good, and you will feel better for it. Give yourself a good rubbing down, and put on the clothing over a dry skin (in the case of a warm bath).

Persons doing much walking, or standing, will find that a foot bath at night just before retiring, will prove most restful, and conducive to a good night's sleep.

Now don't forget this chapter as soon as you have read it, but try the plan it advocates, and see how much better you will feel. After trying it for awhile, you will not think of giving it up.

The following may give you some ideas regarding the way to get the best results from the morning wash-down. It is very invigorating and strengthening, and will make one feel the beneficial effect all the day.

It begins with a little exercise which causes the blood to circulate and the Prana to be distributed all over the body, after the night's rest, and renders the body in the best condition in which to take the cool wash-down or bath.

Preliminary Exercise. (1) Stand erect in a military attitude, head up, eyes front, shoulders back, hands at sides. (2) Raise the body slowly on toes, inhaling a deep breath, steadily and slowly. (3) Retain the breath for a few seconds, maintaining the same position. (4) Sink slowly to the first position, at the same time exhaling the breath