Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/126

 88 While extreme leanness is not common among the Mikado's people, there is a course of work that is used to correct the physical defects of under-weight. First of all comes absolute rest—rest that is persevered in as much as is possible. While the amount of rest that one should take depends much upon his own constitution he who seeks increased weight must remain abed at least ten hours in every twenty-four. This amount of rest may be decreased at discretion when the seeker after weight finds that he is attaining his object.

While resting, the seeker after weight is instructed to lie upon the floor, or upon his couch, without clothing. Such warmth as he may need is to be secured from the use of bed-clothing. There must be plenty of fresh outdoor air in the room, admitted through an open window, and arms and feet should be kept as much as the weather permits outside of the bed-coverings. If the one who seeks weight finds himself unable to sleep during the full period of ten hours he is required to lie down and to be as calm as is possible. Rest, even without sleep, will bring with it increase