5. Padmasana, the Lotus or Buddha Pose, one of the basic Asana and the one most Westerners will recognize as the classic Yoga pose. Of the three meditation poses it is the most difficult to achieve. But since it is also the most beneficial, by all means try eventually to train your body to assume it.

Method: Sit on the mat tailor fashion. With your hands, bring the right foot up to rest on the left thigh, close to the hip joint, with the sole of the foot upturned and the heel near the middle of the abdomen, the ball of the foot almost in line with the thigh. Now take the left foot, cross it over the right and place it in a similar position on the right thigh. (For left-handed persons, reverse the order). Place the hands on the knees, palms open, the thumb and second finger of each hand forming the letter O.

Because the Lotus Pose sometimes takes months of practice for the Occidental to achieve, many teachers advocate the following preliminary exercise:

Place the sole of your left foot against the right thigh, then begin a bouncing up-and-down movement with your left knee. You will find that the moment you push the knee down to the floor it will bounce up again like rubber—this is true even of the Simple Pose—and the bouncing routine helps stretch and Umber unused tendons and ligaments. Bounce first one knee, then the other.

Therapeutic Value: The Lotus Pose, which symbolizes mental purity and a completely developed consciousness, is said to free the mind of temptations and lower physical instincts. Its perfect symmetry gives the body inner harmony, preserves the equilib­rium of our positive and negative currents and increases the effect of our breathing exercises. Creative energy is said to waken like a great river dammed up so that its rising waters may be harnessed. Its immediate physical benefits are to keep the joints flexible and to promote good posture.

Perhaps you are wondering why such difficult postures as the last three are recommended for concentration, since it would seem that in order simply to concentrate one might just as well lie down and relax. Actually, this is not the case. Expe­rience has shown that if one lies down to concentrate or medi­tate, it is all too easy to day-dream, drowse or even fall asleep. Standing positions, on the other hand, make it impossible to relax sufficiently for the mind to be completely free to devote itself to meditation. Over the centuries Yogis have found that the sitting posture is infinitely the superior one, and so have adopted it.

6. Viparitakarani Mudra, or the Reverse Posture; important because it is said to reverse not only the position of the body but also of time. Because of the way we receive radiations from both earth and cosmic spaces, the Yogis claim that while standing on our feet we grow old, in assuming the inverted pose we grow younger.

Method: Lie flat on the back. Inhaling slowly, raise your legs upward; then, supporting your hips with your hands, gradually raise the trunk until it rests on the shoulder-blades. The knees should be straight, the legs and toes inclined slightly beyond the head. Breathe in and out deeply and slowly several times, then return to the prone position. Continue breathing deeply until alltrace of effort has disappeared.

Therapeutic Value: This exercise, which really requires verylittle effort, is particularly beneficial because it reverses and in­creases the flow of blood to the head and respiratory organs. Hence it is excellent for helping cure colds and tonsilitis. It is alsoknown as a great boon to those who wish to restore their youth and vitality, for it helps keep the endocrine glands and internal organs, as well as the skin, in youthful shape. Indian women prac­tice it to prevent early wrinkles and general aging, and also to prevent and cure irregular or painful menstruation and the mental and physical discomforts of menopause. Men, too, find it bene­ficial, since it is one of the important ways to keep the gonads functioning properly.

7. Yoga Mudra, or Symbol of Yoga, is another posture which, while not an exercise, is considered of great spiritual value. On the other hand it also has definite physical benefits, since it promotes good elimination and so helps the system stay clean. It may be practiced between any two more strenuous poses.

Method: Sit as for the Lotus Pose, or simply tailor fashion. Now clench your fists and place them on either side of the abdomen, slightly below the navel. Take a deep breath, then bend forward as far as possible while exhaling. Continue firmly to press the fists against the abdomen. Hold this pose for five to ten seconds, retain­ing your breath. Now start slowly exhaling, sit up and turn to the original posture. Gradually increase the time until the Mudra takes three minutes, being careful not to add more than a second or two per week to your time. Otherwise holding the breath too long may be harmful. (The classical manner of doing this Mudra is in the Lotus Pose, with the hands behind the back, left fist clenched and right hand grasping the left wrist).

Therapeutic Value: The YOGA MUDRA increases the peristaltic movements of the bowels and so is excellent for relief of constipation. It also strengthens the abdominal muscles and lends tone to the colon, the pelvic region and the nervous system in general. Men troubled with seminal weakness are helped by it, and in ad­vanced stages of Yoga practice it helps awaken the Kundalini power. These benefits are additional to the major one of increased concentration.

8. Simhasana, or the Lion Pose, particularly useful for relaxing the throat.

Method: Squat on your heels, or even sit in a chair for this one; place your hands on your knees, take a deep breath, exhale and stick your tongue out as far as possible, until you begin to experi­ence a slight gagging sensation. Stiffen the fingers and spread them wide. At the same time open both mouth and eyes wide, tensing the neck and throat. Let the feeling of tension permeate your whole body. Retain this posture for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat two or three times. If you feel you are coming down with a sore throat or laryngitis, repeat the exercise half a dozen times several times a day.

Therapeutic Value: The Lion Pose helps the throat by increas­ing the blood supply to it, so that it is better able to resist infection. At the same time the muscles and ligaments of the area are toned and the entire body benefits. This is an excellent exercise for per­sons suffering from asthma, hay fever, enlarged or infected ton­sils, and from general susceptibility to throat and upper-respir­atory infections. It is, of course, invaluable to singers and public speakers.

 

9. Ustrasana or Camel Pose, the backward-bending exercise.

Method: Kneel on the mat, then squat on the heels with toes outstretched; place the hands behind you directly behind the toes. Lean back, throwing the head as far back as possible. On a deep inhalation, slowly raise the buttocks and the lower part of the body, arching the spine. Hold the breath while retaining this posi­tion for a few seconds, then return to the original sitting position. Move the head forward and exhale. Rest and repeat, gradually increasing the time for holding from six to thirty seconds. In time you will want to repeat this exercise up to five times a day.

Therapeutic Value: The Camel Pose benefits the thyroid and the gonads or sex glands. At the same time it lends elasticity to the spine and back muscles. Excellent for persons suffering from gas, constipation, slight displacement of the vertebrae or of the various pelvic organs such as the uterus, Fallopian tubes, ureter and urethra, and for disorders of the urinary bladder. By toning the entire pelvic area and stimulating the sex glands the Camel Pose is especially beneficial in increasing sexual potency.

Caution: Not to be attempted by persons suffering from hernia.

10. Matsyasana, or Fish Pose:

Method: Starting with the Lotus Pose, lean back, using elbows and arms to help balance yourself, until your head rests comfort­ably on the mat and your body forms a low arc. Use a low cushion for comfort at first, if necessary. Now extend your arms and grasp your toes on either side.

Therapeutic Value: This exercise tones every muscle in the system, especially those of the lubro-sacral region. The conscious­ness in the meantime is directed toward the thyroid. This pose helps overcome stiffness and tension in the neck, revitalizing neck muscles by setting up tensions opposite to the usual ones. The backward pressure stimulates the blood flow to the neck, cleans­ing the thyroid, tonsils and adenoids. Excellent for colds and upper-respiratory troubles, especially those of the pharynx.

11. The Supine Pose, which is a variation on the Fish Pose, is considerably easier for the neophyte since it is done without
crossing the legs. You might try it during the early stages of your
Yoga practice.

Method: Kneel on the mat, keeping knees together and feet apart, with heels up. Sitting between your heels, bend backward exactly as for the Fish Pose until your head rests on the floor. Fold the palms of your hands in the middle of your chest as for prayer. Hold this position for a few seconds, breathing deeply. Now raise yourself slowly, using first the elbows and arms, then the palms. Relax. Gradually increase the time of the exercise to thirty seconds.

Therapeutic Value: Both the Fish Pose and the Supine Pose benefit the pituitary, pineal, thyroid and adrenal glands as well as the gonads. They also tone the kidneys, stomach and intestines. Excellent for toning the nerves connected with sexual functions.

12. Sarvangasana, or the Shoulder Stand. The name of this asana is derived from the Sanskrit word sarvanga, meaning "all parts" and implies that it is beneficial for the entire body. In per­forming it you will find your entire muscular structure being stretched, healed and revitalized while at the same time your powers of concentration improve. In many ways the Sarvanga­sana is similar to the Reverse Posture, as you will see.

Method: Lie flat on your back, legs outstretched, arms parallel to the body, palms down. Now raise the legs slowly from the floor, keeping the knees straight and close together, toes pointing. Continue the movement as slowly as possible until the legs are at a thirty-degree angle with the floor. This is Stage One. Pause briefly, breathing naturally and concentrating your whole at­tention on the movement.

During Stage Two, continue the elevation until your legs are vertical to your body. Pause again, maintaining the full stretch.

For Stage Three, press your hands and elbows hard on the floor and raise your legs, torso, hips, back, stomach and chest. Then, using only your upper arms and elbows as a floor rest, slide your hands up the small of the back to assist in balancing the trunk. Your legs will swing past the vertical point at this stage. Now, for Stage Four, tuck your chin into your neck and give your body an extra lift to stretch the trunk and legs to a vertical position. Retain this pose for a few moments: you are now hold­ing the Pan-physical Pose or Candle Posture, another classic of Hatha Yoga. Now reverse the order of your movements and slowly return to the original horizontal position. Rest.

Remember that at all stages your movements should be slow, smooth and controlled and that a full stretch of the entire body must be maintained throughout. In time you will be able to retain the Stage Four position for several minutes without experiencing the slightest discomfort. Always begin the descent before you are too tired to perform it on one smooth, controlled motion.

Actually this asana is simpler to do than to describe. But if you are one or those persons who become dizzy the moment you are turned upside down, you may need to get used to it gradually. If such is the case, practice one stage at a time until you have become used to it; then go to the next. Never rush for results. Your best gauge is your own common sense.

Therapeutic Value: This asana, like the Reverse Pose and the Headstand (to be described later) is believed to revitalize the thyroid, which in turn affects the healthy functioning of the whole organism. It reverses the flow of blood and sends it away from the limbs and abdomen toward the head, thus relieving fatigue and easing venous congestion—hence its efficacy in leg and stomach troubles. The added flow of blood to the neck and upper body stimulate the endocrine secretions in general. At the same time the muscles of the legs, thighs, hips, abdomen, shoulders, spine, neck and arms are all stretched, adding to the suppleness of the body as a whole and improving appearance. Most importantly, the spine and the nervous system benefit so that inner tensions and irritation subside. It follows that the Shoulder Stand is of the greatest value to persons engaged in mental or creative effort.

Other benefits include relief from constipation, intestinal and digestive disorders, menstrual discomfort, hemorrhoids and vari­cose veins.

Caution: This asana should be practiced sparingly by persons suffering from chronic catarrh and should never be attempted by those with disorders of the thyroid.

13. Padhastrasana, or Contraction in a Standing Position:

Method: Stand erect with the legs close together. Inhale and exhale rhythmically a number of times. Finally exhale fully, and while doing this and keeping the knees stiff, bend the body until your hands reach down to your toes and your nose touches your knees. This will be difficult at first, but with patience you will find yourself able literally to bury your face between your knees and place the palms of your hands flat on the floor. Retain this bent position for five seconds, then return to the erect posture, inhaling as you straighten out. Relax. Slowly increase the time for holding to thirty seconds. Do only once.

 

Therapeutic Value: This is a fine slimming exercise, excellent for the waistline. It relieves constipation and loosens the muscles. Superficially it has been adapted to Western exercise, but its true value lies not in automatic repetition: it should be done only once, very slowly and dynamically, with the maximum stretch possible. It strengthens the abdominal organs, relieving dyspepsia. Its ton­ing effect on the legs and back is excellent insurance against sciatica.

14. Uddiyana-Banda, or Stomach Lift:

Method: Stand with the knees slightly bent and place your hands, palm down, on your thighs. Breathe in and out, regularly and rhythmically, but more forcibly and longer each time. Finally exhale and continue to do so until every particle of air has been expelled from the lungs. Now raise the chest high and push out. A vacuum has been created inside your lungs and stomach. As you raise your chest, the atmospheric pressure will push your stomach flat until it all but pushes against your spine. Retain this pose for five seconds, then inhale. Repeat once only.

 

Therapeutic Value: This is one of the most effective exercises known for treating constipation and other digestive complaints. It is not difficult unless you happen to have a specially flabby stom­ach or suffer from obesity. If so, you will be doubly benefited in ime, for as you continue with the Stomach Lift your muscles will be greatly strengthened and the fat will begin to melt. This exercise should always be done in the morning on an empty stom­ach. It must never be attempted less than two hours after a meal. After you have been doing the Uddiyana-Banda for several days, try drawing up your intestine while raising your chest after exhalation. This will require considerable effort. Retain this posi­tion for five seconds, relax and repeat once more. When you are able to accomplish this without effort, increase retention time to ten, twenty and even sixty seconds. However, be sure to inhale and relax the moment you feel the slightest strain. Better still, relax just as you begin to think you will feel fatigue if you con­tinue. In time you will be able to do this exercise while sitting in the Lotus Pose.

15. Nauli-Kriya, an advanced abdominal exercise recommended mainly for men students, to be attempted after the stom­ach has been made fit and supple by performance of Uddiyana-Banda and other simpler asanas, and after surplus fat or distention have been overcome.

 

Method: Stand or sit in the same position as for Uddiyana-Banda and exhale forcibly through the mouth after a few prelim­inary rhythmic breathing routines. Be sure all the air has been ex­pelled from the lungs on a forcible exhalation. Raise the chest and draw the intestine up and in. Now, contract the abdominal mus­cles—the two recti—and arch them forward with a push. Try to isolate first the right, then the left rectus, making them stand out pillar-like, then rotating them first clockwise, then counter­clockwise. This rolling action will be facilitated if you bend the trunk slightly toward one side, then the other. Roll the two recti alternately for several rotations.

Try this exercise standing at first, and once you feel confident in its performance try it in the Lotus Pose. But be sure to approach it gradually. Men over fifty, very young boys and women should not attempt it unless accustomed to hard physical exercise.

Therapeutic Value: The above two exercises are considered by experts to be the best method for keeping the abdomen fit and the intestines in perfect condition. Those who practice Uddiyana-Banda and Nauli-Kriya regularly never surfer from digestive or other intestinal disorders. The Nauli is also said to prevent noc­turnal emission of semen.

16. Ardja-Matsyendrasana, named after the Yogi teacher Matsyendra, is the only exercise of its kind, since it strengthens the backbone through a twisting movement to either side. It is a variation on the original movement, too difficult for the Western student to contemplate; even so it may prove difficult for the beginner and will require patient application.

Method: Sit on the mat or rug with legs outstretched, holding the trunk erect. Then, cross your right foot over your left knee and place it flat on the floor, next to your left knee. Place the fingers of your left hand on top of the toes of your right foot.

This is the first stage of this Deep Contraction exercise. For Stage Two, stretch the left arm and grip the toes of the right foot. Place your right arm across your back so that the hand, with palm outward, rests on the waistline near the left hip. As you do this, your torso will be turned half-right. Hold this position, stretching consciously, for a few seconds. Check to see that the chest is erect, otherwise you will not get the full benefit of the asana. Relax. Repeat, reversing the motions, bending the right leg, and so on, and finally turning half-left. Relax again. Increase the stretch by one second every time you do this exercise, until you are able to hold the position for a full minute. Always remember that your motions must be smooth, gradual, and never jerky.

Therapeutic Value: This asana helps keep the spine supple and in perfect health, in addition to massaging the abdominal organs. Consequently it will relieve, and even more importantly prevent, lumbago and muscular rheumatism, as well as guard against slipped disks. Since it places pressure upon the spleen, liver and kidneys, it eliminates their sluggishness. It also helps tone the entire nervous system, acting to rejuvenate the whole body. Con­sequently it is considered one of the most useful of asanas.
17. Vakrasana, or Twisting Posture, a simpler variation of the previous exercise, is done as follows:

Method: Sit on the floor with both legs stretched out straight, draw right leg up until the thigh and knee press hard against the abdomen and chest. Lift the right foot over the left and place its sole flat on the floor against the left thigh. Twist the torso to the right and place the palm of the right hand on the floor, with fingers outward, so that the body is balanced. Hold this position the length of three Yogi breaths. Relax. Reverse, then relax once more. This position may be varied by bending the outstretched leg under, and by turning the torso more definitely sideways.

Therapeutic Value: The Vakrasana has the same value as the Ardja-Matsyendrasana, but is milder. Part of its benefit is said to be derived from bringing the positive and negative currents in the body into equilibrium. It helps build self-confidence, determi­nation and perseverance—literally "strengthening the backbone" in a figurative as well as a physical manner.

18. Dhanurasana, or Bow Posture, celebrated for its rejuve­nating effects and the relaxing of many little-used muscles.

Method: Lie flat on the mat, face down, arms by your sides, both stretched taut, then bend the legs at the knees as far back as possible and catch the ankles with the corresponding hands. Pull the feet well down. Now lift the knees and thighs off the ground, pulling hard on the ankles and simultaneously raising your head and chest until you are poised on your abdomen. Lift the head well up and look straight ahead of you.

At first you may find it a help to widen the space between the knees for the second part of this exercise. You may not be able to achieve elevation at first. Continue to lift as far as you can without jerking, hold this position for five seconds, relax and rest. It will help the lift if you push the knees out. Gradually you will gain elasticity. Once you have managed to raise the chest and thighs, try to reduce the space between the knees and deepen your stretch.

Therapeutic Value: The Bow Posture, together with the Cobra Pose which follows, are the two most important exercises for backward stretch of the spine. Meanwhile the abdominal region is stretched and exercised and the entire sympathetic nervous sys­tem stimulated. This results not only in physical well-being and longevity, but improved emotional and nervous control.

19. Bhujangasana, or Cobra Pose:

Method: Lie face down on the mat, forehead touching the ground, with arms bent so that the elbows point upward and the palms rest on the ground just below the shoulders. Stretch the legs well out, keeping them stiff and straight, with the soles pointing upward. Do not allow the knees to slacken or bend. Now raise the head slowly, as high as possible, jutting the chin forward, feeling the stretch. Lift chest and torso off the ground, pressing down on the hands but letting the contraction of the back take most of the strain. Feel pressure traveling down the spine all the way to the sacral region. Make sure your body from the navel to the toes rests on the floor. When you are finally upright, like a cobra poised to strike, retain the pose for as long as possible with­out feeling undue strain. Increase the time gradually from a few seconds to a full minute. Then slowly return to the face-down position. Relax and rest.

In time you will be able to dispense almost entirely with sup­port from the hands and arms, although at first this may seem not even remotely possible. However, once perfected this asana gives great benefit even though it need be performed only once a day.

 

Therapeutic Value: An exercise to make the spine amazingly supple and flexible, at the same time it revitalizes abdominal mus­cles. Kidney, liver and pancreas are stimulated so that the appetite improves and bodily heat increases. This asana is of great value to persons who do a great deal of stooping—sedentary workers and women overburdened with housework—and all who suffer from habitual backache.

Caution: If your spine is stiff, proceed cautiously. Remember that whereas a smooth slow stretch will benefit you, a wrench may be painful or even harmful.

20. Paschimatanasana, or the Posterior Stretch, an as ana which brings into play muscles all over the body.

Method: Lie flat on your back, legs close together. Slowly raise the head, chest and trunk until you are sitting up, being careful never to raise the legs off the floor or bend the knees. Now exhale slowly, at the same time bending forward until you grip your toes. (If you cannot reach them, catch hold of ankles or calves; you will do better eventually.) The object of this exercise is to touch your knees with your face while keeping the legs fully ex­tended. This stretch will create a sharp curve at the base of the spinal column. Bend as far forward as you can without jerking, hold the position for ten seconds, then slowly return to upright sitting position. Inhale. Lie back and relax.

Do this exercise only once each period, being careful to main­tain rhythmic motion. Maximum benefit is obtained by pulling the body a bit further each time.

Therapeutic Value: This Deep Contraction has the opposite ef­fect of that based on Bhujangasana. The abdominal muscles are vigorously contracted and massaged; the spine is stretched the op­posite way; the liver squeezed; the sex gland and the nerves at the base of the back are toned up. The posterior muscles, which are seldom properly exercised, are thoroughly stretched. Prac­ticed in conjunction with Bhujangasana, this asana makes for physical rejuvenation, and also stimulates the kidneys and pan­creas. It is especially recommended for women, since it invigorates the pelvic region and keeps abdominal muscles under control, melting away any surplus fat.

21. Halasana, or the Plough Pose:

Method: Lie flat on your back with legs stretched out. Keeping the knees stiff, raise the legs to an angle of thirty degrees. Hold this position for five seconds, then raise the legs another thirty degrees. Again hold for five seconds. Now raise them until they are in a vertical position, hold for two seconds, then slowly swing them over your head until the tips of your toes touch the floor behind your head. Be careful at all times to keep the knees stiff and the palms of your hands flat on the floor, arms straight.

Next slide your toes further away from your head, always re­membering to keep the knees stiff. Feel the weight shift toward the top of the spine until it is supported mainly by the vertebrae of the neck. Hold this final position fifteen to twenty seconds, then gradually reverse your movements until you are again flat on your back. Relax and rest.

Remember to breathe deeply and regularly throughout this exercise. You will doubtless have difficulty at first in touching the floor with your toes unless you do bend your knees. Also, the palms of your hands will tend to lift off the floor. Try to keep them down. When you have perfected this asana, one perform­ance of it daily, sustained for thirty seconds, is all you will need. The aim is a single prolonged stretch, not several repetitions, although repetition is what you will inevitably get at first.

Therapeutic Value: This asana stretches spine and abdominal muscles, helps circulation and thyroid action, and consequently helps prevent arthritis. It also continues the beneficial effects of Savasana.

22. Sirshasana, or The Headstand, traditionally associated with Yoga and second only to the Lotus or Buddha Pose in identi­fying the entire subject of Hatha Yoga in the Western mind. It is not nearly as difficult to do as people imagine, may be learned at any age and, once mastered, is wonderfully relaxing and all-inclusive. However, the student should proceed cautiously at first while learning it, since recklessness or impatience may cause injury.

Method: For best results the Headstand should be practiced and learned in four stages, although once you have mastered the technique its execution will be surprisingly smooth and relaxing.

FIRST STAGE: Kneel on a mat, clasp your hands, fingers inter­locked, and let both the hands and the forearms rest on the floor with elbows not too wide apart.

SECOND STAGE: Next place your head, about one inch above the forehead, within the triangle thus formed, but be sure it rests on the pad and not on the hands themselves. Cup your hands around your head so that the thumbs support it. Now slowly get up from your knees and stand on your toes. Next try to bring your toes closer in to your head, taking small steps, knees stiff. You have doubtless observed small children standing this way, bent prac­tically in half, bottoms up. Adults do not assume this pose natu­rally, but you should continue to try it. Even if you never get beyond this first stage of the Headstand, you will derive benefits from it in limberness and improved circulation. However, here is a word of caution: This reverse position is not for persons with either very high or very low blood pressure, weak eye capillaries, chronic nasal catarrh or defective (not merely sluggish) pituitary or thyroid glands.

STAGE THREE: Until you are adept at the Headstand, it is wise to practice Stage Two either in a corner or against a wall, partly as insurance against falling and partly because of the sense of safety and balance you may need simply for reassurance. You may also need the help of another person at your first attempt. In that case, having assumed the first position and gotten your feet close to your head, raise one leg, then have the person helping you grasp it by the ankle and hold you while you straighten it. The other leg will follow naturally. The illustration shows the proper position, with both legs raised. If you attempt to raise your legs without help, you may find it easier to raise them both at once, giving yourself a boost as if with a slight jumping motion, knees bent.

STAGE FOUR: Then slowly raise the legs and feet and straighten them, until your entire body is vertical. The wall or corner will prevent your falling over backward. Hold this position for five seconds, then slowly lower the legs, bending the knees for balance, and finally let your feet rest on the floor once more. Get up. Lie down and relax.

The Headstand requires no special or even average strength. It will come easy as soon as you have acquired the needed sense of balance. Once you get the "feel" of this asana you will experience no further difficulty in performing it, but only a sense of exhilara­tion and relaxation. Eventually you will hold it for five minutes or more, once a day. Yogis, of course, retain this pose for thirty minutes, a whole period of meditation.

Therapeutic Value: This asana supplies blood to the brain, clearing the mind and helping concentration and toning the nerv­ous system. It is recommended for developing brainpower in the young and maintaining mental health throughout life. By revers­ing gravity, it relieves the inevitable heart strain which accompa­nies normal living, thus prolonging life. The increased blood supply to the brain also improves weak eyesight, faulty hearing, sharpens all senses, cures many neurotic symptoms, improves the sense of balance and banishes insomnia. It is of great value in keeping the endocrine glands healthy, reducing all tension, fatigue and poor circulation. It is also good for the memory. In short, it is known as the "King of the Asanas," and is said to bring eternal youth. Again, however, the caution given for Stage One must be repeated: It must not be done by persons with abnormally high or low blood pressure or any of the disorders mentioned at Stage One—at least, not until they have been cured by other, simpler as anis.