are not especially strong should begin with
a very mild pressure and with the open hand placed upon the abdomen or
chest, though where ordinary or unusual strength is possessed, the side
of the open or closed hand could be used. These exercises are
especially valuable for strengthening the heart where the pressure
movements are used very freely near this particular organ. They can be
highly recommended for strengthening the stomach though they should not
be used immediately after a meal. I referred to their value in the
chapter on constipation in connection with the treatment of this
ailment. After a long trial this system of increasing the internal
strength is highly recommended, and will be found of special value as a
means of varying the health-building methods that may be adopted for
securing throbbing vitality. They are not a necessary part of the plan
of body building especially recommended in this volume, but are
presented merely as a valuable means of varying your efforts in working
for increased vitality.

It is an interesting fact that in some forms of athletics, the body is
subjected to a certain amount of internal stimulation similar to
that which I have systematized in these movements. This is especially
true in wrestling, where the vital organism is often compelled to
endure a great deal of pressure of this kind. The same is true of
American football, although this is too violent for those who are not in
an unusually vigorous condition.

To suit these varying degrees of strength I have arranged these
movements so that the first series (A) is comparatively mild. Those who
are not already vigorous can probably use the advanced form of
treatment, but in most cases it will be best to take them up
gradually. In cases of rupture, or where the abdominal region is
weak, there is a possibility of injury if one makes the movements too
vigorous.

The first series, however, in which the open palm of the hand is used,
is quite safe in all cases, if reasonable care is used. In each of
these pressure movements remember that the pressure should be applied
for one moment only, and then relaxed, repeating the pressure and
moving the position of the hands in accordance with the directions
accompanying each photograph.

When a feeling of pain or great tenderness is noted in pressing upon any
part of the body, this should be regarded as a warning that the
pressure is not to be repeated