hich is the smallest, is used,
and consequently but a minimum amount of air enters the lungs. In
addition to this, the diaphragm being raised, there can be no
expansion in that direction. A study of the anatomy of the chest will
convince any student that in this way a maximum amount of effort is
used to obtain a minimum amount of benefit.

High Breathing is probably the worst form of breathing known to man
and requires the greatest expenditure of energy with the smallest
amount of benefit. It is an energy-wasting, poor-returns plan. It is
quite common among the Western races, many women being addicted to It,
and even singers, clergymen, lawyers and others, who should know
better, using it ignorantly.

Many diseases of the vocal organs and organs of respiration may be
directly traced to this barbarous method of breathing, and the
straining of delicate organs caused by this method, often results in
the harsh, disagreeable voices heard on all sides. Many persons who
breathe In this way become addicted to the disgusting practice of
"mouth-breathing" described in a preceding chapter.

If the student has any doubts about what has been said regarding this
form of breathing, let him try the experiment of expelling all the air
from his lungs, then standing erect, with hands at sides, let him
raise the shoulders and collar-bone and inhale. He will find that the
amount of air inhaled far below normal. Then let him inhale a full
breath, after dropping the shoulders and collar-bone, and he will
receive an object lesson in breathing which he will be apt to remember
much longer than he would any words, printed or spoken.

(2) MID BREATHING.

This method of respiration is known to Western students as Rib
Breathing, or Inter-Costal Breathing, and while less objectionable
than High Breathing, is far inferior to either Low Breathing or to the
Yogi Complete Breath. In Mid Breathing the diaphragm is pushed upward,
and the abdomen drawn in. The ribs are raised somewhat, and the chest
is partially expanded. It is quite common among men who have made no
study of the subject. As there are two better methods known, we give
it only passing notice, and that principally to call your attention to
its short-comings.

(3) LOW BREATHING.

This form of respiration is far better than either of the two
preceding forms: and of recent years many Western writers have
extolled its merits, and have exploited it under the names of
"Abdominal Breat