That is to say, study yourself. Observe your needs. For example, stand
against some perfectly straight post or door, with the heels and back of
the head against it. Where the back curves most, there will be room for
the hand. Now where do you feel the most constriction? Give attention to
such parts.
Even when lying on your back, by stretching the limbs and expanding the
chest such wrong tendencies or faults in standing can be corrected. The
chest can be set free when it is constricted. When it is carried too low
you can directly separate the breast-bone from the spine. By sympathetic
expansions of the torso and by manipulating with the hands the parts
that are especially constricted, curvatures, even in the back, can be
improved.
In all cases in practicing expansion we should be careful that there is
no increase in the curvature of the spine. The back should remain
normal, or become more nearly normal if we find any perversions.
A hollow back, as is well known, is more difficult to correct than a
hollow chest, though both of them are abnormal. A hollow back can best
be corrected by the lifting of the feet, and the extension of the
muscles of the back. If the hand is placed under the back where there is
the greatest curvature there will be felt a normal action upon this
curve of the spine.
One point which has been discussed is whether training can affect the
bones, or only the muscles. The whole body can be affected by training
if the right methods are used. In correcting something like a hollow
back, which has been of long duration, not only the balance of the
muscles but the very articulations and ligaments and even bones may be
affected by patient and persevering practice.
If there is congestion in the region of the throat, the pivotal action
of the head is important, but the hands can be made to do a great deal
of work also during the pivotal actions. Such manipulation is one of the
best remedies for sore throat, and also for dizziness, unless the
dizziness is caused by a wrong condition of the stomach or liver, in
which case the pivotal actions of the torso should be vigorously
performed, with kneading by the hands, of the abdomen.
If one limb is weaker than its mate it should be given more practice
until balance is restored.
If there is any muscle weak in any part of the body, we should find an
exercise to strengthen it harmoniously.
It can hardly be emphasized too often that the central muscles should be
stronger than the surface muscles. Whenever we find, for example, a weak
diaphragm, we should use a greater number of exercises for it and be
careful not to give too much attention to the arm muscles.
It is not mere strength to lift a heavy weight that measures the degree
of vitality or indicates length of life, but rather the harmony of all
parts working together. The muscles connected with breathing should be
stronger in proportion than the superficial muscles of the arms or lower
limbs.
People who perform one particular movement a great deal, such as a
blacksmith in hammering, should study and use exercises for the parts
that are habitually neglected.
A little thought can correct every abnormal condition, even stiff joints
and headache. By practicing patiently such tendencies may be practically
eliminated.