This is an age of short cuts. Any devious routes to the accomplishment
of an object should be avoided. If you want vitality, and the
vivacity, energy and enthusiasm with which it is associated, you
naturally search for a method which will bring certain and quick
improvements. The reasonableness and general prevalence of this demand
was in my mind when I began experimentation with a view to
discovering a method for stimulating what I term the source of vital
power.
Scientific men while delving into the marvelous secrets of physiology,
have learned that the thyroid gland in some peculiar manner possesses
an extraordinary influence upon vital stamina and virility. This
mysterious gland is located in front of the neck, about half way between
the so-called "Adam's apple" and the top of the sternum or breast-bone,
where it adheres to each side of the front of the trachea, or windpipe,
in a flattened form, something like the wings of a butterfly, with a
connecting "isthmus." It is a "ductless" gland, its secretions
apparently being taken up by absorption into the lymph, and from that
into the blood.
While the functions of this little organ are not yet very clearly
understood, there is nothing more definitely known than its
tremendous importance in the bodily economy. Without it there can be no
such thing as healthy development. Thyroid deficiency in children gives
rise to a form of idiocy, bodily malformation and degeneracy known as
cretinism, while in adult life it is associated with a similar
disorder known as myxedema. Goiter is the most common disorder of the
thyroid gland; though not very serious in minor cases, it is capable
of becoming very dangerous, assuming such malignant forms as
exophthalmic goiter, which is marked by palpitation of the heart,
nervous symptoms and protrusion of the eyes.
It is thought by some authorities that the thyroid gland has to do with
the control of the excretion of the waste products from nitrogenous
foods, for it has been found that a meat diet or a high-proteid diet is
extremely harmful in disorders of this organ. It has been found that
dogs fed on meat after the thyroid gland has been removed invariably die
in a few days, but that they can be kept alive for a long time if fed
on a diet very low in proteids. It is found as a rule that those
suffering from thyroid troubles do very well on a milk diet.
Some students of the subject conclude that the function of the thyroid
gland is to destroy poisonous products formed by the decomposition
of proteid food substances. It is believed by others that it also has a
defensive action against other poisons in the body, including alcohol
and poisonous drugs. In other words, it is thought to have an
"antitoxic" action. It has also been held that this organ has much to
do with the supply of iodine in the system, being particularly
affected by the lack of iodine in the food. Again, it is said that when
the thyroid gland has degenerated there ensues a condition of auto-
intoxication, followed by a degeneration of other organs which destroy
and eliminate poisons in the blood. It is claimed that in many cases of
thyroid deficiency, as in cretinism, good results have been obtained by
the use of thyroid extract, thus supplying the body with the secretion
which normally should have been obtained from this gland.
But, whatever may be the function of this remarkable little organ, the
fact remains that it is of tremendous importance to health,
being undeniably endowed with extraordinary influence on virility,
physical strength and mental vigor. Now these facts were in mind when I
commenced the experiments which, as I have said, led to the discovery of
a method of stimulating the vital forces of the body. The problem
seemed simple in some respects. If the thyroid gland has such a
definite effect upon bodily health, the query as to how it can be
strengthened and stimulated to perform its work more satisfactorily,
assumed unusual importance and I was strongly moved to discover the
answer. The problem, however, was not by any means an easy one. A long
time elapsed before a satisfactory solution presented itself. The first
thought that naturally occurs to one when endeavoring to stimulate
the activities of any part of the body is to find some means of
increasing the circulation to that part. Ordinary massage will
usually accomplish this purpose to a limited degree, though massage to
my mind is a superficial agent in many cases. It will increase local
circulation, but it does not facilitate tissue changes to the same
extent as exercise which directly affects the structures concerned, or
the mechanical movements of the parts themselves that are brought about
through active use of them in some way. I have known of cases in
which pressure and massage applied to the region of the thyroid gland
have been followed by harmful effects, such as fainting, and
certainly no one with a weak heart should attempt to stimulate this
organ in this manner. Therefore, in endeavoring to find a satisfactory
means of stimulating this important gland, I did not give massage
serious thought. And I might as well say that I finally
"stumbled" upon the important truth which is the basis of the method
that I am presenting.
For many years I have been a student of vocal culture, having taken up
the study of this art chiefly as a recreation, with no thought of
ever publicly using any ability I might acquire, though I might mention
that the additional vocal strength obtained as a result of this
training assisted me greatly in public speaking. While giving my
attention to this particular study, I was greatly impressed by the
extreme importance of maintaining an erect spine, holding the chin down,
inward and backward, and keeping the shoulders back and the chest
expanded. I found, however, like many others who become "slack" in
bodily posture, that a considerable effort was required to maintain a
proper position at all times. I therefore began a series of special
exercises intended really to force myself to assume a properly erect
position. While experimenting with these exercises for the purpose
mentioned, I noted a marked effect upon my general vital vigor. Not only
was this made apparent by an increase in physical strength and
stamina, but it was marked in an equal degree by additional mental
energy and capacity. My mind was clearer, and I could surmount
difficulties presented in business enterprises in which I was interested
with far more ease than before. I could make decisions more easily and
quickly. In addition, a decided gain in weight was noted-not by any
means in the form of mere fatty tissue, but of firm, substantial
flesh. These very pleasing results induced me to go more carefully into
the causes underlying this remarkable improvement. I carried on an
elaborate series of careful experiments with a view to proving the
conclusions to which I had come in the course of these exercises. It
was quite apparent that a full development of the back part of the upper
spine was necessary in order to maintain the strength essential to
extreme vigor and vitality. And it became quite plain to me that this
development could not be achieved without stimulating to an unusual
degree the thyroid gland. Reasoning along this line, I called to mind
the appearance of various animals noted for their great strength and
there I found my conclusions verified with remarkable emphasis. The
arched neck of the stallion, the huge development of the back of the
neck of the domestic bull, the same character in even more pronounced
form in the case of the bull buffalo and the musk-ox, and in varying
degrees in other animals conspicuous for their vitality and energy-all
this seemed to indicate that I was on the verge of a remarkable
discovery. When you think of a fiery steed, in every instance you bring
to mind the arched appearance of the neck. The tight reins that are
sometimes used to give a horse a pleasing appearance, are based upon the
same ideal, showing a more or less subconscious recognition of the
idea that this particular development is associated with tremendous
animal vigor.
After giving consideration to various methods that could be used for the
purpose of stimulating this little organ, the thyroid gland, I finally
concluded as the result of prolonged experimentation that the exercises
illustrated in this chapter can most thoroughly be depended upon for
producing results. All movements here described have proved effective in
imparting to the neck a full, arched, well developed appearance, but I
have given especial attention to the active use of the muscles on the
back of the neck. Nearly every movement which to a certain extent
develops these muscles is inclined to stimulate the thyroid gland. The
more special movements for this purpose are indicated in the various
illustrations accompanying this chapter. This development of the back of
the neck always indicates great vitality, because definite proof is
thereby given that the spine is unusually strong and is maintained in a
position favorable to the functioning of all the organs of the body.
Many of the movements illustrated are but slight in character, but
they are the more adaptable because of this. No matter where you may be,
whether walking along the street, conversing with a friend, or sitting
at a desk, they can be practiced quietly without attracting attention.
Furthermore, it is absolutely essential that an erect position of the
spine be kept in mind continually. You should begin every morning to
hold the spine straight and erect, and each day should represent an
increment of success in the struggle finally to maintain involuntarily
this position of the body. On arising in the morning, practice some of
the exercises illustrated in this chapter for stimulating the thyroid
gland, being careful to perform them just as instructed in each
illustration. Whenever you are unoccupied during the day, it is a
good plan to practice these movements occasionally, as they will
assist you materially in maintaining the spine in that erect position
which I found so important at the beginning of my vocal studies. The
most important movement is to bring the chin downward, inward, and
backward as far as possible, endeavoring to arch as much as you can
the back of the neck. You may have to practice a long while before you
notice an outline that will in any way resemble an arch in the back of
your neck, but all this work you can be assured will be of decided
benefit to you. And, whether or not you attain the desired arch, you
can be assured of benefits that will be worth all your efforts. When you
make these movements properly, there is no necessity for trying to
bring the chest out or the shoulders far back. The simple movements of
the neck alone as described, if properly performed, will fulfill
all requirements. For these movements tend mechanically to raise and
arch the chest and to throw the shoulders far backward. Remember also
the necessity, when taking these movements, of keeping the abdominal
region expanded as fully as possible. Do not draw in the waist line.
The importance of this admonition cannot be too strongly emphasized. If
you maintain a full abdomen, thyroid-stimulating movements seem to tone
up, increase in size, and strengthen all the vital organs lying in the
gastric region.
In further proof of the value of the exercises described in this work as
a means of building unusual vital vigor, note the remarkable stamina
and virility of men possessing an unusual development of the neck. Where
the neck is broad and well filled out at the back, you can depend
absolutely upon the possession of great vital vigor. It is quite plain,
therefore, that by merely adopting some method of developing this part
of the spine you will have accomplished a great deal towards obtaining a
high degree of vital stamina. Some of the strongest men in the world
can be found among professional wrestlers. Many of those following this
profession retain their athletic ability a great many years beyond the
athletic life of men in other branches of sport. In fact, champion
wrestlers sometimes retain their championship honors for a score of
years beyond the age at which champion boxers and runners retire. It is
a well known fact that wrestling requires extraordinary strength of the
upper spine. Some of the most strenuous wrestling holds use the muscles
of the upper back and neck in a very vigorous and violent manner.
Consequently wrestlers are noted for what are often termed bull necks,
thus plainly indicating the exceptional degree of vital vigor which they
possess.
Accordingly it is well to remember in connection with these exercises
that many movements which assist in the development of the neck
muscles also serve to stimulate the activities of the thyroid gland. You
cannot go through the process of training for a wrestling match
without stimulating this organ to an exceptional degree. Therefore, in
following the suggestions which are given in this chapter, you are
securing the full benefit of a vitality-stimulating process that
ordinarily can be obtained only by going through a prolonged course of
wrestling. There is no necessity for you to develop a "bull neck," but
you should make the most strenuous efforts to acquire a sufficient
development of the back of the neck to give it an arched appearance. The
more nearly you can approximate a development of this character, the
more vital will you become. And along with this superior power will
come a similar improvement in every other capacity, mental as well as
physical.
That there may be no mistake, let me reiterate: That the spine must be
held erect at all times when sitting or standing. That frequently
during the day when sitting or standing the chin should be brought down
and in with a backward movement, the head being turned at times far
either to the right or left side, with a vigorous twist of the strongly
tensed muscles.
That on every occasion when this movement is made, the abdomen must be
fully expanded-not held in or drawn upward.
That great emphasis must be given to the importance of bringing the chin
slowly but vigorously downward against the chest before the inward and
backward movement is begun. This insures a proper stimulation of the
thyroid gland.