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Hatha Yoga: The Yogi Philosophy of Physical Well-Being1932
The Yogi Morning Wash-Down.
The following may give you some ideas regarding the way to get the
best results from the morning wash-down. It is very invigorating and
strengthening, and will make one feel the beneficial effect all the day.
It begins with a little exercise which causes the blood to circulate and the
Prana to be distributed all over the body, after the night’s rest, and renders
the body in the best condition in which to take the cool wash-down or bath.
Preliminary Exercise. (1) Stand erect in a military attitude, head up, eyes
front, shoulders back, hands at sides. (2) Raise the body slowly on toes,
inhaling a deep breath, steadily and slowly. (3) Retain the breath for a few
seconds, maintaining the same position. (4) Sink slowly to the first position,
at the same time exhaling the breath through the nostrils, slowly. (5) Practice
Cleansing Breath. (6) Repeat several times, varying by using right leg alone,
then left leg alone.
Then take the bath or wash-down, as described on the preceding pages.
If you prefer the wash-down, fill the basin with cool water (not too cool, but
just a pleasant stimulating temperature which will bring on the reaction).
Take a rough cloth or towel and soak it in the water, and then wring about
half the water out of it. Beginning with the chest and shoulders, then the
back, then the abdomen, then the thighs and then the lower legs and feet,
rub the body all over vigorously. Wring the water out of the towel several
times in going over the body, in order that the entire body shall receive
fresh cool water upon it. Pause a second or so several times during the washdown,
and take a couple of long deep breaths. Do not be in too much of a
rush, but go about it calmly. At first few times the cool water may cause you
to shrink a little, but you will soon get used to it, and will learn to like it. Do
not make the mistake of commencing with too cool water, but rather work
down the temperature by degrees. If you prefer the tub to the wash-down,
half fill the tub with water of the proper temperature, and kneel in it while
you do the rubbing, then plunge the whole body under the water for a
moment, and then get out at once.