This article is a compilation of the thoughts and research of many different health professionals, and is by no means a complete study on the different subjects discussed. It is not the intent of the writer to diagnose or prescribe. If you have a health condition of any kind, be sure to consult a health professional before acting upon any of the information contained in these pages.
"Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness (temperance), rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power -- these are the true remedies. . . .
"The use of natural remedies require an amount of care and effort that many are not willing to give. Nature's process of healing and upbuilding is gradual and to the impatient it seems slow. The surrender of hurtful indulgences requires sacrifice. But in the end it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind. . . .
"We cannot be too often reminded that health does not depend on chance. It is a result of obedience to law." The Ministry of Healing, pages 127, 128
Air may be polluted by many contaminants. It is a know fact that heavily polluted air is a health hazard that is not easily controlled; therefore, it would be of great benefit to live where the air is as free as possible form pollutants. Lung cancer rates are much higher among city dwellers than those who live in the country. Persons living in the cities should avoid, as far as possible, strenuous physical activity when the pollution level is high, since this may irritate the delicate organs associated with breathing.
The body has a constant need of oxygen to purify the blood and to throw off waste products through the breathing process. Besides the lungs, the skin is also a breathing organ. If all the pores of the skin were closed a person would suffocate in a very short time. Since over one pound of waste is discharged through the skin daily, it is important to keep the millions of pores clean and unclogged by frequent bathing.
If the blood does not receive an adequate supply of oxygen it will not flow as it should, and waste products will be retained, resulting in a system that becomes an easy target for disease. Since the body cannot store oxygen we need a constant and fresh supply.
The air we breathe is filled with ions, which are atoms, that carry a positive or negative electrical charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons. Negative ions are the good guys. Ions become charged through radiation from materials such as uranium and radium in the earth's crust. Cosmic rays, such as sunshine produce ions. Lightning that passes between earth and clouds, and through the break up of water droplets as found near waterfalls and ocean surf forms an ionized path through the air. That's why we feel so exhilarated after a thunderstorm, or when walking the beach, or sitting by falling water.
Since fresh air and negative ions are critical for a healthy body and a happy disposition, we must look for ways to breathe deeply of these two blessings.