Sex efficiency through exercises : special physical culture for women / by Th. H. van de Velde ; [photos, by E. Steinemann].

and sinks below the table edge. Repeat twice or thrice in succession. (34) Raising the Trunk, Upwards and Backwards. The patient lies face downwards on a long table, or on the floor. Fold the hands together behind the back, so that the fingers intertwist and grip each other. Then breathe in, slowly raise the trunk and, at the same time, raise the arms as far as possible, keeping them at full stretch with the hands linked. Then exhale and let the head droop sideways again. Keep in the raised posture as long as inhalation is possible, but as soon as this becomes a strain breathe out again and sink back, in order that there should be no injury to the lungs. (35) Trunk Inclination with Grip at Nape of Neck. First position, standing upright. Breathe in, raising the arms slowly sideways, and fold the hands at the nape of the neck behind the head. Pull back the elbows as far and as tautly as possible. Breathe out slowly, thrusting the chin out and bend forward till the trunk is at an obtuse angle to the legs. Keep the abdominal muscles at firm tension, and let the sacral muscles be contracted, so that the whole back forms a slight slope. Keep the elbows pointing backwards. Breathe in, lifting the trunk, and breathe out, lowering the arms. Repeat the exercise several times in succession. (36) Creeping Posture. Quadrupedal attitude, on hands and knees. Then thrust the arms as far forward as possible and slightly to one side. The thighs should be kept vertical and the buttocks raised and protruded, while the upper part of the body droops forward as easily and loosely as possible. The instructress may then press lightly on the shoulder blades and cause a slight rhythmic jerking or flicking movement, which the patient may learn to produce alone with practice. * * * Although not strictly part of the subject-matter of this chapter, I may add a few remarks relative to many inquiries