Sex efficiency through exercises : special physical culture for women / by Th. H. van de Velde ; [photos, by E. Steinemann].
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her muscles completely during these movements so that her leg hangs limp from the knee. Omit this exercise, however, if there are any varicose veins between knee and ankle. In the later phases of the puerperium the patient herself may clasp her own thigh with both hands and hold it vertically, while the assistant raises the lower leg. Of course, the latter movement may also be active. But the leg must drop back quite passively with relaxed muscles. Knee Raising, in the Recumbent Posture, and Passive. As described under heading No. 13 (a) of exercises during pregnancy (Chapter XIII.), Fig. 30. Knee Rotation: Passive. As described under No. 14 of exercises during pregnancy (Chapter XIII.), Fig. 31. Of course, these aforesaid exercises should all be performed alternately left and right. The number of times they should be repeated is an entirely individual matter depending on the patient's state, but it is better to repeat them only twice in twenty-four hours than too often in succession. These passive movements of the lower limbs can be usefully intercalated with breathing exercises and active movements of the arms, of which more presently. The only respiratory exercises we need consider at these times are :— Passive Breathing. As described under No. 5 of exercises during pregnancy (Chapter XIII.), Figs. 22 and 23. The remarks appended to those directions should be followed, especially in the first stages after child-birth. There should not be the slightest pressure on the breasts, and the first portion of the exercise— lung distension—is the more important. Abdominal Breathing. As described under No. 1 of exercises during pregnancy (Chapter XIII.), Figs. 18 and 19. A certain care is necessary, as deep breathing repeated too often in succession can cause