Ellen Gould White
What does Ellen White write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "Are breathing exercises spiritually dangerous?"
Answer
Based on the writings of Ellen G. White, breathing exercises are not considered spiritually dangerous, but essential for physical and mental health. Deep breathing is expressly recommended to cleanse the blood, calm the nerves, and strengthen vital force.
The documents only warn against spiritualist practices such as mesmerism (hypnosis) or fanatical emotional outbursts, but do not link these dangers to physiologically correct breathing exercises. On the contrary, proper breathing is described as a God‑given duty to preserve health and support mental clarity.
The importance of deep breathing for body and mind
»Among the first things that should be pursued is a correct posture, both sitting and standing. ... After the correct posture, breathing and voice training follow in importance. ... One should give exercises that promote this [deep breathing], and ensure that the habit is firmly established. Voice training occupies an important place in body culture, as it tends to expand and strengthen the lungs and thus ward off disease.«
Benefits of deep breathing for the nervous system
»To have good blood, we must breathe well. Full, deep inspirations of pure air that fill the lungs with oxygen cleanse the blood. ... Good breathing calms the nerves; it stimulates appetite and makes digestion more complete; and it leads to healthy, refreshing sleep.«
Deep breathing as protection for health
»When a speaker talks in the proper way, taking deep, full breaths and projecting the voice in clear, distinct tones, the whole being benefits. The exercise of my lungs through deep breathing while I spoke publicly was a lifesaver for me. ... Pay attention when speaking to train the abdominal muscles.«
The influence of fresh air on the mental state
»The influence of pure, fresh air causes the blood to circulate healthily through the system. It refreshes the body and makes it strong and healthy, while at the same time its influence is clearly felt on the mind, granting a certain degree of calmness and cheerfulness.«
- Connection between breathing and mental clarity
- Ellen White warnings about hypnosis and mesmerism
- Health reform and correct body posture
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
