BLUSHING AND BLANCHING.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1788, 13 November 1879, Page 2

BLUSHING AND BLANCHING.

[Lancet.] Blushing is occasioned by sudden dilation of the small blood-vessels, which form a fine network beneath the skin, and when they admit an increased volume of red blood causa the surface to appear suffused with color. Blanching is the opposite state, in which the vessels contract and squeeze out their blood, so that the skin is seen of its bloodless hue. The change effected in the size of the vessels is brought about by an instantaneous action of the nervous system. This action may be induced by a thought, or, unconsciously, by the operation of impressions producing the phenomenon habitually. In a word, blushing may become a habit, and it is then beyond the control of the will, except in so far as the will can generally, if not always, conquer any habit. It is almost always useless, and certainly seldom worth while, to strive to cure a habit of this class directly. The most promising course is to try to establish a new habit, which shall destroy the one it is desired to remedy. For example, if , blushing is, as generally happens, associated i with self-consciousness, we must establish the sway of the will over that part of the nervous . system which controls the size of the vessels, ; by calling up a feeling opposed to self-eon- [ soiousness. It is through the mind these , nerves are influenced. Then influence them , in a contrary direction by antagonising the [ emotion associated with blanching. Thus, if the feeling which causes the blushing be ex- \ pressible by the thought, “ Here am lin a false and humiliating position." oppose, or still betler, anticipate and prevent, that [ thought |by thinking, “There are you daring to pity or feel contempt for another." i b ", "’T” “other” . is, because the aim must bo to eliminate self. Constitute yourself the champion of some one, any one, and everybody, who may ho pitied, and the ever zealous and indignant foe of those who presume to pity. Most persons who blush with self-consciousness blanch with anger, and this artificial state of mock anger will soon blanch the face enough to prevent 1 the blush. It only requires practice in the control of the emotions and the production of particular states at will—the sort of expertnoss acquired by actors and actresses—to secure control of these surface phenomena. Blushing and blanching are antagonistic states, and may be employed to counteract each other, control of the physical state of the bloodvessels being obtained through the motions with which they direct them.