TL;DR
In 'Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art,' James Nestor explores the science and cultural history of breathing, revealing how modern humans are breathing incorrectly and the profound health impacts of improving our breathing techniques.
What is Breath about
'Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art' by James Nestor delves into the fundamental yet often overlooked act of breathing. Nestor combines historical insights and cutting-edge scientific research to demonstrate how modern humans have lost the ability to breathe correctly, leading to numerous health issues. Through his global journey, Nestor examines ancient breathing practices and collaborates with scientists and practitioners to uncover effective techniques for respiratory health. The book highlights the transformative power of proper breathing on physical and mental well-being.
Breath 6 Key Takeaways
The Importance of Proper Breathing
Nestor emphasizes that correct breathing is essential for overall health, influencing everything from athletic performance to mental clarity.
Historical Breathing Techniques
Ancient practices like Pranayama, Sudarshan Kriya, and Tummo offer valuable insights into effective and beneficial ways of breathing.
Modern Research and Techniques
Current scientific studies validate the health benefits of specific breathing methods, showing improvements in conditions like asthma and autoimmune diseases.
The Detriment of Mouth Breathing
Nestor illustrates how mouth breathing can lead to various health problems, advocating for nasal breathing as a healthier alternative.
Breathing and Structural Health
The book discusses how proper breathing can even influence physical structure, such as preventing or correcting scoliotic spines.
Cultural and Spiritual Dimensions
Beyond physical health, Nestor explores the cultural and spiritual significance of breathing practices across different societies.
Breath Videos
The Forum with James Nestor: Breath - YouTube
Top Breath Quotes
- 'No matter what you eat, how much you exercise, how skinny or young or wise you are, none of it matters if you’re not breathing properly.'
- 'Modern research is showing us that making even slight adjustments to the way we inhale and exhale can jump-start athletic performance; rejuvenate internal organs; halt snoring, asthma, and autoimmune disease; and even straighten scoliotic spines.'
Who should read Breath?
This book is ideal for anyone interested in improving their health and well-being through better breathing techniques. It's especially beneficial for those suffering from respiratory conditions like sleep apnea, asthma, and snoring, as well as athletes looking to enhance performance and individuals interested in the cultural and scientific aspects of breathing.
Breath Best Reviews
- 'A fascinating scientific, cultural, spiritual and evolutionary history of the way humans breathe—and how we’ve all been doing it wrong for a long, long time.' —Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Big Magic and Eat Pray Love
- 'Full of fascinating information and compelling arguments, this eye-opening (or more aptly a mouth-closing and nostril-opening) work is highly recommended for those with health conditions related to sleep apnea, asthma, and snoring.' —Library Journal
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Breath FAQs
What happens in the book 'Breath'?
'Breath' explores how humans have lost the ability to breathe properly and the various health issues that arise from this. It combines historical insights and modern research to offer solutions.
Is 'Breath' worth reading?
Absolutely. The book is full of fascinating information and compelling arguments, making it highly recommended for anyone interested in health and wellness, particularly those with respiratory issues.
What is the science behind 'Breath' by James Nestor?
The book delves into the scientific research showing that improper breathing is linked to various health problems, and explores how ancient and modern breathing techniques can be used to address these issues.