Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
Are you breathing wrong? According to James Nestor’s groundbreaking book, Breath, the way we inhale and exhale could be undermining our health. Nestor explores how modern habits—like mouth breathing and processed food consumption—alter our physiology, reduce our vitality, and compromise mental health.
In Breath, you’ll learn how to unlock the transformative potential of proper breathing, from ancient techniques to practical exercises that can improve anxiety, immune function, and even facial structure. The power we hold in our lungs can change the way we think about something as simple and unconscious as breathing. Nestor does a fantastic job breaking down the science and providing actionable insights. It was transformative for my own Freediving adventures in the crystal clear springs of Florida, which you can explore in Zen and the Art (and Science) of Freediving.
If you want a fun and simple introduction, check out the essay We Breathe Wrong, from the popular Substack Polymathic Being, which explores and extends Nestor’s findings by linking poor breathing mechanics to modern lifestyles and offering actionable insights for change. Start your journey to better health today—one breath at a time.
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Product Details
James Nestor’s Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art delves into the profound impact of breathing techniques on our health. He reveals that modern habits, such as mouth breathing and consuming processed foods, have led to improper breathing patterns, contributing to various health issues. Nestor emphasizes the benefits of nasal breathing and introduces ancient practices to enhance respiratory function. Complementing Nestor’s insights, Michael Woudenberg’s article, “We Breathe Wrong,” explores how contemporary lifestyles have led to shallow, mouth-based breathing and insufficient chewing, both detrimental to our health. Woudenberg underscores the importance of nasal breathing and proper mastication for optimal well-being.
Key Takeaways
- Nasal Breathing Benefits: Breathing through the nose filters air, regulates temperature, and maintains optimal humidity, enhancing oxygen absorption and supporting immune defense.
- Diaphragmatic Breathing: Engaging the diaphragm through deep breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, activating the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- The CO2 Effect: The feeling of suffocation isn’t a lack of oxygen but a trigger to increased CO2. This is a reaction that can be trained as found in the breath holds freedivers can attain.
- Impact of Processed Foods: A diet high in processed foods reduces the need for thorough chewing, leading to underdeveloped facial structures and compromised airways, which can result in breathing difficulties.
- Ancient Breathing Techniques: Practices like Pranayama and the Papworth method offer structured approaches to improve respiratory efficiency and overall health.
Why It Matters: Proper breathing is fundamental to health, influencing oxygen delivery, stress levels, and even structural development. Nestor’s research, supported by Woudenberg’s observations, highlights how modern lifestyle choices have disrupted natural breathing patterns, leading to various health issues. By reverting to nasal breathing, engaging in diaphragmatic techniques, and ensuring adequate chewing of whole foods, individuals can enhance respiratory function, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Incorporating these practices into daily life offers a natural, accessible means to address common health concerns, emphasizing the profound connection between breath and health.
Check out these informative essays on biomechanics from the popular Substack Polymathic Being. You’ll find a ton of counterintuitive insights in how our modern world is making us less healthy but, thankfully, we have the ability to return to our natural capabilities.
For an insightful exploration into freediving, check out the personal experiences and fantastic underwater videos in Zen and the Art (and Science) of Freediving.
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