Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

Recognized as a New York Times Bestseller and highlighted as a Notable Nonfiction Book of 2020 by The Washington Post, this work was also chosen as one of NPR's Best Books of 2020. It offers an intriguing exploration into the scientific, cultural, spiritual, and evolutionary aspects of human breathing, which, according to Elizabeth Gilbert, has been performed incorrectly by humans for a long time. Regardless of diet, exercise, body size, or wisdom, breathing correctly is crucial for health. Breathing is vital, performed twenty-five thousand times a day, yet our species has forgotten how to do it properly, leading to significant health issues. In this compelling narrative, journalist James Nestor embarks on a global journey to uncover where we went wrong and how to rectify it. Surprisingly, the solutions are discovered not in traditional pulmonology labs but in diverse locations such as ancient burial sites, hidden Soviet facilities, choir schools in New Jersey, and the polluted streets of São Paulo. Nestor investigates ancient breathing methods like Pranayama, Sudarshan Kriya, and Tummo, collaborating with experts to scientifically test the validity of these age-old techniques. Cutting-edge research indicates that minor changes in breathing can enhance athletic performance, rejuvenate organs, alleviate conditions like snoring and asthma, and even correct spinal deformities. This challenges our fundamental understanding of breathing. By integrating ancient wisdom and modern scientific studies across various fields, "Breath" redefines our basic biological function, promising that you will never approach breathing the same way again.