“the greatest indicator of life span wasn’t genetics, diet, or the amount of daily exercise, as many had suspected. It was lung capacity.”
― James Nestor, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
James Nestor’s Breath is an astonishing and potentially life-changing read, offering a deep dive into the science, history, and techniques of proper breathing. For those looking to transform their health and well-being through breathwork, this book is a must-read. It’s the very book that inspired me to become a certified breath coach and deepen my own practice.
Breathing may seem like a simple, automatic function, but as Nestor reveals, there’s a lot more to it than we think. Breath serves as a one-stop shop for understanding the crucial role of breathing in maintaining our health span—essentially, the number of healthy, vibrant years we live. The book demonstrates that the way we breathe has a profound impact on everything from lung function to mental clarity, stress levels, and even athletic performance.
A Fascinating Exploration of Breath
Nestor takes readers on a thrilling journey that spans both ancient and modern worlds. He interviews experts from a wide array of fields, digging into ancient burial sites, visiting Soviet secret facilities, and even exploring New Jersey choir schools and the pollution-filled streets of São Paulo. In his search for the “hidden science” behind breath, he also encounters individuals who have devoted their lives to ancient breathing practices like Pranayama, Sudarshan Kriya, and Tummo.
The book is not merely theoretical or historical. Nestor teams up with pulmonary experts and scientists to test age-old techniques and uncover truths about how we breathe. This mix of adventure, scientific research, and personal narrative makes the book not only informative but also a page-turner. Nestor’s curiosity and willingness to experiment on himself—testing out methods that can improve or damage how we breathe—transform him into what he calls a “pulmonaut.”
Personal Story Meets Scientific Research
One of the strengths of Breath is how Nestor intertwines his personal experiences with the research he has discovered. While the author uses his own story as a vehicle to discuss breathwork, he never allows his narrative to overshadow the science. Instead, the personal anecdotes help to illustrate the deeper points he’s making about the importance of breathing correctly.
For example, Nestor explains how he, like many of us, has been breathing incorrectly, particularly during exercise. He describes how, before his research, he would hop on an elliptical machine at the gym, mouth open, gasping for air. Through his studies, he learned that breathing through the mouth is actually bad form, and nose breathing is far more beneficial for performance and overall health. This simple but profound change in how we breathe during physical activity can significantly improve our stamina and lung efficiency.
Why This Book Matters
Breath takes an otherwise overlooked subject—something we all do every second of our lives—and shows us just how crucial it is to our physical and mental health. Nestor not only educates but inspires, urging readers to become more mindful of their breath and to cultivate a practice of proper breathing.
The book contains over 500 scientific references, which offer substantial evidence to support Nestor’s findings. From improving athletic performance to reducing anxiety, the potential benefits of breathwork are vast. What’s exciting is that these techniques are accessible to everyone, requiring no special equipment or training—just a willingness to pay attention and practice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to improve your yoga practice or daily well-being, Breath by James Nestor is an enlightening read. It blends personal narrative with fascinating research to reveal just how important breathing is—and how most of us are doing it wrong. This book will make you rethink something as simple as inhaling and exhaling, and it will leave you with practical tools for improving your health.