BREATH

Reviewed by:  A. Elsworth Boss Ed.D. – Word Press – May 29, 2021

“No matter what you eat, how much you exercise, how skinny or young or strong you are, none of it matters if you’re not breathing properly.”  We take 25,000 breathes per day and approximately 40% of the population breathe through their mouths which causes significant health problems.  Anxiety, depression, hypertension, extreme fatigue, autoimmune disease, asthma and emphysema are some of the conditions that are driven by not breathing right.

James Nestor travelled around the world for ten years tracking down men and women who harbored the secrets of the lost art of breathing.  The science of breathing was practiced more than 1000 years ago in Buddhist temples in Tibet.  Just by consciously controlling the breath one can go from intense fear and anxiety to calm, cool and collected.  The method is called “breathwork.”  The martial arts, Tai Chi, Yoga, Tummo, Sudarshan Kriya, Chi Cong all have their forms of breathing that have servived 1000 years.  Even the Navy Seals have a method of breathing to become calm and mentally focused before or after battles.  Each technique is covered in chapter 8 of the book.

He also volunteered to be a subject in scientific research in order to advance the field of pulmonary science. He has had tubes pushed up his nose and into his sinus cavities to find out where the air goes when inhaled.  He has had his nose plugged shut for a week and experienced the fear and hallucinogenic effects of carbon dioxide retention or hypercapnea.  I admire and appreciate this man.

James Nestor not only travelled to exotic locations he eloquently paints detailed pictures of the characters and places he explored.  His literary expression and delivery make this book exciting and very special.   .  .  .  .  . http://www.mrjamesnestor.com