James Nestor's book "Breath" was a massive success, selling over 3 million copies since its publication in May 2020. The timing couldn't have been worse - the Covid-19 pandemic had just begun to spread globally. Despite his reservations about releasing the book at that time, Nestor had hoped to capitalize on the advance payment and promote it through online means.
The book turned out to be a breath of fresh air (pun intended) for many readers, who found comfort in its message about the importance of breathing patterns in maintaining good health. The author's own journey with respiratory problems led him to explore the world of breathwork, which he credits with transforming his life.
Nestor had initially believed that breathing was a binary concept - either you were doing it right or wrong. However, as he delved deeper into research, he discovered that there was more nuance to it than he had ever imagined. The author explains how our modern diet and lifestyle have led to changes in the shape of our skulls, making us breathe less efficiently.
One of the most striking findings from Nestor's research is the connection between breathing patterns and facial structure. He cites examples of people with straight teeth who were born with a naturally larger mouth size, while those with crooked teeth had developed this condition due to poor oral habits or genetics.
To test his theories, Nestor wore a palate-expanding device, similar to a retainer, every night for a year and observed significant changes in his breathing patterns. He also draws on the experiences of other breathworkers, including Carl Stough, who treated emphysema patients using unconventional methods, and Anders Olsson, who huffs carbon dioxide from a tank.
Despite its fringe appeal, Nestor views breathwork as a natural and essential aspect of human health, one that has been overlooked in modern times. The author argues that by allowing our bodies to breathe naturally, we can improve our overall well-being and even address conditions like sleep apnea.
Nestor's book has sparked a renewed interest in the practice of conscious breathing, which he believes can have profound benefits for both physical and mental health. Whether or not one subscribes to its more esoteric claims, "Breath" is undoubtedly a thought-provoking read that will leave readers questioning their own relationship with this fundamental aspect of human existence.
The book turned out to be a breath of fresh air (pun intended) for many readers, who found comfort in its message about the importance of breathing patterns in maintaining good health. The author's own journey with respiratory problems led him to explore the world of breathwork, which he credits with transforming his life.
Nestor had initially believed that breathing was a binary concept - either you were doing it right or wrong. However, as he delved deeper into research, he discovered that there was more nuance to it than he had ever imagined. The author explains how our modern diet and lifestyle have led to changes in the shape of our skulls, making us breathe less efficiently.
One of the most striking findings from Nestor's research is the connection between breathing patterns and facial structure. He cites examples of people with straight teeth who were born with a naturally larger mouth size, while those with crooked teeth had developed this condition due to poor oral habits or genetics.
To test his theories, Nestor wore a palate-expanding device, similar to a retainer, every night for a year and observed significant changes in his breathing patterns. He also draws on the experiences of other breathworkers, including Carl Stough, who treated emphysema patients using unconventional methods, and Anders Olsson, who huffs carbon dioxide from a tank.
Despite its fringe appeal, Nestor views breathwork as a natural and essential aspect of human health, one that has been overlooked in modern times. The author argues that by allowing our bodies to breathe naturally, we can improve our overall well-being and even address conditions like sleep apnea.
Nestor's book has sparked a renewed interest in the practice of conscious breathing, which he believes can have profound benefits for both physical and mental health. Whether or not one subscribes to its more esoteric claims, "Breath" is undoubtedly a thought-provoking read that will leave readers questioning their own relationship with this fundamental aspect of human existence.