36 pages1 hour read

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

James Nestor

Breath

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

214

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Self-Improvement

Psychology
Setting

2020s

Topic
Health

Science & Nature

Psychology
Publication Year

2020

Publisher

Riverhead Books

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor combines scientific journalism with studies in anthropology, biochemistry, human physiology, psychology, and pulmonology to explore the vital role of breathing in human health. Nestor argues that modern humans suffer from chronic illnesses due to improper breathing habits and advocates nasal breathing as a solution. The book documents various breathing techniques and experiments, emphasizing the transformative potential of proper inhalation and exhalation methods, ultimately presenting a practical guide for improving health and performance through optimized breathing.

Informative

Contemplative

Inspirational

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.4

121,958 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

James Nestor's Breath delves into the science and history of breathing, offering fascinating insights and practical tips. Reviewers praise its engaging narrative and thorough research, making complex topics accessible. Some critics wish for more scientific rigor and note occasional anecdotal evidence over empirical data. Nonetheless, it’s an enlightening read for health enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Breath?

Readers who enjoy exploring the intersection of health, science, and self-improvement will appreciate Breath by James Nestor. Fans of Wim Hof's The Wim Hof Method and Patrick McKeown's The Oxygen Advantage will find Nestor's engaging investigation into the transformative power of proper breathing techniques both enlightening and practical.

4.4

121,958 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

James Nestor

A science writer and journalist who explores radical breathing experiments and therapies, building upon themes of human potential and adaptability introduced in his earlier work.

Fun Facts

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor explores how humans have lost the ability to breathe correctly and offers insights from ancient disciplines and modern science to improve respiratory health.

James Nestor himself underwent a variety of practical experiments, including mouth taping while sleeping, to understand the effects of different breathing techniques and their impact on overall health.

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The book delves into the history of breathing practices across various cultures and time periods, emphasizing how these ancient techniques are being explored anew for their potential benefits in enhancing physical and mental well-being.

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Book Details
Pages

214

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Self-Improvement

Psychology
Setting

2020s

Topic
Health

Science & Nature

Psychology
Publication Year

2020

Publisher

Riverhead Books

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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