In the final stages of writing his book "Breath," author James Nestor was stressed about meeting a May 2020 publication date that had become increasingly unlikely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The book, which explores the science and spirituality of breathing, had been months in the making and had consumed most of Nestor's advance. Despite his reservations about releasing it during a time when many businesses were closing, he decided to go ahead with the publication.
Nestor's own interest in breathing began when he was plagued by respiratory problems while living in San Francisco. A doctor suggested that he try breathing exercises, which led him to discover the practice of Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing technique that has been used for centuries in various cultures. The experience had a profound impact on Nestor, who felt lighter and less anxious after just a few days of practicing.
As he delved deeper into his research, Nestor realized that breathing was often overlooked when it came to overall health and wellness. He notes that most people breathe "into" their chests rather than their belly, which can lead to inefficient breathing patterns and stress. In contrast, slow, deep breathing has been shown to have numerous benefits for the body and mind.
Nestor's book explores various aspects of breathwork, including its history, science, and applications in different cultures. He also examines the potential pitfalls of certain breathing practices and highlights the importance of proper technique. One fascinating aspect of Nestor's research is his discovery that many ancient skulls exhibit straight teeth, a trait that is rare in modern humans. This suggests that crooked teeth may be linked to poor breathing patterns.
In addition to his book, Nestor has also started testing air quality in hotel rooms and planes, which have revealed alarming levels of CO2. His latest research is focused on exploring the potential benefits of early interventions such as myofunctional therapy, which aims to retrain the muscles in the face to promote better breathing habits.
While some breathwork practitioners may be seen as fringe figures, Nestor emphasizes that many of those featured in his book are respected researchers and doctors within the medical community. He prefers to view their work as a natural extension of traditional medicine, aimed at helping people tap into their body's innate ability to heal itself through proper breathing patterns.
Overall, "Breath" has become a surprise bestseller, with over 3 million copies sold since its publication in 2020. Nestor's book offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the science and spirituality of breathing, which has resonated with readers around the world. As he continues to work on his next book, Nestor remains committed to sharing his passion for breathwork and encouraging people to prioritize this often-overlooked aspect of their overall health and wellness.
Nestor's own interest in breathing began when he was plagued by respiratory problems while living in San Francisco. A doctor suggested that he try breathing exercises, which led him to discover the practice of Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing technique that has been used for centuries in various cultures. The experience had a profound impact on Nestor, who felt lighter and less anxious after just a few days of practicing.
As he delved deeper into his research, Nestor realized that breathing was often overlooked when it came to overall health and wellness. He notes that most people breathe "into" their chests rather than their belly, which can lead to inefficient breathing patterns and stress. In contrast, slow, deep breathing has been shown to have numerous benefits for the body and mind.
Nestor's book explores various aspects of breathwork, including its history, science, and applications in different cultures. He also examines the potential pitfalls of certain breathing practices and highlights the importance of proper technique. One fascinating aspect of Nestor's research is his discovery that many ancient skulls exhibit straight teeth, a trait that is rare in modern humans. This suggests that crooked teeth may be linked to poor breathing patterns.
In addition to his book, Nestor has also started testing air quality in hotel rooms and planes, which have revealed alarming levels of CO2. His latest research is focused on exploring the potential benefits of early interventions such as myofunctional therapy, which aims to retrain the muscles in the face to promote better breathing habits.
While some breathwork practitioners may be seen as fringe figures, Nestor emphasizes that many of those featured in his book are respected researchers and doctors within the medical community. He prefers to view their work as a natural extension of traditional medicine, aimed at helping people tap into their body's innate ability to heal itself through proper breathing patterns.
Overall, "Breath" has become a surprise bestseller, with over 3 million copies sold since its publication in 2020. Nestor's book offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the science and spirituality of breathing, which has resonated with readers around the world. As he continues to work on his next book, Nestor remains committed to sharing his passion for breathwork and encouraging people to prioritize this often-overlooked aspect of their overall health and wellness.