James Nestor – Breath
Summary: In the 2020 popular science book „Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art“ science journalist James Nestor provides a historical, scientific and personal examination of breathing, with a specific interest in contrasting the differences between mouth breathing and nasal breathing. Nestor argues that dysfunctional breathing, which is underdiagnosed and undertreated, is a key underlying factor in many chronic health conditions. The book investigates the history of how humans shifted from the natural state of nasal breathing to chronic mouth breathing and its impacts on human health. The book draws parallels between ancient breathing techniques — such as those found in yoga, Buddhism, and indigenous cultures — and modern scientific findings, discussing practices like pranayama and the Buteyko method. Nestor travels the world to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it, finding answers not in pulmonology labs but in ancient burial sites, secret Soviet facilities, choir schools, and diverse global locations.
Why we like it: A must read for every coach, yoga practioner or people who simply want to improve their well-being. Nestor’s eyeopening book is not only packed with scientific proven facts regarding breathing, its also an exciting and fun read.