Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art is a book by journalist James Nestor that explores breathing as a fundamental part of health and wellbeing. It notes that we inhale and exhale around 25,000 times a day, yet suggests that humans have, as a species, lost the ability to breathe correctly, with serious consequences.

Nestor travels internationally to investigate the science behind ancient breathing practices, asking what has changed and how it might be addressed. The book brings together long-established traditions with modern research and studies across pulmonology, psychology, biochemistry and human physiology, presenting a fresh perspective on what breathing is and what it may influence.

Key details

• Author: James Nestor
• Described as an international bestseller
• Stated to have sold over a million copies worldwide
• Shortlisted for the Royal Society Book Prize

Synopsis

The book argues that small changes to the way we inhale and exhale can have wide-ranging effects. It references modern research suggesting potential links between breathing adjustments and areas including athletic performance, internal organs, snoring, allergies, asthma, autoimmune disease and scoliosis. Drawing on ancient practices and contemporary science, it challenges conventional ideas about this basic biological function.