Book Review of “Breath”

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor

A journalist with recurrent pneumonia is sent to a breathing class by his doctor, and despite the cynicism and irritability he feels, James Nestor sweats profusely during that sedentary hour and sleeps better for days afterwards. He wonders what exactly happened inside his body. This life altering experience leads James on a ten-year global quest to find answers. Even though Taoist, Buddhist, and Hindu tests have linked longevity with proper breathing techniques for thousands of years, most present-day doctors do not even check their patient’s respiration rate during a routine medical exam. One expert James interviewed in his book summed up this discrepancy by saying: “the missing pillar in health is breath.” This book is presented in chapters that feel like distinct short stories, spanning topics from evolution, to biochemistry, athletic endurance, illegal underground subway tunnel expeditions, and a shocking scientific experiment. James Nestor’s conversational style makes the science easily digestible and the best part of the book for me was the appendix where the author shares many of the actual breathing exercises highlighted in the book. So instead of merely reading about the litany of benefits from breath work, the reader can practice the countless ways to inhale and exhale, and thus experience the positive health effects first-hand. I give this book a 10 out of 10 on the SUSAN KNIGHT ACU QI BOOST meter. (It is also a great listen on Audible as well).