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Cher 'N Books's Reviews > Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
by
by
4 stars - It was great. I loved it.
“When a wave comes, it washes over you and runs up the beach. Then, the wave turns around, and recedes over you, going back to the ocean….This is like the breath, which exhales, transitions, inhales, transitions, and then starts the process again.”
My work in cardiopulmonary rehab involves teaching patients that have a respiratory disease such as asthma or COPD. I figured that if I learned more about breathing, I could pass on the information to them. With expectations for it to be dry and boring, I picked it up but was fascinated from the very first chapter.
I love how the author brings up intriguing questions that had not previously occurred to you, such as why humans are the only mammal out of 5,400 different species to regularly have overbites, underbites and snaggled teeth.
The author spent a decade traveling all around the world learning about various modern and historical teachings about breathing. In addition to thoroughly researching the topic, he participates in several scientific studies as well. Everything that was revealed was interesting and encourages you to research further on your own.
I also appreciated how the author would include fascinating tidbits about the human body that I, a healthcare professional, did not realize. For example:
“In a single breath, more molecules of air will pass through your nose than all the grains of sand on all the world’s beaches - trillions and trillions of them. These little bits of air come from a few feet or several yards away. As they make their way toward you, they’ll twist and spool like the stars in a van Gogh sky, and they’ll keep twisting and spooling and scrolling as they pass into you, traveling at a clip of about five miles per hour.”
The main moral of the story is, mouth breathers look stupid for a reason. If possible, only breathe through your nose. If you enjoy learning about the human body, inner balance, or longevity, this is an easy book to recommend.
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First Sentence: The place looked like something out of Amityville: all paint-chipped walls, dusty windows, and menacing shadows cast by moonlight.
Favorite Quote: Nature functions in orders of magnitude. Mammals with the lowest resting heart rates live the longest.
“When a wave comes, it washes over you and runs up the beach. Then, the wave turns around, and recedes over you, going back to the ocean….This is like the breath, which exhales, transitions, inhales, transitions, and then starts the process again.”
My work in cardiopulmonary rehab involves teaching patients that have a respiratory disease such as asthma or COPD. I figured that if I learned more about breathing, I could pass on the information to them. With expectations for it to be dry and boring, I picked it up but was fascinated from the very first chapter.
I love how the author brings up intriguing questions that had not previously occurred to you, such as why humans are the only mammal out of 5,400 different species to regularly have overbites, underbites and snaggled teeth.
The author spent a decade traveling all around the world learning about various modern and historical teachings about breathing. In addition to thoroughly researching the topic, he participates in several scientific studies as well. Everything that was revealed was interesting and encourages you to research further on your own.
I also appreciated how the author would include fascinating tidbits about the human body that I, a healthcare professional, did not realize. For example:
“In a single breath, more molecules of air will pass through your nose than all the grains of sand on all the world’s beaches - trillions and trillions of them. These little bits of air come from a few feet or several yards away. As they make their way toward you, they’ll twist and spool like the stars in a van Gogh sky, and they’ll keep twisting and spooling and scrolling as they pass into you, traveling at a clip of about five miles per hour.”
The main moral of the story is, mouth breathers look stupid for a reason. If possible, only breathe through your nose. If you enjoy learning about the human body, inner balance, or longevity, this is an easy book to recommend.
-------------------------------------------
First Sentence: The place looked like something out of Amityville: all paint-chipped walls, dusty windows, and menacing shadows cast by moonlight.
Favorite Quote: Nature functions in orders of magnitude. Mammals with the lowest resting heart rates live the longest.
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Quotes Cher 'N Books Liked
“Ancient yoga, and its focus on prana, sitting, and breathing, has turned into a form of aerobic exercise.”
― Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
― Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
“Breathe normally through the nose and hum, any song or sound. Practice for at least five minutes a day, more if possible.”
― Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
― Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
Reading Progress
May 26, 2020
– Shelved
July 4, 2020
–
Started Reading
July 19, 2020
–
Finished Reading
What field do you work in? You’re patients are so lucky to have you! I Just wanted to connect and let you know that I am a physiotherapist with a special interest in retraining normal physiological breathing. I work on breath retraining with clients with asthma, COPD, snoring and sleep apnoea and anxiety. Also for children with these issues who may be requiring orofacial dental work, before it is done and also sport athletes to improve performance. If any of your clients have breathing problems and you think they would benefit from an assessment you can reach me on 0402636745. All sessions can be done via zoom. Right now in this current climate, nose breathing couldn’t be any more important.
Warmly,
Marissa