Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art is a 2020 popular science book by journalist James Nestor about breathing, respiratory health, and the history and science of breath.
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art is a 2020 popular science book by journalist James Nestor about breathing, respiratory health, and the history and science of breath. It combines personal reporting, historical material, and discussion of research on nasal breathing, mouth breathing, and traditional breathing practices.
Background
The book was published in 2020 and is presented as a work of popular science. It draws on reporting from multiple countries and on both modern studies and older medical and cultural sources.
Themes
The central argument is that modern breathing habits, especially chronic mouth breathing, may be harmful, while nasal breathing and slower breathing patterns may have health benefits. The book also explores meditation and breath-based traditions.
Reception
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art was widely read and became an international bestseller. Its broad audience helped make breathing technique a mainstream wellness topic.
Key facts
- The book was written by science journalist James Nestor.
- It examines breathing from historical, scientific, and cultural perspectives.
- A major theme is the contrast between nasal breathing and mouth breathing.
- The book discusses traditional breathing practices such as pranayama, Sudarshan Kriya, and Tummo.
- It became an international bestseller and sold more than two million copies worldwide.
The book is available to Canadian readers through major English-language book retailers and libraries, and it has contributed to wider public interest in breathing, sleep, and wellness topics in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Amazon — https://www.amazon.com/Breath-New-Science-Lost-Art/dp/0735213615Supports: Author, title, and descriptive summary of the book's content.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breath:_The_New_Science_of_a_Lost_ArtSupports: Publication year, genre, themes, bestseller status, and broad subject description.
- Scribd — https://www.scribd.com/document/982924475/Breath-The-New-Science-Of-A-Lost-Art-James-NestorSupports: Discussion of breathing techniques, health themes, and personal-reporting style.