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

11/12/2025 16 min

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

Episode Synopsis

Breath: The New Science of a Lost ArtBook by James Nestor provides an extensive overview of the science and lost art of proper breathing, drawing heavily on the author's personal experiments and research. The central argument is that modern humans are chronic mouthbreathers due to diet-induced changes in facial structure, leading to numerous health problems like snoring, sleep apnea, and anxiety. The book advocates for nasal breathing as the optimal way to filter, warm, and moisten air, while also promoting techniques like slow and less frequent breathing and full exhalation to improve health, longevity, and athletic performance by balancing oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Furthermore, it explores ancient breathing practices like Tummo and Sudarshan Kriya, and the importance of factors like chewing and correct oral posture in maintaining open airways.