Breath Awareness

Slow, nasal breath from the diaphragm to expand the belly and chest could be the very key to your health, energy, and vitality. Becoming aware is the first step in this journey to feel wellness. Surprisingly, it is the exhaling of carbon dioxide properly that leads to health, vitality, and wellness.

What is Breath Awareness?

Breath awareness is a mindfulness practice that involves focusing on the breath and observing its flow without trying to control it. It is a simple yet profound practice that can help you achieve a state of calm and presence, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being.

Breath awareness has been practiced for centuries in various cultures and traditions, including Zen Buddhism, Yoga, and early Christianity. Religous prayers, chants, meditations, etc., use timed breath as its' core. The practice involves paying attention to the breath and observing its natural rhythm, without trying to change it. By doing so, you can develop a deeper awareness of your body and mind, and learn to respond to stress and challenges in a more mindful and effective way. Roughly, 30 pounds of air pass through our lungs daily with 1.7 pounds of oxygen consumed by our cells; if practiced correctly it ise the very foundation to health and vitality. So, the most basic change we can make is to observe the inhalation, exhalation, and any pauses at each end, while also making it a conscious and voluntary process. One such practice involves with 5 to 10 minutes of breath observation while calm and still, paying attention only to inhalation - without trying to control or alter it in any way.
When you concentrate on each aspect of the breathing process, you will automatically become more present.

Unconscious breathing is controlled by the medulla oblongata in the brain stem, the more primitive part of the brain, while conscious or voluntary control of breathing involves the cerebral cortex, the outermost layer of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions. When we deliberately hold our breath or control our breathing pattern, such as during speaking, singing, or meditation, the cerebral cortex overrides the automatic respiratory drive from the medulla oblongata.

The Importance of Breathing Practices

Breathing mediates the flow of energy through the body and when done proper, is gentle, noiseless, and effortless.

Slow breathing, breathholding, deep breathing from the diaphragm, and the extended exhalations can be practiced and cultivated into an art form. Martial Artists and Yogis are both are masters of breath and awareness. During the first millennium B.C., both the Hinduism and Tao religion of China placed importance on a “vital principle” that flows through the body, a kind of energy or internal breath, and viewed respiration as one of its manifestations. The Chinese call this energy qi, and Hindus call it prana. The Greek term pneuma and the Hebrew term rûah referred both to the breath and to the divine presence. In Latin languages, spiritus is at the root of both “spirit” and “respiration.” ¹

Breathing acts directly on the brain itself.

Hypertension is compared with higher-frequency rapid breathing. But isn’t less carbon dioxide good for you? Actually, having very low carbon dioxide levels in your blood causes an imbalance in your body. Low carbon dioxide also leads to low oxygen levels. This can lower blood and oxygen flow to your brain.

The very act of focusing on the breath can ground an individual, anchoring them to the present moment, and create a sense of stability.

...slow, long breathing increases the activity of the vagus nerve, a part of parasympathetic nervous system; the vagus nerve controls and also measures the activity of many internal organs. The vagus nerve is the main affector and effector of the parasympathetic nervous system. Efferent vagus nerve fibers innervate the heart and the lungs. ²

Sympathetic nervous stimulation results in bronchodilation and slight vasoconstriction, while parasympathetic nervous system stimulation results in bronchoconstriction and indirect vasodilation. The function of the lungs is controlled through the respiratory centre with groups of neurons located at the pons and the medulla oblongata and complex interactions of specialized peripheral central chemoreceptors. [^ new] Lung Anatomy (opens in a new tab)

When the vagus nerve is stimulated, calmness pervades the body: the heart rate slows and becomes regular; blood pressure decreases; muscles relax. When the vagus nerve informs the brain of these changes, it, too, relaxes, increasing feelings of peacefulness. The parasympathetic nervous system calms us in a variety of ways, including telling the vagus nerve to secrete acetylcholine, a substance that lowers the heart rate. Thus, the technique works through both neurobiological and psychological mechanisms. ³

Heart rate and blood pressure decrease with slow breath. When we observe the breath we can see that there are likely to be places in the breath cycle where the breath feels rough, stuck, or jagged. As you continue to relax and observe these rough places, they can begin to become more smooth. Being aware of your breath and movements leads to the practice of breathwork.

The breath is a barometer for the nervous system. As the nervous system becomes imbalanced, breathing changes, becoming shallow, tense, and uneven. Amygdalea, part of the brain that govern fears and other emotions also control our breath. Different breathing patterns activate brain networks related to mood, attention, and body awareness. Patterns of breath can stimulate the insula. The insula regulates the autonomic nervous system and is linked to body awareness. ⁴ It uses norepinephrine to stimulate electrical impulses throughout the sympathetic nervous system and induces the adrenal glands, which immediately release adrenaline into the bloodstream, if aroused. Final motor outputs for breathing are generated by motoneurons in the spinal cord. Here Ellie Drake shows a breathing technique that stimulates the Vagus Nerve. Video (opens in a new tab)

Types of Breath

Breath can be classified into four different modes depending upon the physiology and environment.

1. Eupnea: normal quiet breathing that requires contraction of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles.
2. Diaphragmatic breathing: deep breathing that requires contraction of the diaphragm.
3. Costal breathing: shallow breathing that requires contraction of the intercostal muscles.
4. Hyperpnea: forced breathing that requires muscle contractions during both inspiration and expiration such as contraction of the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and accessory muscles. see problems types: (opens in a new tab)

Diaphragmatic Breathing is where our rib cage remains stable. Chest Breathing is utilized by stablizing the abdominal wall; a diaphragmatic contraction exerts a lifting action at the lower diaphragm attachments which expands the rib cage. Nose breathing gives us quality where mouth breathing give us quantity.

Breath Volume

Tidal Breathing defines normal respiration with a relatively constant rate and inspiratory/expiratory volumes (tidal volume). The major respiratory muscle is the diaphragm, during normal inspiration, contracts and flattens, pushing on the abdomen, while the lower ribs are pushed upwards and outwards. Expiration is generally passive, with the diaphragm returning to its resting configuration, causing the lungs to deflate and expel air. Diaphragmatic breathing has also been shown to facilitate slow respiration.

The diaphragm seperates the thoracic cavity where the lungs reside from the abdominal cavity where the organs are contained. The abdominal cavity does not change in volume but changes in shape, much like a water balloon. The volume of breath refers to how much the thoracic cavity expands. Inhaling lowers thoracic pressure relative to the atmosphere; this helps accelerate the return of venous blood from below the diaphragm to the right atrium of the heart.

Volume and pressure are inversely related; when volume decreases, pressure increases, and when volume increases, pressures decrease. When we inhale, we expand the space of the thoracic cavitity causing the earth's atmospheric pressure rushes air into our lungs, ie, pushed into our lungs; this makes breathing easier. This means that the actual force to move air into the lungs is caused by atmoshperic pressure. The thoracic cavity and lung tissue that have been stretched during inhalation will return to thier initial volume, referred to a passive recoil.

Nasal Breathing

Nose breathing warms, moistens, and cleans the air we breathe. Nasal breathing improves oxygen quality, improves athletic performance, better sleep, decreased stress and anxiety. Learn to breathe diaphragmatically, rather than in your chest. (When you inhale, the diaphragm presses downward, causing the abdomen to expand. When you exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and the abdomen falls.) Chest breathing creates tension in the upper body and shoulders. Nasal breathing is a natural and beneficial process that not only supports physical health but also contributes to emotional well-being. Nasal breathing, as opposed to mouth breathing, is considered to be the most efficient way to breathe. ⁵

1. Filters Out Foreign Particles: The nasal hair acts as a filter, trapping dust, allergens, and pollen, preventing them from entering your lungs.
2. Humidifies and Warms Inhaled Air: The nose warms and moisturizes the air you breathe in, bringing it to body temperature, which makes it easier for your lungs to use.
3. Produces Nitric Oxide: During nasal breathing, your nose releases nitric oxide (NO), a vasodilator that helps widen blood vessels, improving oxygen circulation in your body. ⁶
4. Reduces Health Risks: Breathing through the mouth can lead to health issues like dry mouth, bad breath, allergic reactions, asthma, tooth decay, gum inflammation, snoring, sleep apnea, and abnormalities in teeth or jaw.
5. Increases Oxygen Uptake and Circulation: Nasal breathing allows your nasal cavities to increase airflow to arteries, veins, and nerves, and improve oxygen uptake and circulation1.
6. Improves Lung Capacity: Nasal breathing can slow down your breathing rate and improve your lung capacity.
7. Regulates Emotions: Proper breathing techniques, like those used in yoga and meditation, can help regulate emotions, reduce stress, prevent insomnia, and improve attention.
8. Strengthens Lung Capacity: Restriction of nasal air flow through the turbinates allow the lungs to stretch, improve blood flow, and strengthen.

Nitric oxide is present in high concentration in the human nasal airways. Nasal breathing results in a decreased pulmonary vascular resistance. Endogenous nitric oxide acts as an airborne messenger to modulate the pulmonary vascular tone during normal breathing. ⁷ Breathing through the nose imposes a resistance to your breathing by restricting the airflow compared to mouth breathing. Breathing through the nose during excersize and training adds a load to the diaphragm, helping to strengthen it. It also elevates CO₂ levels which triggers a response in your body, leading to adaptations that improve your overall respiratory efficiency.

The Nasal Cycle

The nasal cycle is the unconscious alternating partial congestion and decongestion of the nasal cavities. The cilia of the congested side suspend their motility until that side decongests. Each side of the nose develops into three nasal turbinates, structures that help filter air within the nose. Turbinates consist of bony projections covered by erectile tissue, much like the tissues of the penis and clitoris. The turbinates in one fossa fill up with blood while the opposite turbinates decongest by shunting blood away. Approximately every 2.5 hours, the turbinates on one side get narrower while those on the other expand to allow for greater airflow. ⁸

Alternative Breathe

Breathwork is more than just a method for relaxation. It has potential healing powers for both the body and mind. Regular breathwork sessions can alleviate symptoms of certain physical ailments, includeing conditions tied to chronic stress, like high blood pressure and digestive issues.

1. Belly breathing: Belly breathing is also known as diaphragmatic breathing or abdominal breathing. It involves taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose. The goal is to breathe deep enough to fill your belly with air. This increases how much oxygen you take in, and may help slow down your breathing and heart rate. Belly breathing also increases mindfulness and reduces stress.
2. Alternate nostril breathing or Nadi Shodhan: The term comes from the Sanskrit words: “nadi”, meaning “channel”, and “shodhana”, meaning “cleaning” or "purifying". In this technique, you inhale in with one nostril and out with the other. This can be done in various alternating patterns.
3. Breath of Fire: or skull shining breath, is an exercise used in Kundalini yoga. It involves quick, strong exhalations and normal inhalations. The technique may help improve respiratory function by engaging your respiratory muscles and diaphragm. It might also help boost your concentration and focus.
4. Forceful breathing and vocalised (chanting) breathing.

Mouth Breathing

Mouth Breathing drys out the mouth and may increase your risk of bad breath and gum inflammation. Mouth breathing may also make you more prone to allergies, asthma, and coughing. Mouth breathing is not healthy and leads to poor nasal and facial issues; it transforms the airways for the worse. Sleeping while mouth breathing can also lead to snoring, high blood pressure, ADHD, and apnea; gravity, at night, can pull soft tissue down and restrict breathing even more. Mouth breathing dries out the palate, causes tooth issues, and causes a disturbance of oxygen to the brain.

“Nasal breathing begets more nasal breathing.” — -- Jim Nestor, author of: Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art (opens in a new tab)

Slow Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing has also been shown to facilitate slow respiration. The rate of respiration is known to affect haemodynamics (the dynamics of blood flow). Controlled breath affects the harmonics of the blood pressure pulse, which is related to the resistance of the peripheral vasculature, compliance of the aorta and hence venous return, such that slow respiration causes blood pulse fluctuations to synchronise with the heart beat rhythm. ⁹ The dynamics include effects include on respiratory muscle activity, ventilation efficiency, chemoreflex and baroreflex sensitivity, heart rate variability, blood flow dynamics, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, cardiorespiratory coupling, and sympathovagal balance. ⁹

In controlled, slow, deep breathing, there is a shift towards parasympathetic balance and an increase in vagal activity in healthy humans. The prolonged practice of slow breathing augmented vagal power by entraining vagally induced cardiac resetting to the phases of respiration; capable of achieving optimal sympathovagal balance, and enhancing autonomic reactivity to physical and mental stress. ⁹ In particular, this can help your body switch from fight-or-flight response to your rest-and-digest response; this can reduce cortisol, the primary stress hormone.

Breath Retention

Kumbhaka (kuhm-BAH-ka) is the Sanskrit term for breath retention. Inner retention follows inhalation and outer retention (suspension) follows exhalation. Pranayama is a practice to learn how to lengthen exhalation and hold out the breath that requires control, awareness, and a deep connection with one’s breath. When the breath is held, carbon dioxide can’t leave the body via the lungs. Instead, it builds up in the blood (hypercapnia). Carbon dioxide has a special relationship with oxygen. It causes the red blood cells to offload blood oxygen to the body. Carbon dioxide also works to open the blood vessels, improving circulation. As carbon dioxide increases, blood oxygenation drops as the bond between the hemoglobin in red blood cells and oxygen weakens. At the same time, oxygenation of the body and brain increases as more oxygen is released from the blood to the tissues, muscles, and organs. ¹⁰

Hypoxia is achieved with strong breath holds. The normal concentration of oxygen in blood is 95 to 100%, meaning that, under normal circumstances, your blood is fully saturated with oxygen. But when you practice strong breath holding during physical movement, oxygen can drop to well below 90%. Controlled hypoxia and hypercapnia are excellent for recovery and endurance. Hypoxia can speed up muscle repair after injury and increase production of muscle-building stem cells ¹¹. Hypoxia can increase the formation of blood vessels and increase red blood cell count. An increased oxygenated blood flow to the brain and other organs, with faster healing due to detoxification of metabolic wastes.

In Yogic Breathing there are many benefits to using all the muscles of breathing, and to learn to breathe in many ways, in the more advanced stages of yoga it is the art of breathing a fuller breath at a less than normal rate (hypoventilation) that gives the most physiological benefits. The less you breathe in and out will allow carbon dioxide (CO2) to build up inside your body.

Carbon dioxide and carbonic acid build-up can result in many benefits inside the body as a result of breathing less than normal (mild hypoventilation):

1. brings more blood to your brain and heart (vasodilation).
2. allows more air to enter your lungs (bronchdilitation).
3. calms your nervous system.
4. reduces your need and craving for heavy, processed and acid food.version. ¹²

Carbon dioxide levels, blood pH, and body temperature affect oxygen-carrying capacity. CO2 diffuses into red blood cells, where it reacts with water (H2O) in a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, producing carbonic acid (H2CO3).

CO2 + H2O ⇌ H2CO3 (carbonic acid). The carbonic acid then dissociates into bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+). H2CO3 ⇌ HCO3- + H+ The increased levels of carbonic acid and bicarbonate ions allow more CO2 to be transported from the tissues to the lungs as bicarbonate. In the lungs, this process is reversed, allowing CO2 to be expelled when bicarbonate reacts with H+ to re-form carbonic acid, which then decomposes into CO2 and water. ¹² Carbon dioxide will increase carbonic acid in your blood. This is a key part of the bicarbonate buffer system that helps regulate the pH of blood. ...Our page on Respiration has more details

Carbon dioxide (CO2) increases cerebral blood flow and arterial blood pressure. Cerebral blood flow increases not only due to the vasodilating effect of CO2 but also because of the increased perfusion pressure after autoregulation is exhausted. ¹³ Carbon dioxide is one of the mediators of local autoregulation of the supply of blood; if its concentration is high, the capillaries will expand to allow a greater blood flow to that tissue.

Holding the breath out completely and practicing nauli (rectus abdominis isolation) and lauliki (abdominal churning using rectus abdominis as well as the oblique muscles) while expanding the chest as if inhaling to the chest but not actually inhaling. This practice, which is sometimes likened to the Mueller manoeuvre in Western medical science builds up carbon dioxide even more rapidly than the Valsalva manoeuvre and is less dangerous to attempt. It is really great for improving digestion by massaging the internal organs.

Fast Breath

While over-breathing can damage our lungs and tissue, some of us do this without realizing it. Over breathing can cause a host of problems; it throws off the balance in your blood. Hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy, weak, or confused. However, done with purpose and technique it can provide enormous benefits.

** High ventilation breathwork** (HVB) refers to a large number of types and names of fast breath. HVB at times can be beneficial and therapeutic in short, intensive bouts to intended to stress the body. High ventilation breathwork may induce altered states of consciousness (ASCs), as well as with profound effects on central and autonomic nervous systems functions through modulation of neurometabolic parameters and interoceptive sensory systems. ¹¹

Holotropic Breathing: This method involves rapid, deep breaths. Advocates of this technique suggest it can induce altered states of consciousness, potentially providing insights and emotional release. Holotropic means ‘moving towards wholeness’ breathing patterns to promote a dream-like experience, or what’s usually referred to as an “altered state of consciousness.” [^ ] Cleveland Clinic: Should You Try Holotropic Breathwork? Here’s What It Does (opens in a new tab)

There are physical effects of HVB, which involves rapid and deep breathing, that increases the amount of oxygen taken into the body. This type of breathwork also expels more carbon dioxide, which lowers carbon diozide levels which can alter the body’s pH balance. HVB can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased alertness and energy; The increased oxygen flow to the brain can improve focus and mental clarity. By influencing the autonomic nervous system, HVB can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Regular practice can strengthen respiratory muscles and improve overall lung capacity. Some studies suggest that breathwork can boost the immune system. [^ ]

Unilateral Forced Nostril Breathing (UNFB)

There is a unilateral nasal-pulmonary reflex mechanism which is elicited when there is a forced inhalation through one nostril producing a significant increase in inflation of the homolateral lung compared to the contralateral lung. . The nasal mucosa are highly innervated with fibers from the autonomic nervous system and the dominance of sympathetic activity on one side produces vasoconstriction, while the contralateral nostril exhibits a simultaneous parasympathetic dominance causing partial occlusion. Right UFNB increased left hemispheric cognition and that left UFNB increased right hemispheric cognition. ¹² "While sympathetic activity produces vasoconstriction in the nose, it produces vasodilation in the vessels of the lung, thereby producing an ipsilateral relationship of predominance in activities between the nose and lung."¹²

sorry still under construction mistakes in some of the 2 following sections and foot notes.

reverse breathing or daoist embryonic breathing / subtle

Pranayama Breathworks

According to yoga philosophy, consciousness is always engaged with breath. Pranayama is a Sanskrit word that means "vitality", “control of life force” and includes “breath regulation”. Pranayama is one of the eight limbs of yoga, and it involves various techniques of inhaling, exhaling, and retaining the breath. Pranayama can help calm the mind, balance the emotions, improve the health of the body, and engage the parasympathetic nervous system, a complex biological mechanism that calms and soothes us. [^xxb] inhale-exhale-relax-and-energize (opens in a new tab)

Complete Breathing involves the using diaphragmatic breathing with rib and upper chest breathing, expanding the upper portion of the lungs and uses every respiratory muscle. Complete breathing is not forced or abnormal breath, but produces a rhythm by sympathetic reflex which exerts pressure on the liver, stomach, and other organs and tones the entire body.

• Cleansing Breath: Inhale completely, hold a few seconds, then with pursed tight lips, exhale short bouts, holding momentarily until exhalation is complete.
• Vocal Breath: Inhale very slowly, hold a few seconds, then rapidly exhale through a wide open mouth.

A number of techniques have been developed that have a different focus, intention, or purpose:

• Plavini Pranayama – for alertness and inner clarity. The Sanskrit term ‘Plavini’ is made up of root word ‘Plu’ which means ‘cause to float or swim’.
• Sitali - a cooling breath to relax, control appetite. Pranayama to reduce excess of Pitta, with fire. Weiterlesen.
• Anuloma Viloma - alternate nostril breathing
• Murccha Pranayama - to calm the mind. Reduce excess of Pita Dosha.
• Advanced Murccha in Pradipika - opening the heart
• Mahavedha -
• Kapalabhati - This is a rapid and forceful pranayama technique that involves exhaling sharply through the nose, while contracting the abdominal muscles, and then inhaling passively.
• Agni Sara -
• Bhramari - increase vital capacity. Joy, inspiration.
• Khechari -
• Chandra Bedha Pranayama - Calm the mind, reduce excess Pitta See my.yoga-vidya.org/video
• Uddhiyana Bandha -
• Naui -

Equal breathing is known as Sama Vritti in Sanskrit, and focuses on making your inhales and exhales the same length.

• Shat kriya is a yogic breathing practice that is considered a kriya, or internal purification practice.
• Kapalbhati is an important shatkarma, a purification in hatha yoga.
• Kapalabhati pranayama - "Skull Shining Breath" that involves powerful rapid exhalations followed by short and passive inhalations
• Neti - body cleansing techniques, including a Neti Pot.
• Trataka - "Candle gazing" Meditation that involves staring at a single point or small object.
• Nauli - Cleaning of the abdominal region by massage exercises of the internal belly organs with a circular movement of the abdominal muscles. [https://www.nauli.org/ (opens in a new tab)]
• Dhauti -
• Vasti -

Cardiac Coherence

Biofeedback devices make it possible to observe on a screen how this deep, regular breathing slows and stabilizes the heartbeats. The space between two heartbeats is never exactly the same because there actively balancing between the sympathic and parasympathetic systems at work. When we observe the breath we can see that there are likely to be places in the breath cycle where the breath feels rough, stuck, or jagged. As you continue to relax and observe these rough places, they can begin to become more smooth.

The breath is a barometer for the nervous system. As the nervous system becomes imbalanced, breathing changes, becoming shallow, tense, and uneven. Heart Rate Variability or HRV, is the fluctuation in the time intervals between adjacent heartbeats. HRV reflects regulation of autonomic balance, blood pressure (BP), gas exchange, gut, heart, and vascular tone. ¹³

Studies in humans breathing at 6 breaths per min have also reported a tendency for heartbeats to cluster within the inspiratory phase. Relationships between heart rate, blood pressure and respiration are known as cardiorespiratory coupling. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia, or RSA, is HRV in synchrony with the phases of respiration. Maximisation of RSA/HRV at around 6 breaths per minute has since been confirmed by numerous studies. This indicates cardiorespiratory system resonance and is hence referred to as a “resonant frequency effect” ¹³

Breath is key to Weight Loss!

We breath in two atoms and exhale three atoms; that makes your exhaled breath heavier that the inhaled one. The exhaled air contains less oxygen, but more carbon dioxide and more water vapor than was inhaled. That extra atom is a carbon atom, namely CO2 or carbon dioxide is a result of respiration. Humans are carbon-based using carbohydrates as a fast fuel for energy. Respiration is essential to eliminating CO2. See our Respiration Detail Page (opens in a new tab) The only way to lose weight is to breath out those carbon atoms. Naturally, we lose weight while we are sleeping. ¹⁴ The body produces approximately 2.3 pounds (1.0 kg) of carbon dioxide per day per person ¹⁵ At rest, an adult breathes 12–15 times per minute, inhaling and exhaling 0.4–0.5 L of air with each breath. A half-liter of inhaled air has a mass of about half a gram. It comprises roughly 10^22 molecules, or about 100 billion times 100 billion

Or, ponder this. The geological age of Earth is 4.5 billion years. There are about 32 million seconds in a year. Earth’s age in seconds is 10^17, a number 100,000 times smaller than the number of air molecules that you inhale with each breath. The number 10^22 is remarkable for another reason. Its square, 10^44, corresponds approximately to the total number of molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. ¹⁶

Breath Masters

Learn from those who have achieved mastering the art and science of breath:

1. WIM HOF METHOD® aka "The Ice Man" (opens in a new tab) which involves willpower, exposure to cold water, and breathing techniques.

Using 'cold, hard nature' as his teacher, his extensive training has enabled him to learn to control his breathing, heartrate, and blood circulation and to withstand extreme temperatures.

2. Stig Severinsen BREATHEOLOGY (opens in a new tab) and author Breatheology: The Art of Conscious Breathing (opens in a new tab)

Breatheology is an online program and resources that through working with the breath, a link can be created between body and mind that enables a person to control stress, increase energy, perform better physically and mentally, alleviate pain and improve health. In May 2012 he achieved a Guinness World Record for holding his breath for 22 minutes

3. James Nestor, author of ‘Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art‘ (opens in a new tab)

5 Ways To Improve Your Breathing with James Nestor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6yAY1oZUOA (opens in a new tab)).

4. Patrick McKeown Oxygen Advantage (opens in a new tab)

Creator and master instructor of the Oxygen Advantage technique. His teachings focus on efficient breathing to improve oxygen intake. By reducing unnecessary breaths, McKeown’s method helps individuals achieve their weight loss, fitness, and wellness goals. He has trained thousands of people, including Olympic athletes, in the relationship between oxygen and the body1.

5. Leonard Orr Rebirthing-Breathwork (opens in a new tab)

Rebirthing Breathwork is a healing modality that uses conscious connected breathing which induces deep relaxation and an expanded state of consciousness.

6. Dr Sundar Balasubramanian is a cell biology researcher and the founder of PranaScience Institute (opens in a new tab).

Dr. Balasubramanian is a pioneer in the area of research combining Pranayama with salivary biomarkers. He discovered Yogic breathing promotes salivary secretion and it contains factors that are important to our healthy living.

7. Stanislav Grof Dr. Stanislav Grof (opens in a new tab) Grof® Legacy Training (opens in a new tab)

Holotropic breathwork is an experiential method of self-exploration and psychotherapy. Using accelerated breathing, evocative music, and special bodywork that helps to release residual bioenergetic and emotional blocks.

8. Richard Miller, author of "Yoga Nidra: The Meditative Heart of Yoga" iRest Institute (opens in a new tab)

Integrative Restoration ~ iRest, a modern adaptation of the ancient nondual meditation practice of Yoga Nidra. MISSION is to provide people and communities with resources that transform suffering into growth, build deep resilience, and inspire insight and lasting equanimity.

9. Max Strom Breathe to Heal (opens in a new tab)

Using breathing patterns for 20 minutes daily, guiding individuals toward emotional healing, self-discovery, and transformation.

Essential oils

Breathing in essential oils can provide therapeutic benefits for people who struggle with nasal breathing or have other breathing issues. Essential oils have proven to be a natural and effective way to enhance breathing and promote respiratory health.

We will soon offer some important essential oils abd herbs for sale to further health and wellbeing among followers.

The air around us (opens in a new tab) A half-liter of inhaled air has a mass of about half a gram. It commprises roughly 10^22 molecules, or 100 billion times 100 billion. The geological age of Earth is 4.5 billion years. There are about 32 million seconds in a year. Earth’s age in seconds is ~ 10^17, a number 100,000 times smaller than the number of air molecules that you inhale with each breath.

** Foot Notes **

Stromberg, Sarah E.; Russell, Matthew E.; Carlson, Charles R. Diaphragmatic Breathing and Its Effectiveness for the Management of Motion Sickness (opens in a new tab)