Breathing

Without the tireless work of our respiratory systems, we wouldn’t make it very far. We can go weeks without food, days without water, but only minutes without breath. The automatic ebb and flow of air through our lungs is a lifeline – fueling gas exchange, cellular respiration, and energy production. Yet, despite its fundamental role, most people never learn how to breathe correctly.

This brings us to this section’s purpose: if breathing is an automated process, why should we care about learning how to do it consciously?

While the importance of breathing for survival is widely accepted, there exists a vast array of potent and scientifically validated breathing techniques that modern individuals can greatly benefit from. Training in and applying these well-researched techniques has been shown to significantly downregulate the autonomic nervous system, inducing a calm state of mind; upregulate the nervous system for deep focus; and even regulate and strengthen the immune system. Yet, the study of breath remains largely confined to the incense-filled rooms of Western yoga classes. Unfortunately, for those of us leading “modernized” lifestyles – without the discipline of a yogi master – we often fall victim to the high chest breath of the West. This habitual, shallow breathing, coupled with a high-stress lifestyle and wellbeing neglect, fosters fear, distrust, and chronic anxiety.

On a positive note, we have the power to reset our default state from defensive fight-or-flight mode to one that supports love, learning, and longevity. By dedicating just a few minutes each day to natural breathing techniques, we can enhance our immune function, boost physical performance, regulate our nervous system, and, most importantly, reclaim control over our health and wellbeing. In an era where perpetual busyness has left many breathless, these skills are more valuable than ever.

Breathwork will help you claim mastery over your physiology.

This section provides the ultimate guide to breathwork, offering scientific insights and actionable techniques to help you harness the power of breath. Whether you need to calm down, wake up, improve endurance, or adapt to extreme environments, this is your playbook for mastering the breath.

As my good friend and recognized breathwork expert, Fraser Beck, often says: