The New Science of Breath - 2nd Edition [Paperback]

Stephen B. Elliott (Author), Dolores V. Edmonson (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 20, 2005

The New Science of Breath proposes a revolutionary theory of health based on autonomic nervous sytem balance - via breathing. Eastern cultures have held breathing in high esteem for thousands of years; references to its importance are to be found in some of civilization's earliest writings. Yet even today, while modern biological and medical sciences have made great strides in exploring and understanding the details of the human organism, including respiration at the cellular level, beyond gas exchange, the larger biological function of breathing remains something of a mystery and is generally taken for granted. The New Science of Breath introduces Coherent Breathing, an exciting approach to health enhancement. It is based on the premise that while at rest the adult cardiopulmonary system, inclusive of autonomic nervous system aspects, resonates at a specific frequency, this frequency being essentially the same for all adults. When the breathing frequency is consciously aligned with this "reference rhythm" with appropriate depth, it results in optimal autonomic nervous system balance. Autonomic nervous system balance yields mental and physical comfort, a positive emotional outlook, enhanced health and well-being, and improved biometrics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Coherence Publishing (December 20, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0978639901
• ISBN-13: 978-0978639907
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 9.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #349,613 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A useful guide for stress management, October 8, 2006

By 

Dan Staso - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Science of Breath - 2nd Edition (Paperback)

The author of this small book explains how consciously regulating your breathing rate to 5 per minute positively affects the body and mind in a profound way. He has discovered that breathing rate directly affects stress levels as measured by the galvanic skin response and the heart rate variability. There is clear evidence that coherent breathing balances the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, produces a deep sense of calm, and is a core element in stress management. He weaves his scientific findings into the ancient traditions of yoga and meditation. His contributor, Dee Edmonson, offers 12 case examples, but this is the weakest part of the book as she clearly confounds outcomes by adding neurofeedback, plus there is little offered for long-term follow-up results. Despite this, the authors make a strong case for practicing coherent breathing and the book serves as a useful guide for learning this powerful self-regulation method. I recommend the book for anyone interested in taking charge of their own health, both mental and physical.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unlike anything you've ever read about breathing!, July 9, 2006

By 

Shogun (Vancouver, BC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Science of Breath - 2nd Edition (Paperback)

Fantastic!
I just started practicing the Coherent Breathing method and I can already feel the difference!
If the authors are correct.......................Wow! Very exciting!

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CNN, July 17, 2006

By 

CNN (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Science of Breath - 2nd Edition (Paperback)

A quick read and great inspiration to coherent breathing and the balance of the nervous system.