Science of Breath. A Practical Guide. (Paperback)

by Rama (Author), Rudolph Ballentine (Author), Alan Hymes (Author) "MANY READERS will be surprised to find a whole book devoted to the subject of breathing, for the study of breath has not received much..." (more)
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Editorial Reviews

Review
"... this text is absolutely the most lucid examination of the interface between Western medicine and yoga I have discovered... rarely in available literature have the physiological facts been presented in such accessible form... " -- Norman Weinstein, Yoga Journal

Product Description
People laughed at the image of pretzel-legged yogis focusing on the tip of their noses- until Swami Rama walked into a laboratory and showed scientists what a yogi with control over his respiration can actually do. Before astonished researchers, he demonstrated perfect control over his heart rate and brain waves- control physiologists hadnt believed humans could possibly achieve.

For thousands of years, yogic adepts have claimed that breath is the essential link between body and mind, energizing a subtle body which connects the physical and mental aspects of our being. In this landmark book, Swami Rama and two noted American physicians explore the science of breath as the missing key to both physical health and the attainment of higher states of consciousness. Basic yogic breathing techniques are explained so that we can immediately begin working with this powerful ancient science.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 119 pages
• Publisher: Himalayan Institute Press (January 25, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0893891517
• ISBN-13: 978-0893891510
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #33,182 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars eye opening guide to breathing, June 1, 2000

By	Brian D Jones (stow, massachusetts) - See all my reviews

I picked up this book (1979 edition) as a trombonist hoping to expand my lung capacity. what I got was not only much improved breathing technique but also a very interesting and stimulating introduction to yoga and eastern thought. the book provides a great balance between western theories (anatomy of the chest/nose, breathing mechanics) and eastern ideas (energy, prana, meditation). one *must* approach the book with an open mind since some of the ideas are quite foriegn to typical westerners, but the ideas convince the reader (at least this one) that there is much more to eastern practices than western culture gives them credit for.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review by former physiology Teaching Fellow and yoga practioner, December 16, 2006

By	Patrick D. Goonan "www.meaningful-life.us" (Pleasanton, CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent beginning book on breathing for anyone who is interested in yoga. It covers the importance of breathing, basic respiratory physiology and the relationship between science and yoga.

The authors of this book are credible and have excellent professional credentials and established practices. They are associated with the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, PA that has a long standing commitment to getting science, modern psychology and yoga together. Many of their publications are excellent and certainly this one is as well.

I think any yoga practioner at any level will benefit from this book and even very experienced people will learn a lot. As the title suggests, this book focuses on the practical aspects of breathing and provides a good foundation or launching point for moving on to pranayama practice. However, the value add is the tie in to modern science.

As part of my living, I do workshops on such topics as meditation, pranayama and biofeedback, loving-kindness practices and other topics that integrate East and West. Before becoming involved in psychology and spirituality, I was both a research scientist and Teaching Fellow in Physiology. While I am not an expert at respiratory physiology or a top pranayama practioner, I have an established yoga practice and enough expertise to judge the merit of this book.

If you are serious about the breath and especially about pranayama, I would pick up "Light on Pranayama" by B.K.S. Iyengar. This book is very comprehensive and covers the physiology of the various breathing practices in great depth. If you are looking at breating for relaxation, you may also want to consider some of the meditation resources listed on my listmania lists. I also have a yoga resource list that might be helpful for those interested in pranayama. Another book in the pranayama vein that is quite popular is "The Yoga of Breath" by Richard Rosen.

In summary, this is a good book on the basics of breathing as a foundation for a yoga practice. It provides the basic concepts required to move on to more advanced breathing techniques such as pranayama.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars learn how to breathe, January 29, 2006

By	W. D. Cole (Waynesboro, VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was a little skeptical at first. An entire book on how to breathe? I've been doing it my whole life, so I'm pretty good at it, right? What else could there possibly be to breathing?

Lots.

This book not only covers various breathing techniques, but also the science behind it. It covers the nasal cavity and lungs and how they work. Also, how breathing through individual nostrils have distinct effects on the physical and psychological self.

This book is also a great introduction/explanation to the breathing techniques used in yoga. Many yogis have said proper breathing is the first step toward enlightnment. This book shows you how.