Science of Breath

My wife and I got interested in Swami Rama's book after reading the paperback edition of "Living with the Himalayan Masters". After that we decided to read all his books. My wife has learnt yoga and also done a certificate course from a reputed Yoga Institute near our home. As per her, the book is very good for laymen like me. I am a hardcore maintenance engineer and usually believe in tangible things and yet this book has got me thinking about the 'other' way of looking at life. The book by itself is very clear in its writing and has got me interested in knowing more and practicing yoga and 'prana' . A must for anyone is today's stressed out world. More than social networking where more than 97% of the people you are interacting with are the ones you really did not want to be in touch with, what one needs is to 'network' with one's own self and find peace and tranquility. Balachander

While the authors don't give insight to my most vexing questions, "Which came first the chicken or the egg?" and, by simple extention, "who created god? ", they do provide a clear discussion on the mundane act of breathing. Who would have thought the correct way of breathing could lead one to better health. Or enlightenment. This is a book I will treat more like a manual - specific chapters to be read over and over until so engrained it's practices become as natural as breathing.

A must read for all Pranayama Practitioners!!!

I have always been interested various forms of Asian and Indian exercise and health movements and exercises. As a lifelong martial artist and exercise enthusiast I am always seeking to learn new and unique ways to improve myself. When I saw this 127 page soft cover book (The science of breath: a practical guide by Swami Rama, Rudolph Ballentine, MD. and Alan Hymes, M.D.) on Amazon for a bargain price I had to purchase it. I found it interesting that I already teach many of these same breathing exercises in my Chair/Seated Tai Chi, Qigong and Yoga for seniors and the physically challenged classes, but this book explained in much greater detail the many aspects involved in proper breathing. This book covered the following material: a foreword by Linda Johnsen, an introduction by John Clarke, M.D., why bother to breath? Yoga and the body of energy, following your nose: nasal function and energy, portal to higher awareness: the science of breath and recommendations for further study. Even though this book was published in 1979, and 1998 the information is still relevant today. If you are seeking an easy to understand book on the importance of proper breathing you should check out this volume. Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Never trust a politician: A critical review of politics and politicians).

Breathing is usually an unconscious function of our bodys beautiful.....and this is a good thing....but knowing more about proper breathing, and the many health benefits will definately increase your overall health in body, mind and spirit....then. you will be able to knowledge with your children and grandchildren....as they are so eager to learn about their bodies and how interesting and magically it works....as adults its important that we educate ourselves, as we have most likely not been formally taught ourselves, then our responsibility is to lovingly inform those we love.....Sally

It is a must read, concise to the point and powerful. A physiological look at the more subtle aspects of breathing which we all take for granted, but does not last forever. So we gotta make the best of every breath!!!

Great explanation on the breath and how different techniques can help us feel better!! I truly enjoyed this book because the author explains how to control the breath and it’s benefits with great detail.

I think the appraisal of the physical aspects of breath in a scientific sense did not need to be so laboured. People reading this sort of book simply want to know why and how does pranayama work. There are some relevant factual observations but these go on and on. The interesting part is about the integration of Yoga, yet this is comparatively brief and does not give much detail about the various practices, nor when to apply which practice. If we wanted so much science we could have bought a science book. None the less - great idea to try and bring together paradigms of East and West as concerns the yogic breath!

I bought this book to improve our breathing technique to help keep our stress levels in check and in turn keep us healthier. I thought this book was going to be mainly exercises with a bit of extra info here and there. This book explains the breath indepth. Breath energises or sedates without most of us realising. The book explains how the breath works and what it does, and the possibility of what it could do. It stresses the importance of clear nasal passages and sinuses else all efforts are in vain. I am suprised how much I have enjoyed reading it and how much I have learnt from it. Jala neti sounds gross, but definitely worth considering. I thought it was just another exercise book but it is not. I found the style of writing makes it clear and very easy to read, and Im glad I bought it.

all went ok

Very much knowledgeable it teaches how to do right breathing! Little boring when too much medical information is included in it!

I read book the science of breath by Swami Rama. It is a practical guide to improve efficiency of breathing. The book has 4 chapters . It gives basic understanding of the body parts involved in the breathing process and circulatory system. The construction of each part like type of muscles and tissues and respective function of each muscle in the breathing process is described in a very simple way. How to take care of each part from nose to sinuses and lungs is explained comprehensively. Most important aspect of connection of breathing with mind and effect of breathing and on autonomic nervous system is explained. The right way of breathing i.e. Diaphragm breathing is explained.Through diaphragmic breathing, we can increase our prana energy is elaborated in the book. Other techniques of pranayama are explained along with benefits. I recommend this book / parts of this book or content related to right way of breathing should be included in the school curriculum. Thanks to the authors and our ancient gurus for enlightening research on breathing.

An absolute essential for any yogi looking to take their practice further. A really interesting look at the anatomy of the nose & it's significant influence on our lives. A lovely summary of breathing exercises & suggestions for improving meditation practice. X