“For breath is life, so if you breathe well you will live long on Earth.” -Sanskrit Proverb  The healing and calming power of the breath has been recognized for thousands of years. There’s a reason why breathing is an important element of many yoga and meditation practices, childbirth techniques, mantras, stress management practices, and so much more. Our breath is an essential, evolutionary component of our body and mind.  Today’s guest, James Nestor, literally wrote the book on the power of breathing. In Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, James draws upon his journalism background, his willingness to experiment with his body, and years of scientific studies on the impact that breath has on our overall health. On today’s show, he’s sharing key insights on how human breathing has evolved, how our breathing can impact different systems in the body, and why the act of breathing is an important health pillar that’s often overlooked in our modern world.  You’re going to hear about how our breathing has changed the way we’ve evolved, and how breathing properly can heal a variety of ailments. James is sharing his experience undergoing a breathing study, plus tips you can incorporate to tweak your breathing. This episode is filled with powerful insights you can use to gain control of your breathing and in turn, improve your health. Enjoy! In this episode you’ll discover: What inspired James to write a book about breathing.  Why humans are the worst breathers in the animal kingdom.  What makes humans’ teeth crooked. Why dog breeds like pugs and bulldogs suffer from respiratory issues. The link between mouth breathing and dental cavities.  How slowing your breathing can affect your heart rate and blood pressure.  What happened when James volunteered for a breathing study. The role that nasal cilia play in fighting viruses. How our noses play a part in immune function. What honeymoon rhinitis is.  How to utilize alternate nostril breathing.  What mouth taping is, and the benefits it provides. How nasal breathing impacts snoring and sleep apnea. What pulmonauts are. The link between spine health and breathing practices. How breath holding can help you control your nervous system. The main drawback of wearing a mask. Why pregnant women are more prone to hypertension. The connection between ADHD and disordered breathing.  Items mentioned in this episode include: PaleoValley.com/model -- Use code MODEL for 15% off! Beekeepersnaturals.com/model -- Get 15% off raw honey & other natural remedies! Breath by James Nestor My Stroke of Insight: TED Talk by Jill Bolte Taylor   Connect with James Nestor Website / Twitter / Instagram  Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud * Download Transcript Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation