Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Why Changing The Way You Breathe Will Transform Your Body and Mind with James Nestor #124

10 snips

Sep 22, 2020

James Nestor, a science journalist and author of "Breath," dives deep into the fascinating world of breathwork. He explores how nasal breathing can transform health, improve conditions like sleep apnea, and enhance athletic performance. Nestor shares the surprising impacts of chewing on facial structure and overall well-being. His personal journey emphasizes the benefits of deliberate, mindful breathing—challenging conventional beliefs about oxygen intake. Discover how simple changes in breathing techniques can lead to profound transformations in body and mind!

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INSIGHT

Nasal Breathing Benefits

Nasal breathing humidifies, pressurizes, filters, and conditions the air.
This allows the lungs to absorb oxygen more easily.

ADVICE

Mouth Taping

Try taping your mouth shut at night to encourage nasal breathing.
Use a small piece of tape and remove it easily if needed.

INSIGHT

Evolutionary Perspective on Airways

Our ancestors had stronger jaws and larger airways due to chewing tougher foods.
Modern diets have led to smaller mouths and increased respiratory issues.

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In today’s episode, we’re returning to one of my favourite topics. Breathwork is where my personal and professional interests collide. How we breathe affects every body system we have and I’m excited to welcome James Nestor, science journalist and author of new book Breath, which explores the data behind this ancient, but some might say lost, art.

And yes, it is an art. As we discuss, it doesn’t matter whether you follow a new or ancient technique to harness the potential of your breath, the principles are the same. What I love about James’ approach is he has no agenda to push. He hasn’t developed his own breathing technique, theory or product. He’s a journalist with an enquiring, sceptical mind. By his own admission, he came from a place where – like many of you, perhaps – he thought, ‘What’s all the fuss about breathing? It’s automatic, it’s easy, our bodies know what they’re doing’. But do they really?

During this conversation, we cover some of the fascinating – objective – insights James has uncovered in his research. He explains the benefits of nasal breathing, the importance of masticating and how diet affects the skeletal development of our children’s mouths. James reveals how learning to chew more, chewing on one side and using mouth tape at night has changed the structure of his own mouth. His airways – and his wellbeing – have never been better. We discuss the long list of conditions breathing may improve; how athletes can benefit. And James reveals the therapeutic process behind some ‘super breathing’ techniques.

Whether you’re already practising breathwork, you’re curious or yet to be convinced, James has a no-nonsense, rigorous approach we can all take something from. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

Show notes available at: https://drchatterjee.com/124

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.