Flow Radio

Breathwork and Flow: How Breathing Prepares the Brain and Body for Peak Performance

Sep 3, 2024

Join Dr. Jack Feldman, a UCLA neuroscientist known for his groundbreaking research on breathing, bestselling author Steven Kotler, and expert Dr. Michael Mannino as they delve into the science of breathwork. They discuss how our breathing patterns influence brain function and emotional health, revealing the evolutionary aspects behind this essential process. Discover the connection between intentional breath control and peak performance, as well as intriguing insights into the mechanism of sighing and its impact on mental well-being.

59:20

Creator website

Episode guests

Michael Mannino

Steven Kotler

Jack Feldman

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Quick takeaways

Understanding the evolution of breathing mechanics, particularly the role of the diaphragm in mammals, reveals insights into brain function and oxygen intake.

Conscious regulation of breathing patterns can significantly enhance emotional well-being and cognitive performance, offering therapeutic benefits against stress and anxiety.

Deep dives

The Neural Control of Breathing

The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding the neural control of breathing, particularly through the lens of evolution. Breathing patterns have evolved differently among species; for example, mammals are primarily inspiratory breathers, while reptiles are expiratory breathers. This distinction is reflected in anatomical adaptations, such as the diaphragm's development in mammals, which supports continuous oxygen intake necessary for sustaining larger brains. Recognizing these evolutionary contexts can provide valuable insights into the physiology behind breathing and its regulation in various species.

Awareness Fuels Well-Being

01:36

Intuition Beats Calculation

01:06

Lung alveoli collapse all the time, need regular sigh every 5 min

03:23

Understanding Biology Through Evolution

01:58

Intro

2min

Exploring the Evolutionary Roots of Breathing and Neuroscience

6min

The Science and Practice of Breath Control for Enhanced Performance

4min

The Power of Breath: Sighs and Mental Health

25min

Investigating Breathing Patterns and Their Impact on Rodent Behavior

5min

Breath and Performance: The Flow Connection

17min

In this episode of Flow Radio, we explore the intricate science of breathing with Dr. Jack Feldman, a world-renowned neuroscientist.

Dr. Feldman, a professor at UCLA, has spent decades uncovering the secrets of how our brains control this vital function. His pioneering research has led to groundbreaking discoveries, such as identifying and naming a key brain area responsible for breathing rhythms.

Tune in as Dr. Feldman, along with bestselling author Steven Kotler and Dr. Michael Mannino, break down:

The neuroscience behind how we breathe
The connection between breathwork and emotional health
Why understanding breathing is crucial for peak performance

Whether you’re curious about the science of breathing or looking for ways to improve your life, this episode is full of easy-to-understand insights and practical tips.

In This Episode:

00:02 Introducing a Legend

03:32 Evolution of Breathing in Mammals

07:41 The Role of the Diaphragm in Breathing

10:58 Understanding Sighs: A Physiological and Emotional Perspective

15:21 The Evolutionary Advantage of Calming Sighs

19:00 Breathing Rhythms and Brain Function

22:27 Disrupting Neural Circuits for Mental Health

25:45 Breathwork and Synaptic Plasticity

30:55 The Connection Between Endorphins and Breathwork

42:05 The Link Between Breathing and Flow States

About The Guest:

Jack Feldman revolutionized our understanding of basic physiological processes controlled by the brain by identifying and characterizing brain sites critical for breathing. He discovered two discrete brain structures critical for regulating breathing. Combining cutting edge techniques, development of new experimental preparations, and expertise in a range of disciplines, Jack identified several critical breathing functions originating in these brain areas including generation of inspiratory (i.e., inhaling) and expiratory (i.e., exhaling) patterns for normal breathing and for sighing. Most recently, Jack and his colleagues investigated mechanisms by which changes in breathing patterns (e.g., breathing practice) can affect emotion and cognition. His research continues to explore how the brain controls breathing, paving the way for further clinically relevant discoveries of mechanisms underlying breathing-related diseases, including sleep apnea, neurodegenerative diseases, and the positive effects of breathing practice on emotion. Jack is a recipient of the Hodgkin Huxley Katz Prize, the 125th Faculty Research Lecture UCLA, and the National Institutes of Health Outstanding Investigator Award in 2017 and 2023.

Episode Resources:

Website

A Snippet of Jack’s Research:

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