Breathwork Books

James Nestor

In "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art," James Nestor embarks on a fascinating journey to uncover the transformative power of breathing. Drawing on ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science, he reveals how modern humans have lost touch with this vital function, leading to a host of health problems. Nestor explores the detrimental effects of mouth breathing, the importance of nasal breathing, and the benefits of various breathing techniques like pranayama and Buteyko. He shares his own experiences with different breathing practices and the remarkable results he achieves. Through engaging storytelling and thorough research, Nestor highlights the profound impact breathing has on our physical and mental well-being, offering practical advice on how to harness this powerful tool for optimal health. Highly Recommended!

Zee Clarke

In "Black People Breathe: A Mindfulness Guide to Racial Healing," Zee Clarke offers a powerful and much-needed resource for Black individuals and people of color seeking solace and empowerment through mindfulness and breathwork. Drawing on her own experiences with racial trauma and her expertise in mindfulness practices, Clarke provides a safe space for readers to explore and process complex emotions related to racism and discrimination. The book offers a variety of guided meditations, breathing exercises, and journaling prompts specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. It also explores the historical and systemic context of racial trauma, providing a deeper understanding of its impact on mental and emotional well-being. Through accessible language and relatable examples, Clarke empowers readers to cultivate resilience, inner peace, and a sense of collective healing.

Patrick McKeown

In "The Oxygen Advantage," Patrick McKeown presents a revolutionary approach to health and fitness through the power of breathwork. Drawing on the principles of the Buteyko Breathing Method, McKeown explains how most people over-breathe, leading to a chronic lack of oxygen in the body. This oxygen deficit can contribute to a wide range of health issues, including stress, fatigue, poor sleep, and even chronic diseases. The book provides a comprehensive guide to improving respiratory function and maximizing oxygen intake through simple breathing exercises and lifestyle adjustments. It also explores the benefits of breath holds and altitude training for enhancing athletic performance and overall health. "The Oxygen Advantage" offers a practical and accessible way to unlock the potential of your breath for a healthier, more vibrant life.

Rebecca Dennis

In "And Breathe: The Complete Guide to Conscious Breathing," Rebecca Dennis, a leading breathwork expert, provides a comprehensive and accessible guide to the transformative power of breath. Drawing on her extensive experience and knowledge, Dennis offers a variety of simple yet effective breathing techniques designed to reduce stress, improve sleep, boost energy levels, and enhance overall well-being. The book also explores the science behind breathwork, explaining how it affects our physical and mental health. Whether you're new to breathwork or an experienced practitioner, "And Breathe" offers a wealth of practical tools and insights to help you harness the power of your breath for a healthier, happier life.

Wim Hof

In "The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Full Human Potential," Wim Hof, a renowned extreme athlete, unveils his unique method for optimizing physical and mental health through a combination of breathing exercises, cold exposure, and commitment. This empowering guide offers readers a practical approach to boost their immune system, reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. While some may find the practices challenging, the potential benefits of tapping into your inner power and resilience make it a worthwhile read for those seeking a transformative experience.

Catherine Carrigan

The Little Book of Breathwork by Catherine Carrigan is a practical guide to using simple breathing exercises, affirmations, and mudras for stress reduction and improved well-being. Whether a beginner or experienced practitioner, readers can easily incorporate these techniques into their daily lives to address various issues like high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Aimee Hartley

"Breathe Well" empowers readers to transform their health and well-being through the simple act of breathing. Aimee Hartley's practical guide offers accessible exercises tailored to fit busy schedules, from quick techniques in the shower to five-minute exercises at your desk. Hartley covers the fundamentals of breathwork and provides exercises for every aspect of life, including work, sleep, relationships, and technology use. With clear instructions and a focus on practicality, this book makes it easy for anyone to harness the power of their breath for a healthier, happier life.

Stanislav and Christina Grof

In "Holotropic Breathwork," the Grofs offer a deep dive into their transformative therapeutic technique. The book explores the theory and practice of facilitating non-ordinary states of consciousness through breathwork, music, and bodywork. It delves into the potential of these states to access and heal deep-seated emotional and psychological issues, drawing on a rich tapestry of psychological, spiritual, and Get The Bookanthropological insights. While not a manual for DIY practice, it provides a comprehensive understanding of holotropic principles, making it a valuable resource for breathwork practitioners and those interested in transpersonal psychology.

Leonard Orr

Leonard Orr's "Rebirthing in the New Age" is a foundational text for understanding the practice and philosophy of conscious connected breathing. It delves into the potential of this powerful breathwork modality to release emotional blockages, heal past traumas, and foster a deeper connection with oneself. Orr's passionate writing style and personal anecdotes make it an engaging read, even for those already familiar with rebirthing. However, it's important to note that the book reflects the New Age context of its time, and some perspectives may seem dated to contemporary readers. Nonetheless, it remains a valuable resource for breathwork practitioners and those seeking to explore the transformative potential of conscious breathing.

Joy Manne

In "Conscious Breathing: How Shamanic Breathwork Can Transform Your Life," Joy Manné explores the ancient practice of shamanic breathwork and its potential to heal, awaken, and transform. Drawing from her extensive experience as a breathwork facilitator, Manné guides readers through the principles and techniques of this powerful modality, emphasizing its ability to release emotional blockages, connect with inner wisdom, and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and well-being.

Linda Star Wolf

In "Shamanic Breathwork: The Nature of Change," Linda Star Wolf, a renowned shamanic breathwork pioneer, invites readers on a transformative journey of healing and self-discovery. This comprehensive guide explores the profound potential of shamanic breathwork to facilitate deep emotional release, spiritual awakening, and personal growth.   Through a combination of theoretical teachings, practical exercises, and inspiring personal stories, Wolf shares her decades of experience and wisdom in this powerful modality. The book delves into the history and philosophy of shamanic breathwork, exploring its roots in ancient traditions and its relevance in the modern world. It provides detailed instructions on how to safely and effectively practice shamanic breathwork, along with guidance on integrating the insights and experiences gained through the practice.

Giten Tonkov

In "Feel to Heal: Releasing Trauma Through Body Awareness and Breathwork Practice," Giten Tonkov introduces his BioDynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release System (BBTRS), a holistic approach to healing trauma. Tonkov combines breathwork with body awareness, movement, and emotional expression to facilitate the release of stored tension and unresolved emotions. The book offers a comprehensive guide to understanding trauma's impact on the body and mind, while providing practical exercises and techniques for self-healing. Tonkov's compassionate and trauma-informed approach makes this book accessible and empowering for both beginners and experienced practitioners seeking to address trauma through body-centered practices. While primarily focused on individual healing, "Feel to Heal" also acknowledges the importance of community and connection in the healing journey. Tonkov's insights and guidance offer a valuable resource for anyone seeking to transform trauma into a catalyst for growth and resilience.

Peter Levine

In "Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma," Peter Levine presents a groundbreaking approach to understanding and healing trauma. Drawing on insights from biology, psychology, and body-centered therapies, Levine explores how trauma affects the nervous system and offers a somatic approach to resolving its effects. The book delves into the "freeze response," a natural survival mechanism that can become trapped in the body after a traumatic event, leading to various physical and emotional symptoms. Levine provides practical tools and techniques to help individuals safely access and release this trapped energy, allowing for natural healing and restoration. "Waking the Tiger" is a valuable resource for trauma survivors, therapists, and anyone interested in understanding the complex nature of trauma and its impact on the body and mind. Levine's compassionate and insightful approach offers a hopeful path to healing and recovery.

Bessel van der Kolk

In "The Body Keeps the Score," Bessel van der Kolk offers a comprehensive exploration of trauma's impact on the brain, mind, and body. He delves into the science behind trauma, explaining how it disrupts the nervous system and manifests in various symptoms. The book also explores diverse therapeutic approaches for recovery, emphasizing body-based therapies and mindfulness practices. A groundbreaking work, it provides a compassionate and hopeful roadmap for healing, offering valuable insights for trauma survivors, therapists, and anyone interested in understanding trauma's complex nature.

Gabor Maté

In "When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection," Gabor Maté explores the intricate relationship between chronic stress and physical illness. Drawing on scientific research and clinical experience, Maté reveals how unresolved emotional trauma, repressed emotions, and the inability to set healthy boundaries can manifest as physical ailments. The book delves into various conditions like autoimmune disorders, cancer, and heart disease, examining how stress can contribute to their development and progression. Maté offers a compassionate and holistic approach to healing, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying emotional issues and cultivating self-awareness for optimal health and well-being.

Babette Rothschild

“Revolutionizing Trauma Treatment" by Babette Rothschild challenges the traditional notion that processing traumatic memories is essential for recovery. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of stabilizing the client's nervous system and improving their overall quality of life. Rothschild provides therapists with practical tools and strategies to achieve this, including a detailed, full-color table that distinguishes six levels of arousal in the autonomic nervous system. This innovative resource helps clinicians identify and address both trauma-induced hyperarousal and hypoarousal, differentiating the latter from lethargy or depression. The book also features new and expanded techniques for trauma recovery that prioritize safety and stability, making it a valuable resource for anyone working with trauma survivors.

Gabor Maté

In "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts," Gabor Maté offers a compassionate and insightful exploration of addiction, challenging traditional views that stigmatize and criminalize those who struggle with it. Drawing from his experiences as a physician in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, Maté paints a vivid picture of the lives of his patients, highlighting their trauma, emotional pain, and societal disconnection. He argues that addiction is not a moral failing or a choice, but rather a complex response to adverse life experiences and unmet needs. By weaving together personal narratives, scientific research, and cultural analysis, Maté illuminates the root causes of addiction and calls for a more humane and effective approach to treatment and recovery. "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a call to action for a more compassionate and understanding society.

Stephanie Foo

"What My Bones Know" by Stephanie Foo is a deeply personal and moving memoir about the author's journey with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) stemming from her abusive childhood. It chronicles her struggles with flashbacks, dissociation, and emotional dysregulation, as well as her path towards healing and recovery. The book delves into the science of trauma and its impact on the brain and body, while also offering a raw and honest account of Foo's experiences in therapy and her efforts to rebuild her life. Through her story, Foo sheds light on the often-invisible wounds of trauma and offers hope to others who are struggling to heal.

Jamie Catto

In "Insanely Gifted: Turn Your Demons into Creative Rocket Fuel," Jamie Catto encourages readers to embrace their true selves and transform their so-called "demons" into sources of creative power. Catto, a creative force behind Faithless and 1 Giant Leap, draws from his personal experiences and offers practical techniques and exercises to help individuals tap into their hidden potential. The book challenges the idea that we need to constantly seek approval from others and encourages us to embrace our quirks, flaws, and vulnerabilities. By reframing our perceived weaknesses as strengths, we can unlock a new level of creativity and authenticity.

Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks

Conscious Loving by Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks guides readers on a journey to create and maintain fulfilling, conscious relationships. The book delves into the core principles of love, intimacy, and communication, offering practical tools and techniques to deepen connections and overcome challenges. Through insightful exercises and real-life examples, the authors help readers cultivate greater self-awareness, heal past wounds, and build lasting, loving partnerships based on mutual respect, understanding, and growth.

Julia Davis and Tessa Venuti Sanderson

A great guide for creating safe and supportive spaces for meaningful connection. This practical resource takes readers through every stage of circle creation, from setting intentions to fostering open communication. Drawing on insights from experienced circle holders, the book explores various topics like grief, LGBTQ+ issues, and techniques for working with children and teens. It equips professionals with tools to manage group dynamics, navigate online and in-person circles, and effectively market their offerings. Filled with practical exercises, templates, and inspiring stories, this book empowers readers to launch their own transformative circles and cultivate deeper connection within their communities.