To Inspire:

In last week’s WealthNotes I shared some insights from James Nestor’s bestseller, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. I shared several key takeaways related to the power of inhaling and exhaling through the nose and of taking slower breaths – 5.5 seconds to inhale and 5.5 seconds to exhale is optimal. In this WealthNotes I wanted to share some more insights from the book – including ancient breathing techniques used by tribes and cultures from all over the world.

Native Americans – Archaeologists have discovered that several hundred years ago, the Native American tribes who occupied this country were tall, powerfully built and had perfect dental formations. And while diets varied widely from tribe to tribe, what was consistent was breathing practices. As I shared least week, evidence revealed the importance of nasal breathing. For example, mothers pursed their infant children’s lips as they fell asleep to ensure that they breathed through their noses and not their mouths.

Asian and South American Cultures – Even today there are peoples in these regions of the world that practice very advanced, even severe breathing techniques. One scientist reported a tribe of people high in the mountains of India who are able to walk shirtless and barefoot for up to 19 hours in the freezing snow, taking no food or water – and then are able to sit down and immediately melt a large patch of snow around them because of the body warmth they maintained – all from deep breathing practices passed down through the generations.

The Role of Carbon Dioxide – Nestor discovered what many scientists now know – that carbon dioxide is not simply a waste product of breathing in oxygen but an essential element in oxygen absorption and blood vessel dilation. Optimizing (increasing) carbon dioxide levels through slow extended exhales can be extremely beneficial, if uncomfortable to do.

A Holistic Approach – Nestor reminds his readers that proper breathing is part of an overall approach to maximizing health – along with proper diet, rest and exercise.

I encourage you to read the book – I think you’ll find it helpful as you seek to live your life of greatness, purpose, vitality and joy!

Written by Matt Palmer, Partner & Co-Founder