Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

This Daily Breathing Technique Will Transform Your Body & Mind | James Nestor Re-Release #268

15 snips

May 7, 2022

James Nestor, a science journalist and author of "Breath," dives into the fascinating science of breathwork, discussing how our breathing affects every system in our bodies. He shares compelling insights on the benefits of nasal breathing over mouth breathing and how chewing habits impact facial development and overall health. Nestor highlights the startling connections between breathing techniques, sleep disorders, and even anxiety. His evidence-based approach demystifies breathwork, encouraging a mindful practice that can transform both body and mind.

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INSIGHT

Evolutionary Jaw Changes

Ancestors had larger airways and jaws due to chewing tougher foods.
Softer modern diets contribute to smaller mouths and airways, increasing respiratory problems.

INSIGHT

Diet and Jaw Development

Soft diets, especially in infancy, hinder jaw development.
Breastfeeding and chewing tough foods promote better facial growth and larger airways.

ANECDOTE

Palate Expander Experiment

James Nestor wore a palate expander to improve his airway.
He gained bone mass in his face, and his airway opened up significantly.

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In today’s episode, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes with James Nestor.

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 the 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!

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Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/268

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 qualified health care provider with any questions you 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.