The Miracle of the Breath

by Andy Caponigro

"Take a Deep Breath." "Just breathe." These are common calming mantras, but what do they really mean? Though every second of life is governed by breath, few people pay heed to this important facet of good health. The Miracle of the Breath explores the importance of breath not only to physical well-being but also as a powerful conduit of divine energy. Replete with stories and case studies of people healed from asthma, arthritis, anxiety attacks, and other physical and mental traumas through proper breath work, the book also examines the concept of breath as a spiritual life force. Drawing on methods of observing and controlling the breath developed by ancient masters in India, China, and Tibet, it includes meditations and practice techniques to help readers improve their emotional and spiritual health.

Genres: Spirituality, Self Help, Nonfiction

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2005

Reviews

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great collection of breathing techniques and exercises. The author spans numerous religions/cultures (Hindus, Chinese, Hebrews and Christians) in his research and is able to articulate his fascination with the topic by telling supporting stories of his experiences. "Master of breath is the master of life".

[John Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Yoga teacher I am always looking for things that concern pranyama. The breathing techniques in this book are wonderful. The Tarzan breath changed some wiring in my brain. It looks funny, though.

[Cecelia Titus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful techniques but the applications for healing weren't really explored deeply. That was my interest in the book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly this book changed my life. I did the exercises in the first few chapters and cleared all kinds of tension out of my breathing after a few days. Within a few months I had started to see the world around me much more clearly. I changed my relationships with others because I saw how unhealthy my connections were. I gradually made better connections and developed much better relationships. I was far more grounded in reality. Before I was often lost in my head and didn't pick up on much that was real, responding to my own imagined version of events instead. After, I was more clear-headed and able to follow more clearly what was really happening around me.

I swear by this book.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compendium of ancient systems of breath control used by sages throughout the ages for mastering fear, healing illness, and attaining enlightens, this well-written book explores the spiritual life force that gives our breath its life-sustaining powers. Truly, “the master of breath is the master of life.”

[Justin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author likes to rely on clenching a ball while breathing. This didn't seem to make sense to me.
There wasn't much science to explain this or anything other technique in the book (there were many which is a plus).

[John Petersen]

Empowering.