Breathing

“Well organized, steadily paced, and bursting with information, this is a perfect reference guide for the serious-minded initiate.”—Kirkus Reviews

• An immersive guide to the ancient Indian tradition of pranayama that traces its evolution from shamanic and Vedic roots to modern yoga practices

• Integrates classical teachings with modern science, including anatomy and neurology, to explain the holistic benefits of pranayama

• Offers detailed physical and energetic preparation, including asanas, bandhas, and cleansing methods, plus instruction in over 25 pranayama techniques

Pranayama, the ancient yogic art of conscious breathing, holds profound potential to transform your physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual awareness. Current research into the respiratory and nervous systems helps illuminate the holistic benefits of this tradition.

In this book Mark Stephens presents an accessible and comprehensive study of pranayama. He details its roots in the pan-Eurasian shamanic tradition, the Vedas, Upanishads, early Buddhism and Jainism, and its fullest development through tantra, hatha yoga, and contemporary breathwork. Stephens offers systematic instruction for foundational practices, such as posture refinement, nasal cleansing, and pelvic floor activation. He also teaches advanced techniques for cultivating presence, interoception, and spiritual insight.

Stephens shows how pranayama can benefit you across your lifespan, and he highlights its applicability to a range of health conditions, including pregnancy, ADHD, PTSD, long COVID, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. He shows how breathwork can deepen meditation, enhance intimacy, and restore our innate breathing rhythms that are often lost due to stress and social conditioning.

Uniting ancient wisdom and contemporary science, Breathing offers an immersive and empowering path to transform your body and consciousness.