The Tao of Natural Breathing: For Health, Well-Being, and Inner Growth

As we age, many of us fall into the habit of shallow or effortfull breathing, and then find it impossible to simply breathe easily and deeply on a regular basis. In order to return to natural breathing, you'll first want to know exactly what natural breathing is and isn't. In 'The Tao of Natural Breathing' Dennis Lewis describes the mechanics of breathing and all that's involved in a natural breath. Dennis gently guides you through a "perceptual reeducation", so you can begin to become aware of your own breathing pattern - where it flows easily, and where it doesn't - and start making changes in the right direction. Natural breathing is one of the pillars on which my work as a vision educator rests, and Dennis' guidance has been very valuable to me. Esther 'Joy' van der Werf, Visions Of Joy

I'm glad to see my firend and colleague Dennis Lewis' seminal book back in print. For anyone wishing to explore the wonders of their own breathing mechanism, I can unreservedly recommend "The Tao of Natural Breathing." Being a breathing specialist myself, I have read just about every book that's been published about breathing techniques and breath education, and Dennis' stands out as being the most insightful, as well as the most practical. Dennis doesn't get caught up in many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding breathing - including the notion that there's a "right" way to do it. Instead, he fosters a true spirit of exploration and exprimentation that can lead the reader to a deeper understanding of their own process, and a profound experience of their "natural breath."

This is my first exposure to breathing work. This book guides you through the basics of it so you can understand its principles and the tremendous power of self-sensing and breath. I am profoundly impressed with what I am learning about myself and recommend it to anyone new to the subject.

One reviewer criticized the author for his lack of understanding of Tao. I do not think that this is true. I think that the author went as far as he could with a potentially dangerous subject. Anyone pursuing breathing enhancement should be very carefull. When I personally asked some of the great yoga teachers about the concepts and approach used by Lewis, they all agree that Lewis has a very sound approach. Many westerners do not take the time to approach this subject with the proper respect that it requires. A casual survey of the literature and discussions with knowledgable "breathers" suggests that someone pursuing this path must be careful. Some Qi Gong masters refuse to teach westerners breathing techniques because they do not have the discipline to practice responsibly. Lewis takes a very responsible approach. I found it very useful in starting my practice.

This is one of the best books I've ever read on breathing, and I've read them all. Lewis explores the importance of "natural breathing," and shows how we can integrate it into our everyday lives. The book shows how natural breathing can help reduce the stress in our lives, and can help us maintain our health. It also shows the relationship of natural breathing to spiritual development. The writing is excellent and clear, and there are a lot of illustrations to help the us understand the ideas and practices of healthy breathing. I recommend this book to anyone interested in this fascinating subject.