The Language of Breath: Discover Better Emotional and Physical Health Through Breathing and Self-Awareness—With 20 Holistic Breathwork Practices

by Jesse Coomer

For breathwork fans who want to go deeper—20+ science-backed breathing practices to boost your energy, unlock your mind-body connection, and heal from chronic stress

Breathwork expert Jesse Coomer reveals how to breathe our way to better health, increased vitality, and mental clarity by unlocking The Language of Breath .

Using powerful, proven breathwork exercises, Coomer delivers a new paradigm to the world of one that reconnects us to our innate mind-body wisdom and bridges the evolutionary disconnect between our bodies, brains, and the stressors of modern-day life.

By engaging with our breath as a language that we can listen to and learn, we

Combat the dysregulation, disconnection, and stressors of our always-on, hamster-wheel culture Learn why contorting our natural sleep, wake, and eating cycles to fit modern-day schedules is making us sick Use breathwork to reset and reclaim our natural agency and innate wisdom Guard against the physical effects of overwork and chronic stress With practical exercises and simple techniques, this book provides a step-by-step approach to using breath as a tool for self-discovery and transformation. From overcoming stress and anxiety to managing chronic illness, The Language of Breath is a must-read for anyone seeking to harness the power of their own breath to live a healthier, happier life.

Genres: Health, Self Help, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published October 31, 2023

Reviews

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

In our modern society stress is a huge factor. Rushing around and being busy has become the accepted status. Taking it easy is often frowned upon. Anxiety is on the rise. Panic attacks are becoming more common. We all need to slow down and take care of ourselves. To reconnect our minds and our bodies, and to reduce stress.

Breathwork expert Jesse Coomer reveals how to breathe our way to better health. To increase our vitality and mental clarity by unlocking The Language of Breath.

With practical exercises and simple techniques, this book provides a step-by-step approach. We learn how to use breath as a tool for self-discovery and transformation. From overcoming stress and anxiety to managing chronic illness. The Language of Breath is a must-read for anyone seeking to harness the power of their own breath. And to live a healthier, happier life.

As the author recommends, take each chapter slowly, and spend a few days working through the practices and exercises suggested in each one. I personally found this a very effective way to get the most out of this book – otherwise it becomes all about theory and less about practice.

Choose your favourite techniques and incorporate those into your life, to help you feel more relaxed, at ease, less stressed and anxious. Through your breath, you can become more connected to your body and mind, and understand what they need to thrive.

There are many different styles of exercises in this breath – from simple relaxation techniques, to diaphragm breathing, learning to use the exhale to regulate your nervous system and CO2 tolerance training. I found some of the techniques more complex than others and naturally fell into using those which I liked more. My favourites were the simple ones, that I could remember without referring back to the book time and again.

It sounds funny – and maybe it’s one of the reasons it appealed to me so much – but my favourite technique from this book was the “Sniff Sniff Poo” technique. You see, it starts by making you smile when you read the description! The author describes it in more depth, but the basis is to take two in-breaths before exhaling through the mouth with a “poo” sound from your lips.

There’s something relaxing in breathing out through the mouth for me – it always feels like a release, like letting go. Each reader will find their own favourite technique(s).

Jesse also provides a very useful lesson in interrupting rumination. Personally, when I am lost in a cycle of over-thinking, it’s very hard to shake it off. The exercise has become something I try to remember to do when I am stuck, and most of the time I find it gives me a release. A very useful tool indeed.

Even if you only find one useful technique in this book, I feel it will be a great result. Finding the perfect tools for each individual person can be a process of trying things out. This book is a fantastic resource to enable anyone to do just that.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me a copy of this e-book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Read Walk Repeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful foundation for understanding the role and power of breath. The author’s passion for breath-work is clear throughout this book, and his use of stories and analogies, makes this highly accessible and readable even for those new to the practice of breath-work. This is the kind of book you’ll want to reference repeatedly - highly recommend!

Thanks to Netgalley and North Atlantic books for the opportunity to read & review a digital ARC of this book.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books on breathing and this is one of the best. It gives mechanistic details and has many exercises, setting it apart from most of its peers

[Ola S · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Language of Breath: Discover Better Emotional and Physical Health Through Breathing and Self-Awareness" by Jesse Coomer is a concise 216-page gem that unveils the transformative power of conscious breathing. Coomer takes readers on a journey through the art of mindful respiration, weaving together practical exercises and a seamless progression of knowledge.

If you're seeking a deeper understanding of how your breath affects your emotional and physical well-being, this book delivers. Each chapter skillfully builds upon the last, creating a seamless learning experience that keeps you engaged. Coomer's inclusion of exercises that guide you through various breathing techniques enriches the reading, turning theory into practice.

Having previously read "Breathe: The New Science of a Lost Art" by James Nestor, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the two books. Both provide invaluable insights into the world of breath and have left a lasting impact on my life. (Although, if you’ve read one, you’ve read the other). Both books have even inspired me to encourage my husband, despite his allergies, to embrace the benefits of nasal breathing. Though he occasionally gives me a skeptical glance.

One intriguing concept that "The Language of Breath" introduces is the idea of using mouth tape during sleep. I've acquired some but remain hesitant to give it a try. I'm curious to hear if anyone has experimented with this and their experiences with it.

Among the numerous breathing techniques explored in the book, my personal favorite is pranayama. It has resonated with me on a deeper level, offering a sense of tranquility and balance that I find incredibly soothing. What breathing methods resonate with you and provide you with a sense of well-being?

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out". No, it's not a quote from this book, it's Taylor Swift, but what an opportunity to put it in! And it actually correlates with some breathing exercises given.

Going into the book, I was expecting something scientific, maybe even to the point of being so complex that the only thing that would be left to me was to nod my head as if I understood anything. Bonus points, if the book had a reasoning for why I can't breathe normally and what to do with it. I got it... and I didn't. Jesse Coomer did add quite some explanations and science, but he did it so well that the book is readable and doesn't bore you, moreover, it's actually interesting. Who knew?! But also who knew that you could write a book about breathing for 240 pages, and I'm sure Mr Coomer has more things to say, and I would listen (or read). As for bonus points, he got them as well, because I made some discoveries about myself.

It's nice to know how breathing works, and I bet many people actually have no idea how, yet we need something to work with, don't we? This book doesn't disappoint. You will be able to find plenty of breathing exercises for any situation. Important: go to the end of the book first thing as there are warnings about what might not be suitable for you and what signs to look at if you must interrupt the exercise.

Overall, great book! 4.5 stars, rounded to 5.

Thank you to NetGalley and North Atlantic Books for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Josh Noles · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright... if you want to read a book by a guy who talks like he's a yogi, thisncould be the book for you. I was looking for something that was less abstract and explained the science of different breathing techniques and how it affects your body. This book was not that. It has very few sources, mostly relies on anecdotal stories.

It lost a star for following the same pattern of a few other books I've read/listened to recently. It didn't feel like it brings anything new to the segment.

It lost another due to the bad medical advice. I'm a Respiratory Therapist and I can tell you that if you CO2 adapt, you will place greater wear on your kidneys (due to th having to work harder to try and compensate with bicarb production) and vasculature (due to the higher acidity in your blood). Smokers have higher levels of CO2, and they are the least healthy part of the population. It's bad advice and will lead to poor long-term health. It's also, ironically, the opposite of what Wim Hof preaches (he pushes for more alkali blood). I don't love all his stuff, but at least alkali is easier on your Cardiovascular system...

[BookWaffle :3 · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. Awareness is the foundation of all positive change.
2. Your unconscious-self is as much you as your conscious self.
3. Your unconscious-self is always trying to help you survive and thrive.
4. The healthiest you is a whole self (philia).
5. Actions are the words.

As an avid book reader, I love coming across books that teach me something valuable to include in my life, or just knowledge I can share with others. This book is precisely that. "The Language of Breath" by Jesse Coomer is insightful, easy to read, honest, and inspiring. It jumps straight to the point and actively tries to make the reader leave the book with even a bit more knowledge than before - which I think is thoughtful.

My take on this book centers around breathing being much more than - well - breathing. Your breathing and heart focus on stress, your thoughts, your (un)conscious self and even anxiety. And I love that. I love that something we usually take for granted or don't think too much about has such a specific, and important role in our mental well-being. On top of that, there are deep explanations of the whole language-of-breath situation Coomer wants to introduce, and you even have exercises.

My small issue with this book, however, is how overridden it is with information and facts, to tie our breathing into its own language. I understand that that is the premise of the book, but you don't necessarily need to compare breathing as its own specific language to underline how important breathing is to the elements I mentioned above.

Due to my criticism, I am also conflicted as to how to rate it, and I don't want my star rating to weigh your opinion higher, or lower, as if you should (or shouldn't) read it. Because I definitely recommend this book. I really do. I would also love to reread it and get myself a copy of it. "The Language of Breath" can really help people who go through anxiety and/or make them more in tune with themselves. And that itself, should already be enough of a reason to read this in a world were we are too focused on people around us than ourselves.

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Language of Breath is, yes, about breathing but also so much more. Jesse Coomer argues the mind/body dichotomy has led us to treat our bodies like a machine instead of a trusted conversation partner, a vital part of ourselves. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC.

"We are relationships in action." is such a simple statement but unpacking it has been an ever-expanding exercise. On the one hand, this is a very practical book, with explicit instructions. And also, there are these nuggets of wisdom to chew on and digest slowly. I appreciate the way Coomer guides us through the theoretical foundation of these teachings with compassion and a touch of humor. The instructions themselves are wonderfully concrete. They are explained clearly and thoroughly. It is this combination of thoughtfulness and thoroughness which makes The Language of Breath a joy to read and a treasured addition to anyone's personal growth journey.

[Vikki Pickering · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting book. It gives you so much more than just the techniques of breathwork I found the mind- body paradigm elements really informative - perhaps heavy going with science in parts but essential for understanding how and why you need to let the unconcious self do what it does and to stop self sabotaging your own health and development.
If you are just starting your journey into breathwork and a deeper understanding of self then this is a fanastic starting point, Jesse helpfully encourages you to see that learning any new language does not mean instant proficiency and understanding. He gently encourages you to start slowly with an exercise that brings about an internal self of awareness as the stepping stone to understanding the messages our body is sending us.
Some great exercises too, I am already trying to commit to daily mindful practices. Thanks for such an accessible book.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made with good stuff. This book does of course talk about the language of our own breath and how we can use it to communicate with our bodies, combine ourselves with a relationship with our body and not just use our body as a machine to flit from task to task, very informative and interesting way to look at this.

Each chapter builds onto the next one, with descriptions of how to nurture our subconsciousness, it's filled with plenty of techniques and tips to try.

I really enjoyed this book, I found the connection with myself takes me away from deep stress within my life and the techniques I have practiced are a good foundation base to continue with,

Many thanks to Netgalley UK for the FREE ARC in return for my review.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made with good stuff. This book does of course talk about the language of our own breath and how we can use it to communicate with our bodies, combine ourselves with a relationship with our body and not just use our body as a machine to flit from task to task, very informative and interesting way to look at this. Each chapter builds onto the next one, with descriptions of how to nurture our subconsciousness, it's filled with plenty of techniques and tips to try.
I really enjoyed this book, I found the connection with myself takes me away from deep stress within my life and the techniques I have practiced are a good foundation base to continue with.

Many thanks to Netgalley UK for the FREE ARC in return for my review.

[Emma Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a relative newcomer to breathwork and “The Language of Breath” packages it in a clear and informative way. The title describes how we can use our breath to communicate with our subconscious and nurture a better relationship with our mind and body and our conscious and subconscious.

The book is filled with lots of techniques to try and information to explain the how and why, blending in science with this holistic approach to health.

A good book for both beginners and experts.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC.

[Erin Mcilhatton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always really interested in the science of breath work and how it can help with our overall wellbeing. Jesse has created an easy to read and pragmatic collection of information and exercise that have been easy to follow and can be integrated into day to day life.

I sometimes find books in this genre hard to understand and tiring to follow but Jesse continued to engage me in the world of breath work and made me hungry to learn more.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

A highly engaging book regarding something we do constantly, breathe. Packed with interesting science-based info on how correct breathing can increase your energy-level and make you healthier.

One of the best books I have read on what is becoming a popular subject.

[Jamie Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren't many books that I listen to and feel called to purchase, but this is one. It's the breathwork that is tricky on audio.

Coomer presents the science of breathing in a very user friendly way. He explains how it is so much more than "take a long, deep, cleansing breath".

I'm excited to really put into practice the exercises he provides!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is fine. I found value and some new tidbits, but I expected more and was overall underwhelmed.

In my opinion if you are newbie to breathwork then this book is a good resource, but lacks appropriate references to the historical lineage of the suggested practices. The end of the book chapter references is useful but not a record of lineage.

If you are familiar with any breathwork training, yoga, or similar, then this book will not offer much more. All the things you already are familar with have been repackaged for the author's thesis that breath matters and improving ones breathing will impact physical and emotional health--but we already know that in another package.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has taken MBSR classes and has had exposure to various breath work trainings in varied settings, I really appreciate this comprehensive guide completely absent of any spiritual bend. Jesse covers it ALL in a digestible format with physiological explanations. This book will be one that I will return to again and again.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good stuff. Each chapter builds on the previous one, and together these techniques have a lot to offer. Recommended.

I really appreciate the free copy for review!!

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much interesting information about breathing.

[Travelmaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad I took my time with this one. Breathing exercises that build upon each other.

[The_J · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you communicate with your subconscious in order to unify your conscious? Perhaps it is as simple as a single breath. The argument is laid out, but the proof . . .

[Mark Corroto · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one book you need for breath work.

[Fumi Kohara · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're not a machine. You're you, every single piece.

[Joanne Spiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic into our bodies and Breathing

[Katelyn Parmelee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was helpful, however it felt very redundant and could probably have been half the length. I liked the content and breathwaves that were discussed.