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Breathing: The Master Key to Self Healing
The health you enjoy today, and for the rest of your life, begins with your next breath. In fact, breathing is so crucial to your body's ability to heal and sustain itself that Dr. Andrew Weil says, "If I had to limit my advice on healthier living to just one tip, it would be simply to learn how to breathe correctly."
On Breathing: The Master Key to Self-Healing, listeners will learn a complete course of eight breathing exercises that Dr. Weil uses in his own life, and has prescribed to hundreds of patients over the past two decades. Dr. Weil reports that these breathing exercises get more favorable response from patients than anything else he teaches.
To learn the art of healthy breathing, Dr. Weil turned to Eastern traditions, including yoga, which view the breath as a vital link to the prana, or energy of the universe. In easy-to-follow language, he explains the secret of breathwork's power over your health, and its remarkable ability to influence ― and even reprogram ― the nervous system.
From increasing energy to lowering blood pressure, to improving circulation to beating anxiety disorders without drugs, Breathing is a practical introduction to the benefits of breathwork, presented by the bestselling author and physician who has taken the miracle out of self-healing, and made it available to all.
Course objectives:
List the health benefits of breathwork.
• Explain how overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system contributes to health issues.
• Describe the relationship between breath and spirituality.
• Apply breathwork techniques to increase alertness and relaxation.
• Practice guided exercises for restored wellness over time.
On Breathing: The Master Key to Self-Healing, listeners will learn a complete course of eight breathing exercises that Dr. Weil uses in his own life, and has prescribed to hundreds of patients over the past two decades. Dr. Weil reports that these breathing exercises get more favorable response from patients than anything else he teaches.
To learn the art of healthy breathing, Dr. Weil turned to Eastern traditions, including yoga, which view the breath as a vital link to the prana, or energy of the universe. In easy-to-follow language, he explains the secret of breathwork's power over your health, and its remarkable ability to influence ― and even reprogram ― the nervous system.
From increasing energy to lowering blood pressure, to improving circulation to beating anxiety disorders without drugs, Breathing is a practical introduction to the benefits of breathwork, presented by the bestselling author and physician who has taken the miracle out of self-healing, and made it available to all.
Course objectives:
List the health benefits of breathwork.
• Explain how overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system contributes to health issues.
• Describe the relationship between breath and spirituality.
• Apply breathwork techniques to increase alertness and relaxation.
• Practice guided exercises for restored wellness over time.
2 pages, Audio CD
First published November 1, 1999
15 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Weil
209 books651 followersAndrew Weil, M.D., is a world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, a healing oriented approach to health care that encompasses body, mind, and spirit. He is the author of many scientific and popular articles and of 14 books: The Natural Mind, The Marriage of the Sun and Moon From Chocolate to Morphine (with Winifred Rosen) Health and Healing, Natural Health, Natural Medicine; and the international bestsellers, Spontaneous Healing and 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, Eating Well for Optimum Health: The Essential Guide to Food, Diet, and Nutrition The Healthy Kitchen: Recipes for a Better Body, Life, and Spirit (with Rosie Daley) Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Well-Being; and Why Our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform Our Future (issued in paperback with new content as You Can’t Afford to Get Sick).
Combining a Harvard education and a lifetime of practicing natural and preventive medicine, Dr. Weil is Director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, where he also holds the Lovell-Jones Endowed Chair in Integrative Rheumatology and is Clinical Professor of Medicine and Professor of Public Health. The Center is the leading effort in the world to develop a comprehensive curriculum in integrative medicine. Graduates serve as directors of integrative medicine programs throughout the United States, and through its Fellowship, the Center is now training doctors and nurse practitioners around the world.
Learn More:
Facebook.com/DrWeil
YouTube.com/DrWeil
Instagram.com/DrWeil
Flickr.com/DrWeil
Pinterest/DrWeil
Combining a Harvard education and a lifetime of practicing natural and preventive medicine, Dr. Weil is Director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, where he also holds the Lovell-Jones Endowed Chair in Integrative Rheumatology and is Clinical Professor of Medicine and Professor of Public Health. The Center is the leading effort in the world to develop a comprehensive curriculum in integrative medicine. Graduates serve as directors of integrative medicine programs throughout the United States, and through its Fellowship, the Center is now training doctors and nurse practitioners around the world.
Learn More:
Facebook.com/DrWeil
YouTube.com/DrWeil
Instagram.com/DrWeil
Flickr.com/DrWeil
Pinterest/DrWeil
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 25, 2018
Andrew Weil presents pranayama, Eastern breathing techniques for health and well being, for a Western audience. If you have never tried meditation or deep breathing before, this would be a good place to start.
Weil talks about how breathing is one of the only bodily functions that can be performed both consciously and automatically. That unique control allows for a bridge to be made between the conscious and subconscious minds. Ever notice how people who are upset breathe faster? There's reasons for that.
The first disc of this audiobook is almost unbelievable in Weil's claims of healing mental and physical disorders through simple breathing, but I don't think he'd lie about it. I guess our culture has always put so much belief in Western healing through the use of medicines and concrete therapies, that we haven't always entertained other types of healing.
Of particular interest to me was Weil's testimony about a patient of his with anxiety disorders that were so severe that they were causing heart palpitations. His patient was given medications to suppress the anxiety, but after awhile they stopped working and Weil's patient was forced to find something else. He approached all manner of doctors and psychologists, but didn't see any movement forward on his problems until he began to practice Weil's breathing techniques.
I know a few people in my own life who might find that story interesting too. Couldn't we all use tools to increase our inner peace and decrease those pesky anxieties?
The second disc is half a dozen or so different breathing exercises. They're all fairly simple and you can do them in minutes.
I listened to this audiobook years ago and, honestly, forgot everything I learned. But I explored it again last week and realized that it was never too late to get back on track. Recommended self help book for anybody who breathes. :)
Weil talks about how breathing is one of the only bodily functions that can be performed both consciously and automatically. That unique control allows for a bridge to be made between the conscious and subconscious minds. Ever notice how people who are upset breathe faster? There's reasons for that.
The first disc of this audiobook is almost unbelievable in Weil's claims of healing mental and physical disorders through simple breathing, but I don't think he'd lie about it. I guess our culture has always put so much belief in Western healing through the use of medicines and concrete therapies, that we haven't always entertained other types of healing.
Of particular interest to me was Weil's testimony about a patient of his with anxiety disorders that were so severe that they were causing heart palpitations. His patient was given medications to suppress the anxiety, but after awhile they stopped working and Weil's patient was forced to find something else. He approached all manner of doctors and psychologists, but didn't see any movement forward on his problems until he began to practice Weil's breathing techniques.
I know a few people in my own life who might find that story interesting too. Couldn't we all use tools to increase our inner peace and decrease those pesky anxieties?
The second disc is half a dozen or so different breathing exercises. They're all fairly simple and you can do them in minutes.
I listened to this audiobook years ago and, honestly, forgot everything I learned. But I explored it again last week and realized that it was never too late to get back on track. Recommended self help book for anybody who breathes. :)
February 7, 2017
Well, who'd have thought that breathing is so difficult? I must admit, this book was quite insightful and helped me a lot to vastly improve the easiest thing people do all the time - breathe. Because, yeah, improvement was indeed needed.
November 1, 2010
That's it! I'm all done. No more Breathing for me!
October 18, 2014
I liked Weil's grasp of the issues he was writing about. Not another fancy namby pamby keen to ride the high waves of mindfulness successes of late. I was quite impressed by the wonderful simplicity with which he introduced the principles and the scientific basis of his practice.
The remaining bit is the introduction to his practice of the various breathing exercises. He gives a basic primer, in a guided interactive manner. I guess the rest is to the reader to find out whether there is any actual freedom that is cumulated following these practices
The remaining bit is the introduction to his practice of the various breathing exercises. He gives a basic primer, in a guided interactive manner. I guess the rest is to the reader to find out whether there is any actual freedom that is cumulated following these practices
October 23, 2008
I listened to this book on my iPod on a road trip. My mom made me listen to the book because I was making fun of her listening to a book about breathing and everything. It was very calming and very interesting to listen to, I really liked it.
November 10, 2011
Short and interesting. Definitely an enjoyable experience. I practice the breathing techniques during especially boring meetings and it has kept me calm. Will see if it helps at all long-term.
Still, an interesting quick read to learn about his point of view on life =)
Still, an interesting quick read to learn about his point of view on life =)
April 6, 2019
Short. The Yogi tongue exercise sounds promising...
November 6, 2022
In December last year I contracted COVID even with being fully vaccinated and extremely careful. COVID hit me like a train and I nearly had to be hospitalized with how bad my health and breathing plummeted. This year has been challenging in more ways that I ever expected and my health has been a series of struggles that has led me to have to go from one doctor to another and receive various expensive diagnostic tests with no answers. I've been prescribed over 10 different medicines for my ailments that haven't helped, my health fluctuated and got worse, nothing was certain except for the phrase every healthcare provider would say to me that I've come to loathe "all of these symptoms you're facing might just be post-covid related stuff that we don't understand yet."
There's a lot we don't know about the aftermath of COVID and it sucks to feel like a stranger in your body and have no answers to the daily pain and struggle you're dealing with that doctors don't seem to fully understand either. I'm no stranger to chronic pain; I have the invisible disability of endometriosis that I've endured the pain and debilitating symptoms of for the last 15+ years, but this year has definitely been extremely challenging.
This audiobook was such an amazing gift that came at a point in time that I really needed it. The breathing exercises that Dr. Weil teaches in this have been so helpful and have led me to be more mindful of the way I'm breathing throughout the day. I love all of the examples of ailments and stories he provided in the audio that helped supplement how each of the different breathing techniques could be useful in different situations. I learned so much and it was so humbling to discover how important breathing is; something we take for granted all of the time as we mindlessly take in our next breath. This audiobook was life-changing for me and has been so beneficial during this time of healing and recovery alongside other practices and trying to improve my health one breath at a time.
There's a lot we don't know about the aftermath of COVID and it sucks to feel like a stranger in your body and have no answers to the daily pain and struggle you're dealing with that doctors don't seem to fully understand either. I'm no stranger to chronic pain; I have the invisible disability of endometriosis that I've endured the pain and debilitating symptoms of for the last 15+ years, but this year has definitely been extremely challenging.
This audiobook was such an amazing gift that came at a point in time that I really needed it. The breathing exercises that Dr. Weil teaches in this have been so helpful and have led me to be more mindful of the way I'm breathing throughout the day. I love all of the examples of ailments and stories he provided in the audio that helped supplement how each of the different breathing techniques could be useful in different situations. I learned so much and it was so humbling to discover how important breathing is; something we take for granted all of the time as we mindlessly take in our next breath. This audiobook was life-changing for me and has been so beneficial during this time of healing and recovery alongside other practices and trying to improve my health one breath at a time.
September 24, 2019
This is not a book but a set of 2 audio programs. The first one explains the benefits that can be gained from simple breathing exercises, and why it works so well. (It has to do with sympathetic vs. parasympathetic nervous system.)
In the second program Dr. Weil guides you through a variety of exercises. Once you've learned them you can easily do them on your own in any situation when you feel the need. Weil emphasizes that it's not how long you spend on the exercises each day, but the consistency with which you do them. You have to do it every day for best results.
So far these exercises have been very helpful to me when I stick with them. Sometimes they help me get to sleep. More often, they help me get past mild panic attacks.
The only thing that bothers me is the weirdy-o music they play when Dr. Weil isn't talking. My friend who recommended this program calls it New Age Three Dogs Piddling in a Tin Can music. It's not horrid. I'd just rather have silence while I focus on my breathing.
In the second program Dr. Weil guides you through a variety of exercises. Once you've learned them you can easily do them on your own in any situation when you feel the need. Weil emphasizes that it's not how long you spend on the exercises each day, but the consistency with which you do them. You have to do it every day for best results.
So far these exercises have been very helpful to me when I stick with them. Sometimes they help me get to sleep. More often, they help me get past mild panic attacks.
The only thing that bothers me is the weirdy-o music they play when Dr. Weil isn't talking. My friend who recommended this program calls it New Age Three Dogs Piddling in a Tin Can music. It's not horrid. I'd just rather have silence while I focus on my breathing.
March 14, 2008
hmmm... this was interesting. good but interesting. 8 weeks to optimum heatlh touches on it and i actually think i got a lot out of deep breathing in the rainforests of costa rica (not doing so much of it now that i'm home though). now that i'm doing this review i think i'll brush up on this. it teaches how you can relieve stress and improve health all with your breathing. i haven't kept up with it but i felt good when i did what it taught me.
March 31, 2015
Very simple and useful instructions on proper breathing techniques are accompanied by an interesting contemplation on the nature of breath and its role for mind and body. One can learn both the stimulating breath which would help shake off sleepiness and fatigue, and various types of calming breath. Very short, super simple and quite useful and effective, in my opinion.
January 12, 2021
Very short hour and half audio book. Since my One Little word this year is Breathe I decided to listen to this. The first part of the book explains why it's important to breathe and the 2nd half of the book goes into exercises where you learn to breathe for relaxation. Glad I choose this for my 2nd Breathe book.
July 27, 2008
I re-listen to the breathing exercises in this audio book from time to time. I find the exercises very easy to follow. If you are in need of healing support, I am happy to recommend you include Dr. Weil's breathing techniques in any regimen you may be following.
September 1, 2012
I have one or two other books by Andrew Weil I have not had the chance to get into. I had this on audio and it is the perfect book and subject for audio as Weil has a calming effect and you are able to practice along with what he is describing much easier. He knows what he is talking about.
February 4, 2013
Short book that is informative and to the point. Weil lists a fair number of health and well-being reasons to practice breathwork and then gives a handful of helpful breathing exercises. I will probably listen to it two or three more times to make sure I am doing them correctly.
May 3, 2014
a simple but insightful western-medicine based explanation of why breathing is important to health, and then short breathing exercises taken from mainly eastern traditions. beautifully balanced--a surprise as i'm fairly skeptic of branded doctors and gurus.
May 12, 2016
The first part was an introduction which wasn't interesting or helpful to me. The second part is breathing exercises which are excellent. The 4-5-7 count breath (breath in, hold breath, and breathe out) and the pranayama exercise to give energy are extremely helpful.
May 31, 2019
I listened to the audiobook. The first section of the book does a great job of explaining the importance of proper breathing for the body. And the second section provides some simple breathing exercises. The audiobook is about an hour and a half. Definitely worthwhile if subject is of interest.
February 6, 2021
This is an audiobook that I will need to re-listen to several more times and practice the techniques to see if they will work. Dr. Weil does a great job, in my opinion, narrating and explaining, so I'm hoping I can benefit from the breathing techniques he offers.
May 3, 2008
feel good stuff
April 9, 2009
Loved the techniques. I hope to incorporate the breathing exercises detailed in this book into my everyday activities.
September 15, 2013
Breathing for meditation, very helpful
April 17, 2013
Short recorded seminar on breathing techniques.
April 29, 2013
Very useful! Quick listen, too. You can put his advice into practice immediately and see helpful results immediately.
July 23, 2014
Strait forward explanation of how conscious breathing changes the nervous system and stress-related illness. Exhale ya'll.
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January 5, 2015Excellent for novices at integrative medicine, meditation, or yoga
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March 8, 2015Worth the time investment - easy exercises to follow
March 29, 2022
Lots to practice in such a short book--it will take time to know how it truly helped
January 12, 2023
Just some simple breathing exercises. This book is a reasonable guide if you need it.
August 2, 2025
Direct and to the point. I love Dr. Weil’s emphasis on actually teaching breathing practices in the second half of the book. Highly recommend the audiobook format as well. Lovely book absent fluff that allows you to understand the power of breath work as a preamble to meditation or as a stand alone practice. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews