Based on current medical research, as we know, the book utilizes the breath-mind-body relationship, which, for all intents and purposes, means A key strength of this book really lies in its comprehensive approach to breathing practices. It introduces a wide range of techniques, from simple diaphragmatic breathing up to more advanced pranayama exercises, and patiently explains the benefits of each technique, providing clear instructions and diagrams for practice throughout. In closing, this book, recommended by some of the world’s most experienced yoga teachers, will also fill a longstanding gap if you’re a teacher of yoga or mindfulness, a physiotherapist or a psychotherapist. ~ Exclusive Magazine, Review

A Mindful Way to Restore Your Natural Breathing Cycle - Tracy Kiss I first discovered Michael Hutchinson at the Om Yoga Show where he had a stall in the exhibition hall to promote his new book ‘Breath for Health’. Michael is a yoga therapist who trained with TKD Desikachar’s student, Paul Harvey, when yoga therapy was first recognised in the West. With over 30yrs of practice and scientifically trained research, Michael has created this concise handbook on how to improve your breathing. Based on current medical research, this book utilises the breath-mind-body relationship. Seeing as I was on the hunt for my next morning commute read, I thought I might choose something that is recommended by some of the worlds most experienced yoga teachers to make my designated time each morning more beneficial to my health. In this insightful and empowering book, Michael delves into the profound connection between our breath and our overall wellbeing. He masterfully unravels the science behind breathing techniques, demonstrating how conscious breath control can truly transform our physical, mental, and emotional health and I’ve found myself captivated by each and every page. His writing is both informative and engaging, a fine balance to achieve, as he seamlessly blends scientific research with practical guidance. Meticulously explaining the intricacies of respiratory anatomy and physiology, whilst making complex concepts incredibly accessible to readers of all backgrounds. His passion for the transformative power of breath work is infectious and has made such a positive difference to my mindset from the moment that I turned the very first page. Breathing Practices A key strength of this book really lies in its comprehensive approach to breathing practices. It introduces a wide range of techniques, from simple diaphragmatic breathing up to more advanced pranayama exercises, and patiently explains the benefits of each technique, providing clear instructions and diagrams for practice throughout. Whilst the book focuses on the practical application of breath work, it’s delivered with such a personal approach, guiding the reader to select the techniques that best suits their individual needs and goals. I adore how it encourages experimentation and self-awareness, empowering us all to become our own breath work experts without having to be a yoga teacher, physiotherapist or psychotherapist. Holistic Wellbeing ‘Breath for Health’ is not merely a collection of breathing exercises; it is in fact a roadmap to holistic wellbeing which beautifully emphasises the connection between the breath and various aspects of our health, including stress management, pain relief, sleep optimisation and emotional balance. For those who appreciate a deeper understanding, there is compelling evidence throughout to support these claims, drawing from a wealth of scientific research. This book’s impact extends beyond individual well-being by addressing the broader implications of breath work for society as a whole. It highlights the role of breath work in fostering mindfulness, compassion and resilience to promote a more mindful and interconnected world which, for me as a mother and Buddhist, is paramount. This is such a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Michael’s expertise and passion for breath work make this an engaging and informative read which has certainly brightened my daily commute and made such a positive impact on so many aspects of my life. I hope in sharing this, I may inspire you too to have a read and take control of your breathing to transform your life for the better. ~ Tracy Kiss, Tracy Kiss, Social Influencer, Bodybuilder, Mother, Vegan, London, UK https://www.tracykiss.com/health/a-mindful-way-to-restore-your-natural-breathing-cycle/

A very accessible exploration of breathing Breath for health: A mindful way to explore our natural breathing cycle by Michael Hutchinson, John Hunt Publishing As a former scientist, Michael offers a surprisingly simple and clear step-by-step guide for the novice or seasoned yogi looking to attain optimal breathing. Unlike other books such as 'Restoring Prana' by Robin Rothenberg or 'Breathe' by James Nestor, which delve into intricate scientific explanations or revelation, Michael provides an authentic and sensitive narrative on harnessing the breath for optimum health, making it less intimidating for beginners. Michael’s expertise as a yoga therapist is evident as it is written like you are receiving personal guidance. His gentle tone, sensitive descriptions of how to do the breathing exercises and the seamless progression of exercises as you move up the chapters, create a sense that he is a mentor leading you on a journey. Far from being prescriptive, he offers gentle encouragement to explore and tailor your breathing practice to suit your own needs. There are only eight chapters in the book which makes it easy to navigate and each chapter highlights a few different breathing techniques to try accompanied by suggestions on how to progress them through sound or movement. The early chapters explore what Michael calls ‘breathfulness’ – mindfulness of the breath – starting from basic and diaphragmatic breathing and advancing to pausing the breath. The later chapters deal with more structured and subtle ways to work with the breath to cleanse, create heat, or cool down. The clear summaries at the end of the chapters are a great way to review and reflect on what you have learned. It also means that it is easy to pick up where you left off so you can practice a particular technique and come back to it later. All the breathing exercises highlighted within the book are all based on traditional techniques taught to Michael by Desikachar or his student, Paul Harvey. This lineage is frequently alluded to in the book and Michael highlights the validity of these ancient practices today through his own extensive experience, via anecdotal evidence and new scientific research. Designed with beginners in mind, the inclusion of new research makes it interesting for advanced practitioners too. Michael hints at a potential second volume featuring more complex techniques and he offers valuable suggestions in the final chapter on how to take your practice further. Whether you are a novice, anxious about breathing, or a seasoned practitioner looking for deeper insights, this book is a great companion on your journey toward breathfulness. ~ Natalie Lyndon, Spectrum, the Journal of the British Wheel of Yoga

Hutchinson has written the guide to breathing that every yoga practitioner, yoga teacher and yoga therapist needs to have on their bookshelf. This is a guide to learning and teaching breathwork that lays out simple practices for everybody, yet offers tremendous depth and subtlety. Michael has taken the teachings of TKV Desikachar and written the book that we have all hoped someone would take the time and focus to write. He uses clear and simple language, interesting case studies, stories and experiential practices to help the reader understand how to use pranayama to transform all layers of the human system. I will be using this book for all of my yoga and yoga therapy trainings going forward. The next growth cycle in the field of yoga is to see practitioners move from an asana focus to a pranayama focus. The timing of this book is perfect for the next phase of refinement to occur in the world of yoga. ~ Dr Amy Wheeler, Ph.D & C-IAYT, former President of the Board of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (2018-2020)

In my travels around the yoga world investigating the teaching of different traditions, the breath work taught by students of Krishnamacharya in his later life was the most subtle and profound I encountered. Breath for Health presents a program based on these principles that allows even raw beginners to learn the basics of healthy breathing, and then step-by-step safely build up to more advanced practices. The results for health and well-being of following this deceptively-simple program can be life-changing. ~ Dr Timothy McCall, MD, author, Yoga as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing (Bantam), Co-Editor and Contributor, The Principles and Practice of Yoga in Health Care (Handspring)

Currently, most articles and books dealing with yoga are either oriented towards postures (āsana) or towards the philosophy of yoga. Few books deal with breathing. This is why Michael's fills me with joy. This is a useful and quality work; I wish him great success and thank him for this contribution. ~ Frans Moors, co-author of 'The Viniyoga of Yoga' and personal student of TKV Desikachar

Breath is essential to life and how we breathe affects the quality of our health and well-being. Michael's book is a guide to harnessing these qualities. Yoga's wisdom has inspired his approach and links us to the understanding that breath is life. ~ Gillian Lloyd, personal student of TKV Desikachar, Former Chair of Viniyoga Britain

Taking a deep breath could do you more harm than good. This instruction is correct, but the interpretation often is not. Breathing is multi-dimensional and when taught by the right teacher, it has the power to transform physical and mental health for the better. Yoga instructors trained in breathing from a number of dimensions can offer their students direct knowledge to regulate their physiology easily, safely and quickly. These tools should be accessible to everyone and Breath for Health offers the gateway to just that. ~ Patrick McKeown, author of The Oxygen Advantage, Atomic Focus and The Breathing Cure

This short treatise represents a Yoga approach to breathing in clear, uncomplicated language that should be accessible to any interested reader. The Yoga terms that the author introduces are generally well explained and their meaning and necessity in the text becomes obvious in the contexts in which they are used. The text mixes a nicely judged balance of anecdote from the author’s life and practice as a Yoga teacher with an introduction to elements of Hatha Yoga. The accounts of Yoga teachers and practices are integral to the text and should not be off-putting to the reader with no experience of Yoga (like me). Some of the concepts such as, for example, ‘Inner Fire’ will probably strike some readers new to Yoga as odd. Generally, such terms are presented in such context that the new reader can understand their significance in Yoga. It should interest many readers that the author gives several instances in which the outcomes and benefits of Yoga breathing techniques are paralleled and supported by medical and physiological research findings together with recent references to this work. The benefits of Yoga breathing practices to spinal health and strength are well explained. The main body of the text comprises the exercises and techniques of a Yoga approach to healthy breathing and breathfulness. The description of the exercises is generally clear and precise and should be easily understood by the novice (me). The length of each chapter and the number of exercises in each chapter are such that a reader can work through a whole chapter without needing to break. This is nicely judged. The notion of ‘breathfulness’ is intriguing. The author persuasively writes about the mental and emotional benefits we might gain when we practise improved breathing patterns. The list of named exercises (and naming is good) at the end of each chapter is very helpful. [Speaking personally,] I thoroughly enjoyed reading [your book] and found it an easy read in the sense that it engaged me and made me want to read more. I certainly think that ’the less-informed reader should be able to follow your drift.’ I tried almost all the exercises as I worked through the book and I intend to continue practicing them. I found that I was eager to try something further which I think speaks for how a reader can engage with the book. I used types of ratio breathing techniques frequently in my practice particularly for breathing problems associated with anxiety and stress. They were a great ’tool’ in moments of acute distress. ~ Dr Martin B Haslam, privately solicited review by a retired medical practitioner and counsellor

Pranayama (breathing exercises) is the fourth Añga (limb) of the Astañgayoga (the eight-limbed Yoga), which has a major role in achieving the goal of Yoga. Without Pranayama there is no Yoga, meaning practice of asana without breath co-ordination will simply make it a ‘physical exercise’ and also one cannot look to graduate to Dhyanam (Meditation). Breathing being a natural activity, often practice of Pranayama is assumed to be an easy task. As one starts getting into it, the difficulty in achieving the basics of the right technique of breathing will sometime put off people to proceed further. Guidance has an important role in this task. In Hathayogapradipika Verse 1 of Chapter 2 Swami Svatmarama says “After practice of asana-s, one should start practice of Pranayama under the guidance of a teacher, having controlled the senses and following the right diet.” The book “Breath for Health” by Michael Hutchinson comes in handy here. It is next to impossible to teach Yoga, particularly Pranayama, through a book. A reading of the book makes it clear that Michael has taken all precautions to present the lessons in a very simple but accurate way. Interspersed with a lot of technical points and references to medical science, the step-by-step method adds value for lay practitioners. I congratulate Michael on his attempt to make the complex science of Pranayama simple, in which he has succeeded. ~ Yogacarya S Sridharan, Advisor, Senior Mentor, Yoga Therapist Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai