The Healing Power of the Breath - by Richard P Brown & Patricia L Gerbarg (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A drug-free, side effect-free solution to common stress and mood problems--developed by two physicians

The audio exercises included with this book can be accessed online at www.shambhala.com/healingpowerofthebreath. Access instructions are also provided within the book.

Millions of Americans suffer from mood problems and stress-related issues like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and PTSD. Far too many of them are taking medications that have troublesome side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and disappointing success rates.

In The Healing Power of the Breath, Dr. Richard P. Brown and Dr. Patricia L. Gerbarg provide a different way to treat stress: breathing. Drawn from yoga, Buddhist meditation, the Chinese practice of qigong, and other sources, their science-backed methods activate communication pathways between the mind and body to positively impact the brain and calm the stress response. Their anecdotes and easy-to-follow exercises will show you how to apply breathing techniques to help relieve:

- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma-related emotions and behaviors
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Insomnia
- Addiction-related behaviors

Complete with an audio download, this book gives you the coping tools you need to lead a calmer, more stress-free life.

Review Quotes

"Whether we are facing the distressful outcomes of trauma or simply seeking relief from the stresses of everyday life, the life-changing steps in this book and audio program provide the essential skills we need to bring health into our lives."--Daniel J. Siegel, MD, Clinical Professor, UCLA School of Medicine, author of Mindsight

"As pioneering researchers in the field of mind body practices and mental health, Drs. Gerbarg and Brown have researched the ancient traditions, both Eastern and Western, and know what works. In their groundbreaking new book, they keep it simple --no religion, no deities, no mumbo jumbo; just clear breathing instruction easily introduced in a clinical setting or for use at home." --Amy Weintraub, author of Yoga Skills for Therapists and Yoga for Depression

"Firmly based in scientific and clinical observations, the simple techniques in The Healing Power of the Breath are a breakthrough for anyone wishing to lessen stress, balance emotions, and/or enhance concentration. The book is engaging and clearly-written, which makes the techniques it introduces easy to learn and put into practice. Best of all, these techniques require no special training and give results without the harmful side effect of pharmaceuticals. I have personally witnessed their effectiveness treating veterans with combat stress or PTSD. Highly recommended." --Shad Meshad, president and founder of the National Veterans Foundation

"The Healing Power of the Breath is an accessible book on a very important topic. Drs. Brown and Gerbarg deal with the complex subject of breathing and how it can impact our mental health from both conventional medicine and concepts from ancient philosophies. With a blend of anecdotes, citations from published medical literature, and actual practical sessions, this book is for anyone who would like to develop their self-help skills to improve their sense of wellbeing." --Shirley Telles MBBS, Ph.D. (Neurophysiology); director of the Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India (www.patanjaliresearchfoundation.com), and head of the Indian Council of Medical Research Center for Advanced Research in Yoga and Neurophysiology, Bangalore, India

About the Author

A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Patricia L. Gerbarg, MD, is Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at New York Medical College and maintains a private practice, and facilitates research on mind-body treatments for anxiety, PTSD, and stress-related medical conditions. She has lectured on integrative treatments in psychiatry at the American Psychiatric Association, and other professional conferences.