The Science of the Inhale: Dr. Jack Feldman on Transforming Your Mind and Body with Breath

Welcome to Superhumanize!

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the intricate pathways where science meets the essence of human experience—our breath. Joining us is Dr. Jack Feldman, whose groundbreaking work in neurobiology illuminates how the simple act of breathing shapes our mental, emotional, and physical health.

Dr. Jack Feldman holds the David Geffen School of Medicine Chair in Neuroscience and is a Distinguished Professor of Neurobiology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

He discovered and named the pre-Bötzinger complex, an area in the brain stem that is responsible for controlling breathing. He was the recipient of the Hodgkin–Huxley–Katz Prize from the Physiological Society in 2017.

In our conversation we explore the profound implications of his discoveries, revealing insights that expand our understanding of what it means to live a fully oxygenated life and the science behind the breath’s power to transform.

In my conversation with Dr. Feldman, you’ll discover:

-How the connection between the breath and the brain materialized into a full-fledged field of study…01:50

-How our breath affects our emotions and even cognitive functions…09:50

-Breathing exercises to help maintain composure in the most difficult emotional settings…24:30

-Dr. Feldman’s thoughts on cyclic hyperventilation and its most well-known proponent, Wim Hof…28:52

-How various breathing modalities affect our well being and physiology…41:35

-Thoughts on kundalini yoga, nostril breathing, and more as it pertains to inner peace and well-being…46:30

-Research and academic studies on the breath/brain/body connection…49:06

-We all breathe; but we don’t all know how the breath affects every aspect of our lives…56:38

-And much more!

Resources mentioned:

https://bri.ucla.edu/people/jack-feldman/

https://bioscience.ucla.edu/people/jack-feldman/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_L._Feldman

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Much gratitude and love.

Yours,

Ariane