The Breathing Cure

The Breathing Cure by Patrick McKeown is a transformative guide to harnessing the power of proper breathing for better health, performance, and quality of life. Building on his previous work, The Oxygen Advantage, McKeown presents scientifically-backed techniques designed to improve oxygen delivery, reduce stress, enhance sleep, and even support resilience against illness.

The book challenges common misconceptions about breathing, such as the idea that deep breathing increases oxygenation. Instead, McKeown emphasizes functional breathing—light, slow, and deep—as the cornerstone of optimal health. He explains how nasal breathing, a simple yet profound habit, can unblock airways, boost circulation, and calm the nervous system, offering benefits ranging from better sleep to improved athletic performance.

McKeown’s techniques are accessible yet impactful, making this book a resource for everyone from everyday individuals to elite athletes and healthcare professionals. He provides exercises to strengthen the diaphragm, optimize blood flow, and manage stress, highlighting breathing’s role in addressing a wide range of issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and even PMS. He also explores how nasal breathing can support the immune system, potentially offering protection against respiratory infections like COVID-19.