BREATHWORK

The Healing Power of the Breath
Simple Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety, Enhance Concentration, and Balance Your Emotions
Richard Brown, MD / Patricia Gerbarg, MD
I really like this book. Written by doctors, this book explains the physiological aspects of breathing from a medical standpoint. It also comes with a very helpful CD with excercises.

The Tao of Natural Breathing: For Health, Well-Being, and Inner Growth
by Dennis Lewis
A nice blending of the physiological, psychological and spiritual aspects of breathing.

Breathing: The Master Key to Self Healing
(audible downlaod/audio CD)

Andrew Weil, MD

Dr. Andrew Weil introduces listeners to the practice of breath work based on Pranayama yoga on this audio CD. He discusses the physiological aspects of breathing as well  some case studies. The soundtrack also includes a workshop with excercises to follow.

Close Your Mouth: Buteyko Clinic Handbook for Perfect Health
Patrick McKeown
The Buteyko method for treating asthmatics is controversial so check with your doctor before trying this method. I list it here because I found it helpful in understanding my own breathing issues after experiencing mild shortness of breath for several years. It is a self-help book containing breathing exercises.

Breathing Apps for your SmartPhone

Breathing Zone: Relaxing Breathing Exercises
($3.99) Breathing Zone features a doctor recommended breathing exercise. If you’ve taken my Zone Breathing class, this is the app we use to pace the breath as we move. (I use a “start rate” of 6bpm and a “target rate” of 5bpm)

Breathe2Relax
(FREE) Breathe2Relax is a free stress management tool which provides detailed information on the effects of stress on the body and instructions and practice exercises to help users learn diaphragmatic breathing as a  stress management skill.

Breathe Easy Asthma Timer
($5.99) This app is designed to help users of the Buteyko breathing method and features exercises as well as an option for measuring Control Pause. (don't use without a thorough understanding of the Buteyko method)

MEDITATION

Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness
Jon Kabat-Zinn Ph.D.

Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment and Your Life
Jon Kabat-Zinn Ph.D.

Jon Kabat-Zinn is Professor of Medicine Emeritus and creator of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He was introduced to Zen Mindfulness while a student at MIT. He developed the Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR)Program and integrates Mindfulness with science.

Prepare for Surgery,Heal Faster
A Guide of Mind-Body Techniques
Book and Relaxation/Healing CD
Peggy Huddleston
Highly suggested for anyone contemplating surgery. The meditation CD, while developed to help patients prepare for surgery, does not actually mention surgery in the guided meditations so the CD can also be used for general relaxation.

The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing
Ken Cohen
This book is helpful in understanding the practice of Qigong. Qigong is an integrated mind-body healing method that has been practiced in China for thousands of years. It is considered a moving form of meditation.