New findings in brain research are being revealed on an almost daily basis, and the focus of this book is the fields of breathing, neuroprotection, and higher brain functions. An unresolved issue within respiration research and hence a topic of much interest is Where and how respiratory rhythm is generated in the brainstem, detailed analysis of which is presented herein. Chapters on neuroprotection examine the functional significance of the blood brain barrier as an interface of blood and the central nervous system; other chapters look at health and disease in relation to the hypothalamic and limbic systems. In addition to animal experiments, research on the human brain is included, with a focus on the recently developed EEG/dipole tracing method. This book will be an invaluable reference for researchers in neuroscience and related fields."

Gasps, sighs, and yawns are recognized by even a casual observer as involuntary expressions of emotion through the "medium" of respiration. In recent years, scientific observation has focused on sensation and behavior as researchers investigate the relation of emotion and stress in disorders such as asthma, hyperventilation, and panic disorder. Until now, however, the interplay of psychological factors and physiological responses has not been approached from the interdisciplinary perspective reported in this book. Brought together here is the work of physiologists, psychologists, and researchers in behavioral medicine, together with - for the first time - specialists and practitioners of traditional Japanese arts and culture. Knowledge of the art and control of breathing, which are essential features of such disciplines as Zen and Noh, opens a new and until now unexplored path for scientists seeking to understand the relation between respiration and emotion.

This book presents a detailed analysis of current understanding of breathing. Chapters on neuroprotection examine the functional significance of the blood - brain barrier; other chapters examine health and disease in relation to the hypothalamic and limbic systems. The book reviews research on the human brain, focusing on the recently developed EEG/dipole tracing method, as well as animal experiments. The book is a useful reference for researchers in neuroscience and related fields.

Gasps, sighs, and yawns are recognized by even a casual observer as involuntary expressions of emotion through the "medium" of respiration. In recent years, scientific observation has focused on sensation and behavior as researchers investigate the relation of emotion and stress in disorders such as asthma, hyperventilation, and panic disorder. Until now, however, the interplay of psychological factors and physiological responses has not been approached from the interdisciplinary perspective reported in this book. Brought together here is the work of physiologists, psychologists, and researchers in behavioral medicine, together with - for the first time - specialists and practitioners of traditional Japanese arts and culture. Knowledge of the art and control of breathing, which are essential features of such disciplines as Zen and Noh, opens a new and until now unexplored path for scientists seeking to understand the relation between respiration and emotion.