SCIENCE

The Forgotten 1891 Bamboo Breathing Technique Monks Used to Build Lung Strength

By Richard Coleman

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Posted on 3.11. 2025

“As someone who’s spent over 20 years teaching patients how to care for their lungs, I’ve always been fascinated by how ancient practices sometimes align with modern science.
In 1891, travelers in the Himalayan mountains observed monks using a simple bamboo breathing ritual to help them endure the thin air.
More than a century later, Harvard researchers proved that controlled resistance breathing can strengthen the diaphragm — an approach that is now inspiring better support for people with COPD.”

1. The Mysterious Sunrise Ritual in the Himalayas

In 1891, British explorer Edward Whymper wrote of seeing monks high in the Himalayas sitting at dawn with slender bamboo stems pressed to their lips.


They weren’t playing music or praying – they were breathing slowly through the tubes before beginning steep mountain climbs.


Locals said it was their secret to walking all day in thin air without feeling breathless.

2. A Natural Form of “Resistance Training” for the Lungs

The narrow bamboo shafts made the monks’ lungs and diaphragm work harder to draw air in and push it out 

 

– the same principle athletes today call resistance training. - 


The monks had no science to explain it, but they noticed that after weeks of practice, breathing felt easier and they could climb farther without stopping.

3. Harvard Confirms What the Monks Already Knew

Almost a century later, researchers at Harvard Medical School studied a technique called “inspiratory muscle training” – breathing through gentle resistance.


They found it strengthens the diaphragm, 

 

improves oxygen exchange, 

 

and even helps people with chronic lung problems such as COPD breathe more comfortably.

4. Why Stronger Breathing Muscles Matter for COPD

COPD makes each breath feel like a struggle, as if the lungs have to work twice as hard.


When the breathing muscles are trained against mild resistance, 

 

they become stronger and need less effort to pull air in, 

 

which can reduce that feeling of breathlessness during daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or even talking.

5. From Bamboo Tubes to a 5-Minute Modern Device

Inspired by this ancient practice and the Harvard findings, a health-tech team in Estonia created Airvera 

 

– a small, adjustable breathing-resistance trainer that lets people safely train their lungs at home.

  • Only 5 minutes a day
  • Adjustable airflow that mimics the bamboo-tube technique
  • Designed to support people with COPD and others who want stronger breathing muscles

 

“What began as a mountain survival ritual in 1891 has become a simple, at-home way to help people strengthen their breath today.”

What COPD Patients Say About Using AirVera...

Robert Johnson

I’ve had COPD for years and always felt out of breath just carrying groceries.
With this little trainer, my breathing feels easier and I’m not as tired after short walks.
It’s become part of my morning routine. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

9

Gordon Hubert

I was skeptical at first, but my doctor encouraged me to try a breathing exerciser.
Airvera is simple to use and I can already feel my lungs working better.
It gives me hope.

4

Carla Smith

My husband noticed I don’t gasp as much climbing the porch steps.
That alone makes this device worth it. I never thought something so small could help me this much.

5

Evelyn Smillsap

I use Airvera while watching TV every evening. I feel like my chest muscles are stronger and I don’t panic as easily when I’m short of breath. I wish I had started this sooner.

8

Joshua Myers, 62

I like that I can adjust the resistance as I improve. At first I struggled on the lowest setting, now I’ve gone up a level. I can feel my lungs getting stronger.

8

Isabelle Valle, 51

I’ve tried other gadgets, but this one is the most comfortable to use. It doesn’t feel like a chore — I do it while I listen to the radio. Breathing is noticeably easier when I climb the stairs now.

8

Discover How Airvera Supports Easier Breathing

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Strengthens the diaphragm and expands lung capacity

Reduces shortness of breath

Improves oxygen flow so you feel clearer and more energized

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What clinical studies prove it helps with COPD and shortness of breath?

Research on inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has shown it can significantly improve breathing capacity, reduce dyspnea (shortness of breath), and increase exercise tolerance in people with COPD. Airvera is based on the same clinically proven principle: strengthening the diaphragm with resistance training.

How soon will I feel a difference?

Many users notice easier breathing and less shortness of breath within 2 to 3 weeks of daily use. Over 4 to 6 weeks, improvements in stamina, sleep, and energy become more noticeable. The longer you continue, the stronger your diaphragm becomes, and the greater the results.

How long does each session take?

Each session takes only about 5 minutes. Most people do 1–2 short sessions per day. You can do it while sitting comfortably, watching TV, or even before bed.

Is this approach safe?

Yes. Airvera uses natural breathing resistance, which is safe and non-invasive. There are no drugs, no side effects, and no risks of addiction. It is commonly recommended by respiratory therapists for people with COPD and chronic shortness of breath.