What exactly is Pranayama?

The Yogis discovered the importance of oxygen and breath control through pranayama, an ancient practice within yoga. Pranayama, meaning breath control, is essential for overall well-being, affecting the spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental aspects of a person. "Prana" translates to life force energy, and "yama" refers to control and awareness.

Pranayama involves deliberate manipulation of breath through specific sequences of inhalation, exhalation, and breath retention. In yoga, pranayama harmonises with other practices such as physical postures (asanas) and meditation (dhyana), collectively yielding numerous benefits associated with yoga as a whole.

However, pranayama itself bestows its own set of advantages, deriving from the therapeutic influence of breath exercises and mindfulness. This conscious regulation of breath empowers you to govern the timing, duration, and frequency of each inhalation and exhalation.

The ultimate aim of pranayama is to forge a conscious connection between the body and mind, facilitating a profound bond with your authentic Self, or atman. By establishing this connection, you gain clarity to distinguish what does not align with your true Self—such as the fluctuations of the mind, body, thoughts, emotions, occupation, and the transient nature of surrounding circumstances. Such discernment empowers you to act from a place of wisdom and intuition, anchored in the core of awareness. Consequently, you experience reduced suffering and enhanced serenity within your body and your world.

Pranayama encompasses various breathing techniques, including but not limited to:

  • Yogic breathing: open up the energy systems

  • Ocean breathing (Ujjayi Pranayama): create inner silence. it emphasises complete lung expansion and aids in inducing calmness.

  • Breath of fire/bellow breathing (Bhastrika Pranayama): awaken the fire within. An invigorating technique that promotes connection and vitality.

  • Energy locks (Bandhas)

  • Skull cleansing breath: cleaning of the systems in mind and body. (Kapalabhati): An internal cleansing technique, often referred to as a kriya.

  • Kaki mudra pranayama: focusing the mind

  • Energy cleansing technique (Nadi Shodhana/Anulom Vilom Pranayama)

  • Cosmic Breathing (Pranava Pranayama)

  • Bhramari Pranayama aka Honeybee Humming Breath (Bhramari): Known for its calming and relaxing effects.

  • Udgeeth Pranayama: connecting with a higher self

  • Alternative Nostril Breathing (Nadishodhana or Anuloma Viloma): A balanced breath technique that calms the nervous system.

These breathing exercises can be practiced in various ways, such as incorporating them into yoga poses, practicing them during meditation, or performing them independently. In this course, we explore these techniques in a progressive series, starting with foundational pranas and gradually advancing to more profound and intricate breathing practices.

You can join me for one-on-one sessions from home, or you can sign up for an online group course.

9 Week Pranayama Series Course | US$225

Join us for a transformative 9-week online course conducted via Zoom. Delve into the profound practice of Pranayama, which encompasses a wide range of breathing techniques that cater to practitioners of varying levels of experience. From simple techniques suitable for children to advanced practices for seasoned practitioners, we will explore and build upon our pranayama foundations each week.

The course will take place on Wednesday mornings at 6:30 am (NZST), with each session lasting 60 minutes. If you are unable to attend the live session or wish to have a copy of each week's session, it will be provided to you for further exploration.

In this series, we primarily focus on breath awareness while incorporating mindful movements in select yoga asanas. The emphasis is not on rushed movements but on conscious, deliberate engagement. Approach this course with an open and curious mind, cultivating alertness and attentiveness as we embark on a collective journey through the world of pranayama. You will experience a heightened sense of calm, centredness, and expanded conscious awareness through these practices.

Wendy, a skilled and certified pranayama teacher, brings her expertise from intensive training with master yogis in India. Embark on a transformative journey and join Wendy for an immersive 9-week Pranayama course.

PRANAYAMA COURSE:

Deepen self-awareness and restore inner harmony. Explore transformative healing through intentional breathing.

Upcoming Dates:

6.30-7.30am NZT Wednesday 23rd October - Wednesday 18th December 2024

OR

9.30-10.30am EST Wednesday 6th November - Wednesday 1st January 2025

Cost: US$225 for the 9-week package. Includes weekly zoom recordings which will be available for 1-week following each session.

Here are some of the benefits of Pranayama Breathwork:

  • Increase lung capacity 

  • Boost immunity

  • Relieve anxiety and depression

  • Reduce fear

  • Balance the nervous system

  • Quiet the mind

  • Energize the body

  • Reduce stress and tension

  • Strengthen your diaphragm muscle

  • Activate your energy centers

  • Release blocks, fears, and stuck energy

  • Clear congestion

  • Open the heart and lungs 

  • Develop the meditative mind and invoke a meditative state

  • Command your pranic (breath) power 

  • Empower yourself for victory

With targeted breathing, you can resolve many health problems, reduce medicine intake, and prevent health issues before they ever happen.