Pranayama Breathing Practice
Pranayama breath practice for body, mind, and energy
For more thorough descriptions of the practice itself, Patanjali’s collection of aphorisms Yoga Sutra (compiled prior to 400 CE) and Svami Svatmarama’s yoga manual Hatha Yoga Pradipika (fifteenth-century CE) are the oldest Hindu sources. In Yoga Sutra, Pranayama is identified as the fourth limb of Patanjali’s eightfold path towards enlightenment. In Hatha Yoga Pradipika, different techniques of Pranayama are defined and described. This later source is the one that mostly influenced the modern yoga practice of yoga breathing exercises.
Breath exercises for body, mind and energy
Ujjayi pranayama, Bhramari, Kaphalabati Pranayama - Breath of fire or Skull shining breath, Anuloma Viloma - Nadi shodana, Chandra Bhedana, Sitali the cooling cooling breath, Brahma mudra, Jivha bandha, Uddiyana bandha, Simha Mudra - Lions breath, Agni Sara
Most yoga schools today use Pranayama as part of their practice. Though most use it merely as an addition to their regular routine of postures and very few, understand its full complexity. In modern yoga, we give much more attention to physical postures, but in pre-modern yoga in India, it was prāṇāyāma that was given the highest importance. Hatha yoga uses the body as a tool for energetic and psychological transformation sometimes through yoga poses, but the most profound and effective way of doing that is through the breath and the techniques of pranayama.
Some old texts see pranayama breathing as preparation for deep meditation while others see it as a way to go to full liberation on its own. There are several different types of yoga. Initially, we practice pranayama more of the calming ones that bring our nervous system into a state of health and balance. We must develop a strong foundation before we start working with more stimulating pranayamas and beginning the process of energetic transformation.
At Yogateket, we offer Pranayama as a separate practice in which you can go deeply into it. It’s also a part of our Meditation, Hot 26, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha yoga, and Vinyasa flow classes. (sometimes in savasana).
For holistic health, it is one of the best things you can do. But even more importantly it will help reveal a deeper understanding of reality to one who is patient and committed. Studies has shown significant influences on the parasympathetic nervous system in yoga adults performing yogic breathing as Alternate nostril breathing.
How do I start with Pranayama yoga?
4 Programs
Pranayama Program Level 1
Pranayama is a profound practice. It has a whole host of health benefits and is probably one of the most effective tools there is for holistic health. It works primarily on the nervous system, and through that, it has an influence on pretty much every other system in the body. It can improve your digestion, give you a slower and more even heartbeat, bring greater mental calm, give you more energy, help you deal with the effects of stress, improve your cardiovascular fitness, improve the health of all your organs and much more.
Pranayama needs regular practice and commitment to start being internalized and genuinely felt. This eight-week program is the perfect place to begin your relationship with pranayama. Helping you develop a regular practice and introducing different techniques at the appropriate times. There is a new class for each week. Ideally, you would do this class every day of the week, but indeed as many days as you can. There is also an introductory video for the start of each week, where we will go over new techniques and themes.
Yoga Therapy
Accessible for everyone. Designed to alleviate suffering from postural problems, neck and back pain, or life on the computer. The course can also be a good place for beginners to start or for anyone wishing to dive into the foundation of their practice.
We use a lot of simple spinal twists and bends. The aim is to work on spinal mobility and to start to correct postural imbalances, allowing free movement and spinal health.
Core strengthening exercises are introduced. Often posture problems manifest due to a weakness in the core. Your core will be strengthened in the appropriate places.
Whole30 Yoga Practice Program
Are you looking to incorporate healthy movement into your lifestyle this 2020?
We have made a special program for you who are following the Whole30 timeline. But of course, anyone can start this 30 days of yoga classes, movement, breathing, and mindfulness.
Enjoy the classes.
Weekly Pranayama Program
Are you interested in learning pranayama? Looking to deepen an existing practice? Wanting to get more regular with your practice? Heard of all the great effects of working with your breath?
All of these and more are great reasons to try this program. You can do any day of the week as an individual class, or you can cycle through the whole week. Each class is designed to support the day it is on.
Discover all the benefits, both mental and physical of working with your breath and finding time to relax.
2 Challenges
Step Out Of Your Yoga Comfort Zone
This one-week long yoga challenge is meant to be a tool to grow and transform and help you to step out of your "yoga" comfort zone.
If you are not a yogi that is trying out new classes and teachers regularly, this might be challenging but at the same time super rewarding.
In seven days you will try six teachers and five different styles of yoga.
“When was the last time you did something for the first time.” Anonymous
21-Day Pranayama Breathing Challenge
Our first and our last actions in this world will be a breath. Breathing is one of our most vital processes and a constant companion affecting every aspect of our mental and physical functioning. Yet very few of us are aware of how we breathe, let alone actually try and train our breath.
Now is the time to start. This challenge works with simple movements and breathing exercises to create a more easy, efficient breath. Each day we build it up, letting go of unhealthy breathing patterns and developing good ones.
The breath is intimately linked with every aspect of our physical and psychological well being. Discover one of the most powerful ways you can work with yourself.
Start your 21-Day Pranayama Breathing Yoga Challenge today!
