What is Pranayama?

Pranayama is composed of two words Prana and Ayama (control), roughly translating as control of
Prana. Pranayama or control of Prana is, therefore, a technique that helps control the subtle energy
system, closely linked to our physical nervous system. That is why the practice of pranayama helps
us relax and reduce anxiety as it directly influences our mind. Due to the holistic impact, it has on
our mental well-being, it also makes us physically healthy by making the body’s processes more
efficient and by improving our immunity.

How to practice Pranayama?

A pranayama practice involves maintaining specific patterns of inhalation, exhalation, and retention.
There can be many such patterns or ratios, but a few of them have been mentioned and
recommended in ancient yogic texts and those are the ones you should prioritize in your practice.

What are the benefits of practicing Pranayama?

Different pranayama techniques offer different benefits, but overall here are the benefits you can
expect from a holistic pranayama practice

Helps you relax by reducing cortisol production

Beneficial for the heart and helps reduce blood pressure, heart rate, etc.

Improvement in lung capacity and positive impact on endurance athletes

It helps regulate functions like digestion, metabolism, and even our body temperature.

It can improve tolerance for intense exercises.

It helps improve quality of life and it reduces anxiety and is a powerful supportive therapy for
depression as well as pain management.

Where can I learn Pranayama?

Power of Breath is a complimentary 21- Day Pranayama series that I’m sharing on my YouTube
Channel ~ youtube.com/yoganama

This series is an outcome of years of research, study, self-practice, teaching and student feedback. In
all my experience I’ve learned that the true power of yoga is in our breath and nothing else. Breath is
a powerful tool that helps us reduce stress, feel calm, and improve our overall health. Even if you
don’t do asanas, you must make time to breathe mindfully.

How is the program structured?

In this program, there are seven sections of three classes each. The section break-down that I’m
sharing here is a part of my overall proprietary Pranayama and Meditation Program. I have decided
to share this given the unprecedented stressful times that we are in.

Power of Breath, Pranayama Course, BreathingPower of Breath

Section 1: Building Breath Awareness

This module helps build better breath awareness through kriyas. We learn to coordinate our
movement with the breath and in doing so learn to pay attention to the breath in a way that is
absolutely critical for pranayama practices.

Section 2: Activating the Lungs

Once we’ve built our connection with the breath, we move on to activating the lungs. In Yoga, the
lungs are divided into three sections – lower, middle and upper lobes. These correspond to
techniques that are called Adham, Madhyam and Adhyam Pranayama. We will learn them in this
module.

Section 3: Improving Lung Capacity

After learning how to consciously engage the lungs, we work on accessing full lung capacity. Any
pranayama practice is incomplete without learning this technique. We do this by using hand mudras
and also with props.

Section 4: Cleansing Energy Channels

Now that we are aware of the breath and our lungs and can activate them to utilize maximum
breathing capacity we are ready for some cleaning practices. Cleansing practices are of subtle nature
and play the role of detoxing the pranic Nadi system. We engage in some vitalizing breath work and
then do Nadi Shuddhi n each of these classes but with varying tempo and pace.

Section 5: Mandala Breathing

We go deeper into the Pranic energy system by working on some of the lower chakras to prepare
the body and mind for meditation.

Section 6: Energy Foundations

In this section, we work on the higher chakras to start working on creating steadiness in our minds as
well as our bodies. These are powerful practices that have a strong impact on our mind and body.

Section 7: Moving into meditation

Finally, we move into the advanced pranayama practices where we start working on improving our
focus and concentration by using our breath to guide us into deeper meditative states.

What you should know before doing this course.

If you’re doing this program, here’s what I would like you to keep in mind:

The program is sequential, each class leads to the other, so you must do them in order.

You can do this anytime on an empty stomach

It is always nicer to do these classes after asanas but it’s not necessary. You can also do these classes
after your workout, a walk or joint rotations.

Please note that this program would not be suitable for pregnant women.

You can continue in meditation after each class or lie down in Shavasana for 2 to 5 mins. Please do at
least one of the two.

Please note that doing a little bit every day is much better than doing a lot occasionally. So, make
pranayama regular practice. You only need to take out 5-10 mins a day.

Why should you do this course?

This series is a part of my Pranayama and Meditation workshops. I have designed it after years of
study, consistent practice, and in-depth research – you will not find it anywhere else. I have released
this program as we are in turbulent and uncertain times and I know that these sessions can help
people find a few moments of calm, peace and relaxation.

In this program, you can follow the unique Yoganama Method of learning ancient pranayama
techniques in a step by step methodical and systematic manner. I have been practicing meditation
since my childhood as I grew up in a family that practiced Surat Shabd Yoga and I have learned
Pranayama in personalized, one on one sessions, directly with the oldest surviving teacher of the
Krishnamacharya lineage, BNS Iyengar.

This is a course that will help you find greater lung capacity, better focus, and self-awareness. These
will translate into better physical as well as mental health and a stronger immune system.