Namaste Yogis,

I'm so glad that you've found your way to this course. Pranayama is a Sanskrit word that can be loosely translated to mean "control of the life force", or as we know it, breath control exercises. The use of breath manipulation has become a therapeutic practice recognized by modern psychology--but breathwork is an ancient tried-and-true practice that predates modern science. The practice of pranayama was first written about in the Vedic era (1500-600 BCE) and was likely practiced for thousands of years prior, by many different pre-historic civilizations.

Pranayama serves many purposes. It is the vehicle for meditation. It is used to balance the Ayurvedic doshas (biological humors). In modern medical terms, the breath is a way of accessing the autonomic nervous system. The breath is a profound tool that can be accessed by anyone, anywhere, at all times. The breath is an automatic function--it is always there whether we are aware of it or not. This course is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to develop an awareness of the power of respiration. Students will learn the depth of the practice. Teachers of yoga and breath will deepen their understanding of its application.

In this course, you will learn:

• How to practice and teach 9 classical Pranayama practices, as described in Yogic &Vedic text

• The anatomy of breathing

• The relationship between the breath and the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

• How to facilitate pranayama for others

• The significance of Pranayama in relation to the 8 Limbed Path of Yoga as described by Patanjali

• Prana & the subtle body

This course is for you if:

• You would like to deepen your understanding of the function of the breath

• You are looking to develop a breathwork practice

• You are a yoga teacher that is looking to deepen their understanding of pranayama and yoga theory for your classes