A Comprehensive Course On Pranayama
Course Code - PFC (Pranayama Foundation Course)
“I take refuge in the breath. Breath is all this, whatever there is, and all that ever will be. I take refuge in the breath.” Chandog Upanishad
Yoga is a science and the Pranayama is one its main application.
Based on this yogic principle, this unique course focuses on the second sheath of panchkosha system - Pranamaya kosha and the fourth limb of Yoga – Pranayama from the eight limb Ashtanga system explained by Sage Patanjali in his Yoga Sutra Book.
Beginners will get a solid introduction, intermediates will get concrete helpful hints that will greatly improve their practice & knowledge.
This course is open to all whether you are a student or a yoga teacher. This course is registered with Yoga Alliance as Continuing Education Course. If you are yoga teacher, you can claim this as your continuing education credits or further count as your teacher training.
No previous yoga experience required – all are welcome!
We can survive 3 weeks without food, 3 days without water, but only 3 minutes without breath. Truly, BREATH IS LIFE. But breath serves us in a much deeper way than mere survival. Breath is the conscious bridge between our mind and body, and crossing this bridge with intention can lead us to deep understanding and profound change. Yogic Breathing is a scientific way to good health, longevity and spiritual progress, and it is also the best way to lead into meditation.
Based on this yogic principle, this unique course focuses on the second sheath of panchkosha system - Pranamaya kosha and the fourth limb of Yoga – Pranayama from the eight limb Ashtanga system explained by Sage Patanjali in his Yoga Sutra Book.
Beginners will get a solid introduction, intermediates will get concrete helpful hints that will greatly improve their practice & knowledge.
This course is open to all whether you are a student or a yoga teacher. This course is registered with Yoga Alliance as Continuing Education Course. If you are yoga teacher, you can claim this as your continuing education credits or further count as your teacher training.
No previous yoga experience required – all are welcome!
We can survive 3 weeks without food, 3 days without water, but only 3 minutes without breath. Truly, BREATH IS LIFE. But breath serves us in a much deeper way than mere survival. Breath is the conscious bridge between our mind and body, and crossing this bridge with intention can lead us to deep understanding and profound change. Yogic Breathing is a scientific way to good health, longevity and spiritual progress, and it is also the best way to lead into meditation.
Drawing from the ancient Indian science of Pranayama, in this course we will explore a variety of breathing methods–from calm and quiet, to vigorous and powerful–to infuse the body and mind with an overall sense of vitality, well-being, and peace. Take home with you a deep experience of, and insight into, the elegant and simple power of the breath–truly, our most potent tool for positive transformation.
As Sage Patanjali (Father of Hatha Yoga, in 2nd BC) explained:
"2.49 tasmin sati shvasa prashvsayoh gati vichchhedah pranayamah"
Once that perfected posture has been achieved, the slowing or braking of the force behind, and of unregulated movement of inhalation and exhalation is called breath control and expansion of prana (pranayama), which leads to the absence of the awareness of both, and is the fourth of the eight rungs.
As Sage Patanjali (Father of Hatha Yoga, in 2nd BC) explained:
"2.49 tasmin sati shvasa prashvsayoh gati vichchhedah pranayamah"
Once that perfected posture has been achieved, the slowing or braking of the force behind, and of unregulated movement of inhalation and exhalation is called breath control and expansion of prana (pranayama), which leads to the absence of the awareness of both, and is the fourth of the eight rungs.
Course Description:
This course is divided into two parts:
PART A – YOGA DARSHAN (PHILOSOPHY/KNOWLEDGE)
In this part of the course, you will learn and gain the knowledge & understanding of the following concepts of pranayama:
PART B – YOGA ABHYASA (TECHNIQUE, TRAINING & PRACTICE)
In this part of the course, you will be introduced to the techniques of the following pranayama:
This course is divided into two parts:
PART A – YOGA DARSHAN (PHILOSOPHY/KNOWLEDGE)
In this part of the course, you will learn and gain the knowledge & understanding of the following concepts of pranayama:
- Etymology of Pranayama
- Pranayama as explained in Hatha Yoga Pradapika (HYP) and Yoga Sutra of Patanjali (YSP)
- Eight limbs of Yoga and Pranayama
- Pancha Kosha and Pranamaya
- Objective & purpose of pranayama
- Anatomy of Respiratory System in reference to Pranayama including Respiration Rate and nostril dominance shift
- Yoga Physiology of Pranayama including nadi System, ida, pingala & sushmana
- Detail explanation of Four stages of breathing and benefits
- Types of kumbhaka (breath retention)
- Types of Pranayama
- Based on time including adham. Madhayam, uttam
- Based on space including purak, rechaka, & kumbhaka
- Stages of Pranayama including arambha, ghata, parichaya and nishpati
PART B – YOGA ABHYASA (TECHNIQUE, TRAINING & PRACTICE)
In this part of the course, you will be introduced to the techniques of the following pranayama:
- Positions suitable for Pranayama
- Technique, training & practice of asanas relevant to pranayama practice and preparatory movement for these asanas
- Practice rules related to Pranayama
- Mudra relevant to pranayama practice
- Technique, training & practice of various mudras
- Introduction to ShatKriya
- Technique, training & practice of – two shatkriya
- Introduction, general rules, methods, benefits of kapal bhati
- Introduction, general rules, methods, benefits of Bhastrika
- Difference between Kapal Bhati and Bhastrika
- Introduction to Deep sectional breathing and technique, training & practice of three-part breathing including Abdominal, middle chest & upper chest
- Technique, training & practice of A Full Yogic breath
- Technique, training & practice of Tranquilizing Pranayama including Nadi Shuddhi (Anuloma Viloma) including all variations, Surya Bhedan, Chandra Bhedan , Ujjayi, Sheetali, Shitkari, & Bhramari
- Technique, training & practice of Vitalizing Pranayama including Bhastrika & Kapal bhati
- Technique, training & practice of Meditative Pranayama including Swara & Udgeeth pranayama.
Mode of Delivery
You can choose from two modes:
1. part-time: 10 sessions, one day per week
2. full-time: 4 days/week for two weeks, 4 hrs/day
Cost
Aus$300/-
Included:
i. Yoga Home Practice Kit - including yoga mat, block, cushion
ii. A Practice Manual on Pranayama including 6 Asana sequences ideal for Pranayama,
iii. E-copy of the lecture notes and class presentations, and
iv. Certificate of Completion with Yoga Alliance Logo on it.
Click here to fill the online registration form
Upgrading your Qualification
Once you have successfully completed this course and if you would like to enhance your skills & knowledge, you can upgrade to 100 Hrs Yoga Foundation Course
You can choose from two modes:
1. part-time: 10 sessions, one day per week
2. full-time: 4 days/week for two weeks, 4 hrs/day
Cost
Aus$300/-
Included:
i. Yoga Home Practice Kit - including yoga mat, block, cushion
ii. A Practice Manual on Pranayama including 6 Asana sequences ideal for Pranayama,
iii. E-copy of the lecture notes and class presentations, and
iv. Certificate of Completion with Yoga Alliance Logo on it.
Click here to fill the online registration form
Upgrading your Qualification
Once you have successfully completed this course and if you would like to enhance your skills & knowledge, you can upgrade to 100 Hrs Yoga Foundation Course
Benefits of Pranayama:
Lets see what the experts has to say about it:
From book called "The Science of Pranayama" by Shri Swami Sivananda.
“Dharanasu cha yogyata manasah—The mind becomes fit for concentration” (Yoga
Sutras, II-53). You will be able to concentrate the mind, nicely after this veil of the light has been
removed. The mind will be quite steady like the flame in a windless place as the disturbing energy
has been removed. The word Pranayama is sometimes used collectively for inhalation, retention
and exhalation of breath and sometimes for each of these severally. When the Prana Vayu moves in
the Akasa-Tattva, the breathing will be lessened. At this time it will be easy to stop the breath. The
velocity of the mind will be slowly lessened by Pranayama...........The body becomes lean, strong and healthy. Too much fat is reduced. There is lustre in the face. Eyes sparkle like a diamond. The practitioner becomes very handsome. Voice becomes sweet and melodious. The inner Anahata sounds are distinctly heard. The student is free from all sorts of diseases.",
Respiratory System:
Pranayama exercises the muscles of respiration and the lungs through the processes of deep, rapid or slow breathing. The chest is opened to its fullest extent and the lungs are stretched to the utmost. This strengthens the respiratory muscles and makes the lungs more elastic, resulting in a healthier process of respiration.
Respiration also controls fluctuating moods, which are subtle behaviours of the mind. The neuronic memory of the brain influences the projection of moods. However, the neurons fire more rhythmically and the electrical interactions between the different brain centres become more regulated when one breathes slowly and deeply in a systematic and coordinated manner. The wild fluctuations of the brain waves are streamlined and there is a balance between the two hemispheres of the brain.
Digestive System:
The stomach, pancreas, liver, bowels and kidneys are all exercised in pranayama through the massage given to them by the diaphragm and the abdominal muscles. This happens in normal respiration as well, but during pranayama the movement of the muscles and the resulting massage is greatly accentuated. All the associated muscles and nerves are toned up and rendered healthier. Constipation is removed and all the organs function better. Absorption also becomes more efficient with a well-functioning digestive and eliminatory system so that the blood is enriched with nutritive elements.
Cardiac System:
During the practices of pranayama, the muscles of the heart are also gently massaged, allowing for good circulation. In bhastrika and kapalbhati, vibrations spread to the entire circulatory system, including the veins, arteries and capillaries, making them function more efficiently.
Pranayama gives proper training to the coronary be-haviour and this has another connotation for the spiritual aspirant. When the practitioner enters the state of meditation having practised pranayama, there is no stress on the heart, and the body is able to withstand the higher states of consciousness without any adverse effect.
Endocrine System:
The endocrine glands influence the behaviour, reactions, interpretations, and even the so-called natural responses. Pranayama harmonizes, purifies and neutralizes the secretions of these glands and thereby influences thought and behaviour. The overall health of the endocrine system is largely dependent on the quality of the blood and its distribution to the glands. During pranayama, especially the vitalizing practices, the circulation of the blood becomes very rapid and the quality of the blood is also rendered very rich. The richer and more liberal blood supply brought to the endocrine glands enhances their functionality and the regulated breathing helps to balance the system.
Pineal Gland:
This mysterious gland, located behind the third ventricle of the brain in the region of the agyna chakra, normally begins to decay with the onset of puberty. The pineal gland acts as a check for the pituitary gland, which is responsible for controlling the growth and functions of the other endocrine glands. If the pituitary gland is not regulated from an early age, an imbalance arises between the physical and mental development and the emotions mature before they can be handled. Therefore, in India, children from the age of seven or eight begin the practice of pranayama in order to maintain the activity of the pineal gland for a longer period, so that the transition from childhood to adulthood is smooth.
Greater concentration
In the Yoga Sutras (2:53), Maharshi Patanjali says: dharanasu cha yogyata manasah
The mind becomes fit for concentration (by the practice of pranayama).
Lets see what the experts has to say about it:
From book called "The Science of Pranayama" by Shri Swami Sivananda.
“Dharanasu cha yogyata manasah—The mind becomes fit for concentration” (Yoga
Sutras, II-53). You will be able to concentrate the mind, nicely after this veil of the light has been
removed. The mind will be quite steady like the flame in a windless place as the disturbing energy
has been removed. The word Pranayama is sometimes used collectively for inhalation, retention
and exhalation of breath and sometimes for each of these severally. When the Prana Vayu moves in
the Akasa-Tattva, the breathing will be lessened. At this time it will be easy to stop the breath. The
velocity of the mind will be slowly lessened by Pranayama...........The body becomes lean, strong and healthy. Too much fat is reduced. There is lustre in the face. Eyes sparkle like a diamond. The practitioner becomes very handsome. Voice becomes sweet and melodious. The inner Anahata sounds are distinctly heard. The student is free from all sorts of diseases.",
Respiratory System:
Pranayama exercises the muscles of respiration and the lungs through the processes of deep, rapid or slow breathing. The chest is opened to its fullest extent and the lungs are stretched to the utmost. This strengthens the respiratory muscles and makes the lungs more elastic, resulting in a healthier process of respiration.
Respiration also controls fluctuating moods, which are subtle behaviours of the mind. The neuronic memory of the brain influences the projection of moods. However, the neurons fire more rhythmically and the electrical interactions between the different brain centres become more regulated when one breathes slowly and deeply in a systematic and coordinated manner. The wild fluctuations of the brain waves are streamlined and there is a balance between the two hemispheres of the brain.
Digestive System:
The stomach, pancreas, liver, bowels and kidneys are all exercised in pranayama through the massage given to them by the diaphragm and the abdominal muscles. This happens in normal respiration as well, but during pranayama the movement of the muscles and the resulting massage is greatly accentuated. All the associated muscles and nerves are toned up and rendered healthier. Constipation is removed and all the organs function better. Absorption also becomes more efficient with a well-functioning digestive and eliminatory system so that the blood is enriched with nutritive elements.
Cardiac System:
During the practices of pranayama, the muscles of the heart are also gently massaged, allowing for good circulation. In bhastrika and kapalbhati, vibrations spread to the entire circulatory system, including the veins, arteries and capillaries, making them function more efficiently.
Pranayama gives proper training to the coronary be-haviour and this has another connotation for the spiritual aspirant. When the practitioner enters the state of meditation having practised pranayama, there is no stress on the heart, and the body is able to withstand the higher states of consciousness without any adverse effect.
Endocrine System:
The endocrine glands influence the behaviour, reactions, interpretations, and even the so-called natural responses. Pranayama harmonizes, purifies and neutralizes the secretions of these glands and thereby influences thought and behaviour. The overall health of the endocrine system is largely dependent on the quality of the blood and its distribution to the glands. During pranayama, especially the vitalizing practices, the circulation of the blood becomes very rapid and the quality of the blood is also rendered very rich. The richer and more liberal blood supply brought to the endocrine glands enhances their functionality and the regulated breathing helps to balance the system.
Pineal Gland:
This mysterious gland, located behind the third ventricle of the brain in the region of the agyna chakra, normally begins to decay with the onset of puberty. The pineal gland acts as a check for the pituitary gland, which is responsible for controlling the growth and functions of the other endocrine glands. If the pituitary gland is not regulated from an early age, an imbalance arises between the physical and mental development and the emotions mature before they can be handled. Therefore, in India, children from the age of seven or eight begin the practice of pranayama in order to maintain the activity of the pineal gland for a longer period, so that the transition from childhood to adulthood is smooth.
Greater concentration
In the Yoga Sutras (2:53), Maharshi Patanjali says: dharanasu cha yogyata manasah
The mind becomes fit for concentration (by the practice of pranayama).