Pranayama

What is Pranayama?

Pranayama involves remarkably simple breathing exercises that, when practiced regularly, can have a profound physical, energetic, and emotional impact.

The first step is to develop awareness of the normally unconscious breathing processes and the respiratory muscles. After an appropriate preparatory phase, the exercises are extended, and breath retention is incorporated into the practice.

Ways to learn Pranayama

The one-and-a-half-day introductory workshop is well-suited for learning Pranayama.

After the introduction, you will receive a Pranayama sequence tailored specifically to you, your goals, and your ‘time budget’ for personal practice.

Book the introductory workshop now

In private classes, I can address your needs and goals for learning Pranayama even more individually.

Book a private class now

To further support and develop your practice, I offer short Pranayama classes in a small group setting on Monday and Wednesday early evenings, both in the studio and online. They last approximately 25 minutes.

These classes are included in the monthly fee. If you practice using the general Ashtanga Yoga Plus ten-class pass, each class counts as half a unit on that pass. You can also purchase a dedicated ten-class pass for Pranayama (and Meditation), priced at half the cost of the general ten-class pass. Participation in a single class without the monthly fee or one of the ten-class passes costs €11.

Buy a dedicated ten-class pass now

Additionally, I offer a 90-minute Pranayama refresher approximately once per quarter on a Sunday morning – especially for those who cannot attend the weekday Pranayama classes.

It is also included in the monthly fee. On the general Ashtanga Yoga Plus ten-class pass, it counts as one unit, while on the dedicated ten-class pass, it counts as two units. Participation without the monthly fee or one of the ten-class passes costs €22.

Book Pranayama refresher now
woman doing yoga meditation on brown parquet flooring

Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodana)

What does “Pranayama” mean?

The Sanskrit word ‘Pranayama’ literally translates to ‘the extension of the breath’ or ‘the extension of life force’ (prana = breath or life force, ayama = extension).

My Pranayama teachers

I teach pranayama in the tradition of Swami Kuvalayananda (1883 – 1966), as I have learnt it from his direct student Sri O. P. Tiwari and his student Paul Dallaghan.

woman in white shirt sitting on brown and white pillow

Picture published with kind permission of Sri O.P. Tiwari and Paul Dallaghan

How to practice Pranayama?

In my experience, you should practice at least three times a week when starting out. Regularity is more important than duration. Practicing for three 10-minute sessions a week is more effective than one 30-minute session every two weeks.

In the tradition I teach, Pranayama should ideally be practiced before Asana practice. However, this is not mandatory. In the Ashtanga Yoga tradition, for instance, Pranayama is regularly practiced after Asana practice.

You can notice the positive effects of Pranayama after just a few weeks – including in your Asana practice (if you have one).

What are the effects of Pranayama?

On a physical level, regular practice of Pranayama increases respiratory volume and enhances oxygen saturation in the tissues. Key muscle groups, such as those of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, are strengthened.

Energetically, Pranayama promotes a targeted increase and improved distribution of life force (prana) throughout the body.

Some Pranayama techniques have therapeutic indications, while others have a more general soothing effect. Specific other techniques primarily serve to boost vitality.

By establishing new breathing patterns, existing links between emotional states—such as fear or anger—and restrictive breathing habits are dissolved, weakening the intensity of these negative emotions. In this sense, Pranayama, as practiced for millennia in India, represents one of the oldest forms of breathing therapy.

Q and A
What is the difference between this kind of pranayama and the one taught in Ashtanga Yoga?

In my experience, this form of pranayama is softer, at least in the early years of practicing, and it can also be better individualized.

Can I practice pranayama even if I don’t do any other yoga?

Of course. It is not necessary that you can sit in lotus pose on the floor. Pranayama can also be practiced sitting on a chair, for instance.

I am a smoker. Can I learn pranayama nevertheless?

Certainly. I must admit, though, that in my experience there are two types of smokers. One type starts the pranayama and very soon stops smoking. The other type will soon stop the pranayama..

Out of courtesy towards the other practitioners, if you practice on-site, please do not smoke for at least one hour before class and do not come to class in clothes smelling of smoke.

Is pranayama suitable for everyone?

Yes, it is. As long as we live, we breathe. And to breathe and do certain breathing techniques consciously is beneficial for everyone.

Yet, there are some practices that should be avoided for medical reasons (i.e. with hypertension or glaucoma – as long as they are not under control). Some of the practices should not be done during menstruation, when a woman wants to become pregnant or is already pregnant.

A qualified teacher will discuss this with you before you start. And this is how I do it as well :-).

Recommended Reading:

Gregor Maehle: The Breath of Yoga

James Nestor: Breath – The new science of a lost art.

Swami Kuvalayananda: Pranayama

Swami Rama et al.: Science of Breath – A Practical Guide

Hathapradipika 2.2

„When the breath is unsteady, the mind is unsteady.

When the breath is steady, the mind may become steady.

The yogi attains stability,

Therefore, one should control the breath.”

(haṭhapradīpikā 2.2, हठप्रदीपिका २.२, (translation from Sanskrit by Zoë Slatoff)

Pranayama