Pranayama is one of the key ‘limbs’ of yoga and comprises different breathing practices that help us to control and manage our life-force energy (prana). In this four week course we will first explore our current connection to our own unique breathing patterns. We will then explore and understand what pranayama is, drawing upon the ancient yogic texts, then we will look at different types of yogic breathing, including diaphragmatic belly breathing and more dynamic thoracic breathing, and when best to use them. We will also look at different pranayama practices that help to develop our breathing awareness and internal musculature in order to extend, contract and even suspend our breath at will.
Finally, we will look at the following specific pranayama techniques, including how to do them, what the benefits are, contra-indications and when best to use them:
- Ujayi (victorious breath)
- Nadi shodana (single-nostril breath)
- Bhastrika (bellows breath)
- Brahmari (bee breath)
- Shitali (cooling breath)
- Kapalabhati (breath of fire) – NB strictly speaking kapalabhati is a yoga ‘kriya’ (cleansing technique) rather than a pranayama technique but we will include it as a complementary practice.
I will also share with you a fifteen minute version of my personal daily pranayama practice, as a take-away for you to continue to practise at home if you wish.
This course is best suited to those with an established yoga practice. If you are keen to join but unsure if it’s suitable for you please get in touch and we can have a chat. We will be seated on the floor for a large proportion of each class (although I will include supportive postures and brief resting postures in between) therefore please have with you all that you need to be comfortable, such as yoga bolster, block or chair.
The aims of the course are to provide you with more understanding about pranayama and a deeper felt sense of it, plus knowledge of techniques that you can take away with you and practise at home to continue to build healthy life-force and vitality.
Written notes will be provided so that you have ongoing guidance to follow at home, and I will be available throughout the course and for follow-up support where needed, in case of any questions or doubts.
The price of the course is £80 per person (80 Euros for Portuguese residents).
Advance booking essential – please get in touch to book on (email beckymay283@gmail.com).
frond yoga with Rebecca May 