"Breath is essential to yoga, because it is essential to life...and yoga is about life." ~ T. Krishnamacharya

There is nothing more sacred to life than the breath.  We each perform the act of breathing around 28,000 times a year, yet mostly without giving it a second thought.  As the most vital process of the human body, breathing is very worthy of our attention.

Pranayama is the yogic practice of breathing and breath control.  It is the link between mind and breath and is considered the most central and core practice of Hatha Yoga.  A Sanskrit language term, ''prana' means life force energy and 'ayama' means to restrain, control or extend.  Through controlling the breath, pranyama works not only to improve the effectiveness of our breathing, but more deeply, by enhancing our energy and overall vitality.

Practicing pranayama involves being seated with a comfortably straight spine and consciously slowing, smoothing and manipulating the inhalation and exhalation, in various ratios and cycles. 

The direct physical and physiological benefits of pranayama are tremendous.  During pranayama as the breath is slowed, the entire body is nourished by an extra supply of oxygen and carbon dioxide and other waste products are more effectively expelled.  The functioning of the heart and digestive organs is enhanced.  Stress on the nervous system is reduced and the brain is stimulated to work to its optimum capacity.  Pranayama induces a state of mental tranquility, clarity of thought and concentration. 

According to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika text, one who has successfully mastered pranayama has: "slimness of the body, brightness of the eyes, freedom from disease, control over the libido, stimulation of the gastric fire and purification of the nadis." (vide II 78) 

On more subtle levels, as the overall pranic activity of the body is enhanced through pranayama, over time a heightened and refined sensitivity or state of consciousness is experienced.

The earliest reference to pranayama is found in the Vedic literature from approximately 1500BC.  The pranayama techniques that we practice today have evolved since this time as a result of countless hours (and often entire lifetimes) devoted by yogis relentlessly observing and experimenting with their breathing, and recording and passing on their personal experiences.  This level of practice and devotion is truly amazing and an aspect to life that is hard for the average person living today to comprehend!  Pranayama is therefore a science in its purest form. 

You too can learn the art and science of pranayama.  With few exceptions, most people can safely practice pranayama and experience its benefits, however doing so requires careful, technical instruction and guidance. 

I have had a personal, daily pranayama practice for over three years.  I teach all aspects of classical pranayama, as authorised by my teachers based on the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita texts and the Kailvalyadhama Yoga Institute (India).  I teach with clear instructions and an eye for detail, ensuring that techniques are understood and performed gently, correctly and with due diligence and sincerity.  Teaching aspects include:

* an understanding of respiration and the mechanics of breathing;
* preparation breath awareness exercises and prerequisites for pranayama;
* the ujjayi breath;
* bandhas, dristis and mudras: jalandhara, uddiyana, mula, nasagra, vishnu, agnisara, simha,
   jeeva, brahma;
* yogic anatomoy: prana, nadis, koshas, chakras;
* swara yoga and danda use;
* relevant seated asanas: siddhasana, svastikasana, samasana, padmasana;
* cleansing practices/kriyas: nauli, neti, trataka, kapalabhati, varman dauti;
* pranayama techniques: anuloma viloma (nadi shodhana), sama vritti, bhastrika, suryabhedana, 
  chandrabhedana, sitkari, sitali, bhramari, ujjayi;
* breath control: puraka, rechaka and kumbhaka;
* diet and its effects on pranayama;
* research on the physiological and spiritual effects of pranayama. 

Pranayama is a fascinating and specialised yogic practice that I am passionate about.  If you are interested in booking a pranayama teaching workshop or attending a pranayama class with me, please email or telephone.