Online Pranayama
Teacher Training Course

Build a solid foundation in the theory and history of pranayama before touching any technique. Understanding the why behind the breath is what separates a certified teacher from a casual practitioner.

• What is Pranayama: Origin, definition, and the science of prana.
• The Three Stages of Breath: Puraka (inhalation), Kumbhaka (retention), Rechaka (exhalation).
• Anatomy of Breathing: Respiratory system, diaphragm, intercostal muscles — how the body breathes.
• Pranayama in the Yoga Sutras: Patanjali's fourth limb and its role in the eight-limbed path.
• Preparing the Body: Shatkarmas (cleansing practices), posture for pranayama, and preparatory exercises.

The energetic framework that makes pranayama uniquely powerful. This module gives you the yogic anatomy vocabulary that underpins every technique you will teach.

• The Nadis: Ida, Pingala, Sushumna — the three primary energy channels.
• Chakras and Breath: How different pranayamas activate or balance specific energy centres.

The core of the course — 10+ classical pranayama practices taught with precise instruction, correct ratios, contraindications, and therapeutic applications for each one.

• Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): The foundational balancing practice — ratios, stages, and therapeutic use for anxiety and nervous system regulation.
• Kapalabhati (Skull-Shining Breath): Rapid exhalation technique for cleansing, energising, and warming — counts, variations, and contraindications.
• Bhastrika (Bellows Breath): Forceful inhalation and exhalation — how it differs from Kapalabhati and when to use each.
• Ujjayi (Victorious Breath): The oceanic throat breath used in yoga asana.
• Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath): Sound vibration pranayama for calming the mind and nervous system — ideal for stress and sleep.
• Surya Bhedana (Right Nostril Breathing): Solar channel activation.
• Chandra Bhedana (Left Nostril Breathing): Lunar channel activation.

Breath retention is one of the most powerful — and most misunderstood — aspects of pranayama. This module covers safe, progressive Kumbhaka practice with the safety knowledge needed to teach it responsibly.

• Antara Kumbhaka: Internal retention after inhalation — technique, ratios, and benefits.
• Bahya Kumbhaka: External retention after exhalation — technique, progression, and contraindications.
• Bandhas with Kumbhaka: Mula Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha, and Jalandhara Bandha applied within breath retention.
• Safety Guidelines: Who should not practice Kumbhaka.
• Gradual Progression: How to introduce retention to students safely.

Mudras and Bandhas amplify pranayama practice by sealing and directing prana. Understanding these is essential for any pranayama teacher.

• Hasta Mudras: Jnana, Chin, Nasagra, Dhyana — hand gestures used in pranayama practice.
• Mula Bandha: Root lock — activation, timing within breath cycles, and subtle effects.
• Uddiyana Bandha: Abdominal lock — technique, benefits for digestion and prana, and contraindications.
• Jalandhara Bandha: Chin lock — protecting the throat during Kumbhaka.
• Maha Bandha: The great lock — combining all three Bandhas in advanced practice.