This is a workshop delving into the foundational principles of advanced yogic practices known as bandha, kriyā and prāṇāyāma.
Embark on a transformative journey with Pranayama Workshop dedicated to exploring the profound impact of conscious breathing on your well-being.
Bandhas, also known as energy locks, are techniques designed to improve, increase, and direct the flow of prāṇa (vital energy) within the subtle energy channels (nāḍīs)—from the base of the spine all the way to the crown of the head, where the sacred energies are said to unite, leading to heightened states of awareness.
Kriyās are purification techniques designed to eliminate physical, energetic, and mental obstructions that may impede the flow of prāṇa. As outlined in the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, ṣaṭkriyās (the six cleansing actions) prepare the practitioner’s body and mind for the disciplined practices of prāṇāyāma and meditation by purifying internal systems and balancing the doṣas.
Prāṇāyāma is a set of six traditional breathing techniques as outlined by Svatmarama in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Prāṇāyāma serves as a powerful tool for yogis, fostering inner connection and a deeper understanding of the self. From a purely physical perspective, these techniques offer a series of health benefits, including but not limited to: improved lung capacity, enhanced oxygenation of the blood, reduced stress levels, better regulation of the nervous system, and support for overall cardiovascular health.
You will leave this workshop with a mini manual for a daily breathing practice and a short set of pranayama exercises which you will continue exploring as a part of your daily self care routine.
Topics covered
Hatha Pradipika mentions that the daily practice of the cleansing and purificatory techniques brings about youth and health to the practitioner. The ability to control and hold the breath allows us to regulate the nervous system, and what follows the other systems - such as endocrine, digestive, lymphatic and cardiovascular.
The ability to breathe through both nostrils and regulate the breath helps to nourish body and mind.
During the workshop we explore the following Kriya techniques:
• Sūtra Netī (nasal cleansing with a thread)
• Jala Netī (nasal cleansing with water)
• Uḍḍīyāna Kriyā (abdominal lock with abdominal hollowing)
• Agnisāra Kriyā (abdominal pumping to stimulate digestive fire)
• Kapālabhātī (skull-shining breath / cleansing breath)
• Anuloma Viloma (alternate nostril breathing)
• Jālandhara Bandha (throat lock)
• Mūla Bandha (root lock)
• Uḍḍīyāna Bandha (abdominal lock)
We will also learn and practice the following Pranayama practices:
• Anuloma Viloma Prāṇāyāma — alternate nostril breathing for nāḍī śuddhi (purification of energy channels)
• Ujjāyī Prāṇāyāma (two variations) — the victorious breath, enhancing internal heat and focus
• Sūrya Bhedana Prāṇāyāma — solar breath to stimulate piṅgalā nāḍī and invigorate vitality
• Śītālī Prāṇāyāma — cooling breath to pacify excess heat and balance pitta doṣa
• Śītkārī Prāṇāyāma — hissing breath with similar cooling and calming effects
• Bhastrikā Prāṇāyāma — bellows breath to kindle agni (digestive/metabolic fire) and energize the system
• Bhrāmarī Prāṇāyāma — humming bee breath for calming the mind and soothing the nervous system
We will also learn the ways to safely hold the breath (Kumbakha) and set a foundation for a daily Kriya and Pranayama practice.