{"id":1248,"date":"2021-04-13T05:35:12","date_gmt":"2021-04-13T05:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insight.yoga\/Insight\/?page_id=1248"},"modified":"2026-04-24T14:22:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T13:22:16","slug":"pranayama","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/insight.yoga\/de\/pranayama\/?lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Pranayama"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Pranayama<\/h3>

Insight Yoga<\/h6><\/div>[vc_empty_space hide_on_mobile=““][vc_empty_space hide_on_mobile=““][vc_empty_space hide_on_mobile=““][vc_empty_space hide_on_mobile=““][vc_empty_space hide_on_mobile=““][vc_empty_space hide_on_mobile=““][vc_images_carousel images=“957,1250,950″ img_size=“600*400″ speed=“3000″ autoplay=“yes“ wrap=“yes“][vc_empty_space hide_on_mobile=““][vc_empty_space hide_on_mobile=““][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
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There is one way of breathing that is shameful and constricted. Then there\u2019s another way; a breath of love that takes you all the way to infinity.Jal\u0101l ad-D\u012bn Muhammad R\u016bm\u012b.Right from the very beginning of my Yoga journey, I have studied and emphasized pr\u0101\u1e47\u0101y\u0101ma in my practice. I have been focusing on and studying pr\u0101\u1e47\u0101y\u0101ma, yogic breath-control and energetic manipulations since 1996, and have studied pr\u0101\u1e47\u0101y\u0101ma with teachers from many traditions.These techniques moved right into the centre of yoga-practices in the Ha\u1e6dha Tradition,which had its beginnings about 1000 years ago. In modern times, both medical doctors and psychologists have become increasingly aware of the importance and potential of using breath-work.Every powerful tool, if used without real understanding and skill, can be rendered ineffective\u00a0and even cause harm in extreme cases. This is why there needs to be a thorough understanding of the breathing apparatus, the energetic possibilities and the psychological outcomes of breath-work.My main influences are the Bihar School of Yoga and Clive Sheridan. Like \u0101sana-practice, I emphasize the therapeutic aspects a lot and help my students to find the most appropriate way to practice with their individual constitutions and present states.<\/p>\n

My pr\u0101\u1e47\u0101y\u0101ma teaching aims at including and balancing several approaches:Authentic practice based on scriptural studies and explorative personal experience and appropriate modifications Sound theoretical understanding and confident practical application Developing a regular Self Practice and learning how to teach pr\u0101\u1e47\u0101y\u0101ma Working with all the Koshas This is what I have studied in-depth and offer through a careful, structured and informing way of teaching, both in teacher training programs and workshops\/ immersions. Here is an overview of the major aspects\/topics I share and explore with students:<\/p>\n

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Introduction<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Intention of this Module<\/li>\n
  • Acknowledgements<\/li>\n
  • Sanskrit<\/li>\n
  • Invocation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    What is Pr\u0101\u1e47\u0101y\u0101ma?<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Definition<\/li>\n
    • Traditional Background and Source Material<\/li>\n
    • Why practice it?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Anatomy of Breathing<\/h3>\n
        \n
      • The central Role of Breathing<\/li>\n
      • Two kinds of Breathing<\/li>\n
      • Main Breathing Organs<\/li>\n
      • Main Breathing Muscles<\/li>\n
      • The Physiology of Breathing<\/li>\n
      • Common Pathologies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Models of the Energy-Body in Tantra and Ha\u1e6dha Yoga<\/h3>\n
          \n
        • Pa\u00f1ca Ko\u015ba: \u2018The five Sheaths\u2019<\/li>\n
        • Pr\u0101\u1e47amaya-Ko\u015ba: \u2018The Life-Force-Made Sheath<\/li>\n
        • N\u0101d\u012bs: \u2018Energy Channels\u2019<\/li>\n
        • Panca V\u0101yu: \u2018The Five Winds\u2018<\/li>\n
        • Cakras: \u2018The Vortices\u2018<\/li>\n
        • Two Viewpoints<\/li>\n
        • Modern Research Attempts<\/li>\n
        • Conclusion<\/li>\n
        • Agni: \u2018The Digestive Fire\u2019<\/li>\n
        • Kundalin\u012b \u015aakti: The \u201acrooked Energy of Creation\u2019<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          The basic Energetic Effects of Pr\u0101\u1e47\u0101y\u0101ma-Techniques<\/h3>\n
            \n
          • The Tai Jitu: Energetic Harmony & Balancing<\/li>\n
          • Temperature: Warming or Cooling<\/li>\n
          • Activity: Stimulating or Calming<\/li>\n
          • Enhancing Concentration and being Present<\/li>\n
          • Massaging yourself through Breathing<\/li>\n
          • Practical Application and planning a Pr\u0101\u1e47\u0101y\u0101ma-Session<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Useful Preparations and Warm Ups for Pr\u0101\u1e47\u0101y\u0101ma<\/h3>\n
              \n
            • The Lung Meridian<\/li>\n
            • Warming Up the Breathing Muscles<\/li>\n
            • Do-In: \u2018Tapping\u2019<\/li>\n
            • Tapping the Lung Meridian<\/li>\n
            • Tapping other useful areas for Breathing<\/li>\n
            • Chi Kung-inspired Warm Ups<\/li>\n
            • Kati Cakra<\/li>\n
            • Hua-Gong Flow<\/li>\n
            • Lifting Clouds<\/li>\n
            • Throwing the Net<\/li>\n
            • The Crane<\/li>\n
            • \u0100sana-inspired Warm Ups<\/li>\n
            • Garu\u1e0da-Arm-Variations<\/li>\n
            • Bird Poses<\/li>\n
            • Easy Pr\u0101na Mudr\u0101 Stretches<\/li>\n
            • Side-Extensions and Twists<\/li>\n
            • Hip Openers<\/li>\n
            • Assuming your Seat<\/li>\n
            • Prop Use<\/li>\n
            • Finding the most appropriate Seated Pose for your Needs<\/li>\n
            • Other useful poses for certain Pr\u0101\u1e47\u0101y\u0101ma-outcomes<\/li>\n
            • Feeling the Breath and Developing Concentration<\/li>\n
            • \u0100n\u0101p\u0101na Sati Variations<\/li>\n
            • Methods of deepening Concentration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Controlling your Breathing-Muscles<\/h3>\n
                \n
              • Diaphragmatic Breathing<\/li>\n
              • The Diaphragm<\/li>\n
              • Supporting Muscles and Movements<\/li>\n
              • Different Set-Ups and Versions<\/li>\n
              • Thoracic Breathing<\/li>\n
              • The upper Respiratory Muscles<\/li>\n
              • Different Set-Ups and Versions<\/li>\n
              • Full Yogic Breathing<\/li>\n
              • Smooth Waves<\/li>\n
              • Different Set-Ups and Versions<\/li>\n
              • Playing the Breathing-Orchestra<\/li>\n
              • Get Rhythm<\/li>\n
              • Your instruments<\/li>\n
              • The length of notes<\/li>\n
              • Pauses<\/li>\n
              • Crescendo vs Addagio<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Useful Mudr\u0101s and Bandhas<\/h3>\n
                  \n
                • Mudr\u0101 \u2013 \u2018[Energetic] Seal\u2019<\/li>\n
                • Nabho Mudr\u0101: \u2018The Sky Seal\u2019<\/li>\n
                • Pr\u0101\u1e47a Mudr\u0101: \u2018The Life Force Seal\u2019<\/li>\n
                • Nasagra and Vi\u1e63nu Mudr\u0101: \u2018The Nose Seal\u2019 and \u2018Vi\u1e63nu\u2019s Seal\u2019<\/li>\n
                • J\u00f1\u0101na and Cin Mudr\u0101: \u2018The Seal of Insight\u2018 and \u2018The Seal of Mind\u2019<\/li>\n
                • \u015a\u0101mbhavi Mudr\u0101: \u2018\u015aiva\u2019s Seal\u2019<\/li>\n
                • \u1e62anmukh\u012b Mudr\u0101: \u2018The Seal of Closing the seven Openings\u2019<\/li>\n
                • Bandhas \u2013 \u2018Locks\/Fetters\u2019<\/li>\n
                • M\u016bla-Bandha: \u2018Root Lock\u2019<\/li>\n
                • J\u0101landhara-Bandha \u2013 \u2018Net Lock\u2019<\/li>\n
                • Udd\u012by\u0101na-Bandha \u2013 \u2018Upward-Flying Lock\u2019<\/li>\n
                • Kumbhaka \u2013 \u2018Like a Pot [Stopping the Flow of Breathing]\u2019<\/li>\n
                • Antara Kumbhaka: \u2018Like a Pot inside [Holding the Breath in]\u2019<\/li>\n
                • Bahya\/Bahira Kumbhaka: \u2018Like a Pot outside [Holding the Breath out]\u2019<\/li>\n
                • Kevala Kumbhaka \u2013 \u2018Absolutely like a Pot [Effortless Cessation of Breathing]\u2019<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Classical Ha\u1e6dha-Pr\u0101\u1e47\u0101y\u0101ma Techniques<\/h3>\n

                  Introduction: Classical Pr\u0101\u1e47\u0101y\u0101ma Techniques<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Important Advice before you start<\/li>\n
                  • Ujj\u0101y\u012b Pr\u0101\u1e47\u0101y\u0101ma \u2013 \u2018Upward Success\u2019<\/li>\n
                  • The basic Technique and how to teach it<\/li>\n
                  • Sama V\u1e5bitti Ujj\u0101y\u012b and how to count it<\/li>\n
                  • Viloma \u2013 \u2018Against the Grain\u2018<\/li>\n
                  • The basic Technique and how to teach it<\/li>\n
                  • Different Variations<\/li>\n
                  • Anuloma \u2013 \u2018With the Grain\u2018<\/li>\n
                  • The basic Technique and how to teach it<\/li>\n
                  • Different Variations<\/li>\n
                  • N\u0101d\u012b \u015aodhana \u2013 \u2018Purification of the Energy Channels\u2019<\/li>\n
                  • The basic Technique and how to teach it<\/li>\n
                  • Different Variations<\/li>\n
                  • \u015a\u012btal\u012b\/\u015a\u012btak\u0101r\u012b \u2013 \u2018Cooling Breaths\u2019<\/li>\n
                  • The basic Techniques and how to teach it<\/li>\n
                  • Different Variations<\/li>\n
                  • Kap\u0101labh\u0101ti \u2013 \u2018Radiating Forehead\u2019<\/li>\n
                  • The basic Techniques and how to teach it<\/li>\n
                  • Different Variations<\/li>\n
                  • Bhastrika \u2013 \u2018Bellows Breath\u2019<\/li>\n
                  • The basic Techniques and how to teach it<\/li>\n
                  • Sam\u0101na Bhastrika<\/li>\n
                  • Pr\u0101\u1e47a Bhastrika<\/li>\n
                  • Bhedana \u2013 \u2018Piercing Breaths\u2019<\/li>\n
                  • The basic Techniques and how to teach it<\/li>\n
                  • S\u016brya Bheda<\/li>\n
                  • Candra Bheda<\/li>\n
                  • Brahmar\u012b \u2013 \u2018Bee-humming Breath\u2019<\/li>\n
                  • The basic Techniques and how to teach it<\/li>\n
                  • Different Variations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    \u1e62atkarma – \u2018The six [cleansing] actions\u2019<\/h3>\n

                    Introduction<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Jala and Amaroli Neti: Cleansing the Nasal Passages<\/li>\n
                    • Tr\u0101taka: Gazing<\/li>\n
                    • Agnisara Kriy\u0101: Fire Cleanse<\/li>\n
                    • Nauli\/Laulika: Massaging the Organs<\/li>\n
                    • \u015aankaprak\u1e63alana: Bowel-Cleanse<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      Energy-manipulating-Meditations<\/h3>\n
                        \n
                      • Cakra-Meditations<\/li>\n
                      • Tattva \u015auddhi: \u2018Element-Purification\u2018<\/li>\n
                      • Yoga Nidr\u0101: \u2018Yogic Sleep\u2018<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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