Pranayama Course in Rishikesh

Master the Ancient Science of Yogic Breathing

Master Your Breath

Pranayama is the fourth limb of Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga. The word comes from "prana" (life force) and "ayama" (extension/control). Through breath control, we gain mastery over the vital life force that flows through us.

"तस्मिन् सति श्वासप्रश्वासयोर्गतिविच्छेदः प्राणायामः"
Pranayama is the regulation of the incoming and outgoing breath.
— Yoga Sutra 2.49

Regular pranayama practice purifies the nadis (energy channels), calms the mind, increases vitality, and prepares the practitioner for meditation.

Pranayama breathing technique class at Anantadrishti Yoga in Rishikesh, India
Classical Wisdom

Ancient Teachings on Prāṇāyāma

Timeless wisdom from the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā

चले वाते चलं चित्तं निश्चले निश्चलं भवेत्

Cale vāte calaṃ cittaṃ niścale niścalaṃ bhavet

When the breath moves, the mind moves. When the breath becomes steady, the mind becomes steady.

प्राणायामेन युक्तेन सर्वरोगक्षयो भवेत्

Prāṇāyāmena yuktena sarva-roga-kṣayo bhavet

Proper practice of prāṇāyāma destroys all diseases.

योगी स्थाणुत्वमाप्नोति ततो वायुनिरोधनम्

Yogī sthāṇutvam āpnoti tato vāyu-nirodhanam

Therefore, the yogī should restrain the breath to attain steadiness.

Prāṇa Vidya

Understanding Vital Energy

"Prāṇa" is not just breath; it is the master key to life. "Āyāma" means both control and expansion.

The 5 Prāṇas (Pañca Prāṇa)

  • 1
    PrāṇaInward moving energy (Head & Chest). governs intake & inspiration.
  • 2
    ApānaDownward moving energy (Pelvis). governs elimination & creativity.
  • 3
    SamānaBalancing energy (Navel). governs digestion & assimilation.
  • 4
    UdānaUpward moving energy (Throat). governs speech & growth.
  • 5
    VyānaCirculating energy (Whole Body). governs circulation & movement.

Alpa-prāṇa vs Mahā-prāṇa

In Sanskrit, sounds are classified by breath volume. Alpa-prāṇa (little breath) sounds require minimal effort, while Mahā-prāṇa (great breath) sounds require a forceful expulsion of vital energy. This linguistic science mirrors the yogic science of energy management.

Therapeutic Benefits

प्राणायामात् क्षयं याति सर्वरोगसमुद्भवः

Prāṇāyāmāt kṣayaṃ yāti sarva-roga-samudbhavaḥ

Through Pranayama, the root causes of all diseases are destroyed.

— Gheraṇḍa Saṁhitā 5.77

Pranayama Techniques

Classical breathing practices we teach

Nadi Shodhana

नाडी शोधन

Alternate nostril breathing that balances the nervous system and purifies the energy channels

Kapalabhati

कपालभाति

Skull-shining breath that cleanses the respiratory system and energizes the mind

Bhastrika

भस्त्रिका

Bellows breath that increases metabolic rate and awakens kundalini energy

Ujjayi

उज्जायी

Victorious breath with gentle throat constriction for focus and calming

Bhramari

भ्रामरी

Humming bee breath that soothes the mind and relieves stress

Sitali & Sitkari

शीतली & सीत्कारी

Cooling breaths that reduce body heat and calm the nervous system

Benefits of Pranayama

🧠Improves mental clarity and focus
💪Increases energy and vitality
😌Reduces stress and anxiety
🫁Strengthens respiratory system
⚡Balances the nervous system
🧘Prepares mind for meditation

3-Day Pranayama Retreat

Immerse yourself in advanced breathing practices with our intensive pranayama retreat.

View Pranayama Retreat