PRANAYAMA & BREATHING TECHNIQUES

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Pranayama & Breath Awareness

Theory

• Introduction to Pranayama and yogic breathing
• Importance of breath awareness
• Basic principles of breathing
• Natural breathing vs. conscious breathing
• Basic respiratory system concepts
• Relationship between breathing, relaxation and concentration
• Correct sitting posture for breathing practices
• General precautions and contraindications

Practical

• Comfortable seated posture practice
• Observation of natural breathing
• Abdominal breathing
• Chest and diaphragmatic breathing awareness
• Full yogic breathing
• Breath observation exercises
• Basic posture and alignment practice
• 5–10 minute guided breathing session

Unit 2: Basic Breathing Techniques & Breath Control

Theory

• Principles of controlled breathing
• Inhalation, exhalation and breath awareness
• Introduction to breath rhythm
• Importance of slow and comfortable breathing
• Basic breath coordination
• Common breathing mistakes
• Safe practice guidelines

Practical

• Deep breathing practice
• Slow breathing exercises
• Abdominal breathing
• Thoracic breathing
• Full yogic breathing
• Equal breathing practice
• Gentle breath-lengthening exercises
• Guided breathing relaxation session

Unit 3: Introduction to Basic Pranayama Practices

Theory

• Meaning and principles of Pranayama
• Introduction to traditional Pranayama practices
• Preparation and sequencing
• Benefits and precautions of beginner practices
• Role of concentration during Pranayama
• Breathing practices for relaxation and meditation preparation

Practical

• Nadi Shodhana / Alternate Nostril Breathing
• Anulom Vilom
• Bhramari Pranayama
• Simple Ujjayi awareness
• Breath awareness meditation
• Combining breathing with relaxation
• Guided 10–15 minute Pranayama practice
• Practice correction and instructor feedback

Unit 4: Relaxation, Concentration & Pranayama Practice

Theory

• Relationship between breath and mental focus
• Pranayama and relaxation practices
• Breathing awareness during meditation
• Basic concentration techniques
• Creating a safe and comfortable practice environment
• Practice duration and consistency
• Modifications for beginners
• Responsible instruction and safety

Practical

• Nadi Shodhana practice
• Bhramari practice
• Ujjayi breathing awareness
• Guided relaxation with breath
• Breath-counting exercises
• Mindful breathing meditation
• 15–20 minute combined breathing routine
• Practice sequencing and observation

Unit 5: Pranayama Teaching Skills & Final Practical Project

Theory

• Structure of a beginner Pranayama session
• Preparing a lesson plan
• Giving clear breathing instructions
• Demonstration and observation skills
• Timing and sequencing of practices
• Safety, precautions and responsible teaching
• Student communication and feedback
• Maintaining practice records and professional development

Practical

• Prepare a beginner Pranayama session plan
• Demonstrate correct posture and breathing
• Guide abdominal and full yogic breathing
• Guide Anulom Vilom / Nadi Shodhana
• Guide Bhramari
• Conduct a short relaxation and mindful breathing session
• Demonstrate safe transitions between practices
• Conduct a 20–30 minute supervised Pranayama session
• Receive feedback and refine the session

Final Practical Project

Beginner Pranayama & Breathing Session

Students prepare and conduct a 20–30 minute beginner-level session including:

• Opening breath awareness
• Correct seated posture
• Abdominal/full yogic breathing
• Basic breath control
• Anulom Vilom / Nadi Shodhana
• Bhramari
• Relaxation
• Short mindful breathing practice
• Closing and reflection