Key Themes of Prāṇāyāma

Prāṇāyāma is one of the most powerful interventions we can use daily to enhance our overall physical and mental health and wellbeing. iRest Founder, Richard Miller, introduces several key themes from his on-demand course, Breathing for Life: The Principles and Practices of Prāṇāyāma in the video above.

During this introduction he shares insights into the science of breathing, important aspects of prāṇāyāma, some of the common myths about breathing, and a short practice that is simple, elegant, and extremely powerful. The practice he shares comes from many decades of experience and can be used both as a formal and daily practice.

While watching this introduction you will also learn the meaning of prāṇāyāma and the truth about the following myths:

• The more we breathe the healthier we become
• Carbon dioxide is toxic
• Taking bigger breaths brings more oxygen to our system

Richard also shares the benefits of slow paced breathing and lengthening the exhale. He then demonstrates these benefits with the included practice that uses a metronome to help you keep track of your breathing while progressively extending your exhale and remaining aware of your body. At the end of the practice you will have some time to notice how you are feeling after the breathing exercise and hear a brief discussion on how this experience allows for access to your essential nature.

About Richard’s On-Demand Course:

This course is designed for anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge and skills or develop a personal, at-home practice of prāṇāyāma. This includes health care professionals such as psychologists, social workers, other mental health professionals, and medical doctors who will find this course to be a complementary addition to their skillset. This course is also ideal for yoga and meditation students and teachers, and any others who wish to share these principles and practices with their friends, students, or clients.

In exploring the underlying philosophy, theory, structure, energetics, and in-depth practices of prāṇāyāma, you’ll learn:

• The anatomy, psycho-physiology, and neuroscience of respiration
• The foundations of prāṇāyāma for health, healing, yoga therapy, and meditation
• A safe and sustainable way to develop your own practice of prāṇāyāma that’s aligned with your personal intentions and physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing
• The underlying philosophy of prāṇāyāma
• A multitude of prāṇāyāma techniques that support health, wellbeing, healing, and awakening to your Essential Nature
• How to share these practices with others

Learn more about this on demand course