TEACHERS GUIDE
Overview:
When to teach Pranayama in a class
Utilising the 8 Limb system
How to select the right Pranayama technique
Different categories of Pranayama
Things to consider when teaching Pranayama
Keep it simple, make it clear & easy to follow
Even the most basic techniques can pose a challenge when guiding students! It is crucial for Yoga teachers to not reserve Pranayama solely for personal practice but rather to impart the entire Yoga system to their students, little by little.
Pranayama, also known as breath-control or breath modulation, is an ancient practice aimed at fostering a connection between the mind and body. In the initial sessions on Pranayama theory, during our Yoga Teacher Trainings, I typically introduce it as follows...
Consider Pranayama as the bridge between two worlds! Asana signifies our starting point - being aware of the physical and external world/body, and our destination - the mind/soul residing internally.
Pranayama serves as a valuable tool in bridging the gap between these two realms!
Core Yoga teachings often outline a journey that typically starts with the external/physical aspects and progresses towards the internal/non-physical realms.
The same principle applies to Pranayama!
As Yoga teachers, it is crucial that we take on the responsibility of guiding our students, giving them tools to bridge the gap and move beyond the physical, instead of assuming they can do it on their own.
Starting meditation can feel overwhelming, like being suddenly thrown in the deep end! We all recall how challenging it was during our initial classes.
However, as instructors, we can streamline the process by revisiting the Yogic system, The 8 limb and echo the interconnectedness of Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation and recognise where they each sit in the system. This gives a clear message about how to practice & guide!
Asana, being a physical practice, is discussed early in the Yogic 8 limb system as it is more tangible and serves as a practical entry point.
Pranayama shortly follows, helping us to go a little deeper gradually.
Meditation holds the seventh position out of the eight limbs with pride! This placement clearly demonstrates the level of challenge and recognition it was intended to have. The system is structured with a purpose. Utilize the 8 Limb system as a step-by-step approach to effectively guide your students towards a deeper internal experience.
After mastering the art of guiding individuals to self-observe and follow ethical guidelines (Yamas & Niyamas), we can then help them cultivate awareness of their physical body without judgment (Asana). This paves the way for the practice of Pranayama, which naturally progresses to Pratyahara and a profound ability to withdraw from the senses and distractions. By following this path, one can embark on a fulfilling meditation journey.
These practices are not separate, but rather part of the same whole.
So when is the best time during the class to teach Pranayama?
Beginning - This sets the tone, initiates a starting point where students can check in with themselves. It focusses the practice and can help to bring about a common energy to the room, allowing the students to go on a journey together.
Throughout the sequence - reminding people to be aware throughout the class, (not just at the start and end) can be beneficial to maintaining focus & awareness for longer periods of time, training the mind ready for meditation.
End of class - we can carefully select the right Pranayama technique to either drop people into a deep Svasana. Alternatively it can lift them up and energise them ready for the day ahead!
How to select the right Pranayama technique?
Understanding the effects of what we are asking our students to do is absolutely paramount (this should have been covered in your YTT)
For a brief recap with a few examples:
We can categorise different techniques by their effect:
Up regulating (energising techniques) - Kapalbhati
Balancing (Brings you into the centre, helps you to feel balanced) - box breathing or Nadi Shodana
Down regulating (calming & soothing techniques - Bhramari breathing, or a simple extended exhalation technique
*Remember, always tell your students what to expect and mention any contraindications, especially with up regulating techniques where anxiety and panic attacks may be prone.
Things to consider when teaching Pranayama:
Simple is best - over complicated techniques can often overwhelm both teacher & student and/or loose it's clarity and therefore effectiveness.
Remember, most members of the general public don't know about functional breathing or what the word 'Pranayama' means! Take a moment to translate this. This is a great chance to be more educational!
As a general rule of thumb, if in doubt, choose a balancing or down regulating technique. This will help you avoid situations like panic attacks. Most people spend their day quite stressed, and likely don't need to stimulate their nervous system more!
We hope this is helpful! If you're feeling stuck, consider reaching our for some advice or study with us at Barefoot Yoga School! The home of small group, immersive trainings - dedicated to improving and evolving the world of Yoga.
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