Pranayama (Breathwork)

Pranayama is the Yoga art of breathing. Breathing is one of our most important functions, and the extent to which we breathe can completely alter the amount of oxygen our bodies receive. Pranayama provides easily accessible methods to improve the amount of oxygen we inhale.

So why practice yoga Pranayama? The benefits are numerous. When we are stressed, we tend to hold our breath and this mental or emotional tension translates onto the physical body manifesting in many forms, e.g. headaches, tight muscles in the shoulders and back, wrinkles, shortness of breath, etc.

By using Pranayama techniques when we feel stressed, the symptoms can be reduced or eliminated, leaving us feeling mentally and physically refreshed.

Yoga teacher, James Bryan with over 30 years experience, has designed two Pranayama programs for you.

  • Foundation Level consists of five tutorials together with a led practice for each class. You will be expertly guided through each of the stages.
  • Intermediate Level consists of one tutorial with four led practices. This level assumes fundamental knowledge covered in the Foundation Level.

Pranayama Safety Information


Listen to the Live Yoga Life Pranayama Introductory Audio for guidelines on preparing for your practice.

audio recordingDownload Safety Information MP3 audio

adobe reader pdf imageDownload PDF Safety Information


For additional guidelines for your practice or for specific safety information on other styles or areas of yoga (such as Prenatal Yoga) check out our Safety Information page.