Vash Narain-Kerr and Paul Kerr, your teachers at Prana Vaidya, bring years of experience in pranayama, and holistic health. Their approach combines the traditional wisdom of the yogic sciences with modern insights into physiology and mental well-being. You will be guided not only in the “how” of each practice but also in the “why” – understanding the deeper principles behind breath control and its effects on your nervous system, energy flow, and inner awareness. Their teaching philosophy emphasises patience, self-awareness, and gentle progression, ensuring that each practitioner can experience the benefits safely and effectively.

Through practical exercises, reflective techniques, and guided practice, this course offers a holistic learning environment. You will explore the breath in its many dimensions – its rhythm, depth, retention, and flow. You will gain practical tools to reduce stress, enhance concentration, increase energy, and cultivate emotional equilibrium. Beyond the physical and mental benefits, pranayama opens a doorway to spiritual insight and connection, offering a direct experience of the harmony that exists when body, mind, and spirit are aligned.

One of the unique aspects of this course is the integration of experiential learning with theoretical understanding. As you progress, you will be encouraged to observe how the breath interacts with thoughts, emotions, and sensations in the body. You will learn to recognise patterns, release tension, and access a deeper state of presence. Over time, these practices help develop resilience, emotional intelligence, and an increased sense of well-being that extends into every aspect of life.

We encourage you to approach this journey with curiosity, patience, and openness. Pranayama is not a destination but a continuous exploration. Each session offers an opportunity to discover something new about yourself, your energy, and your potential. Remember that the breath is always available – it is your most constant companion, guide, and teacher. By learning to listen, observe, and regulate the breath, you create a bridge that connects the physical body, the emotional mind, and the subtle spirit.

Throughout this course, you will also have the chance to experience guided practices that combine breathing with awareness of posture, energy, and intention. These practices are designed to be accessible, adaptable, and safe, whether you are a beginner or have previous experience. Over time, you will notice the integration of physical vitality, mental clarity, and a sense of inner calm – a holistic transformation that is both subtle and profound.

We invite you to step into this practice with an open heart and an attentive mind. Let your breath be the bridge that guides you to balance, clarity, and the harmonious integration of body, mind, and spirit. Together, we will explore the timeless art and science of pranayama, uncovering its power to support health, awareness, and the awakening of your fullest potential.

Course Curriculum: Three Week Course

Section 1: Foundations of Pranayama Philosophy

Chapter 1: What is Pranayama? An Introduction
Chapter 2: Pranayama through the Ages
Chapter 3: Understanding the Mind and Its Influences
Chapter 4: An Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga
Chapter 5: Yama – The First Limb
Chapter 6: Niyama – The Second Limb
Chapter 7: Asana – The Third Limb
Chapter 8: Pranayama – The Fourth Limb
Chapter 9: Pratyahara – The Fifth Limb
Chapter 10: Dharana – The Sixth Limb
Chapter 11: Dhyana – The Seventh Limb
Chapter 12: Samadhi – The Eighth Limb

Section 2: Prana Vidya – The Science of Vital Energy

Chapter 13: Introduction to Prana Vidya
Chapter 14: The First Key – Psychic Breath (Pranic Awareness)
Chapter 15: The Second Key – Psychic Sound (Mantric Vibration)
Chapter 16: The Third Key – Psychic Passage (Energy Pathways)
Chapter 17: The Fourth Key – Psychic Centres (Chakric Awareness)
Chapter 18: The Fifth Key – Psychic Symbol (Visualization & Focus)

Section 3: Sitting Asanas and Their Alignments

Chapter 19: Vajrasana – The Thunderbolt Pose
Chapter 20: Ardha Padmasana – The Half Lotus Pose
Chapter 21: Padmasana – The Lotus Pose

Section 4: Practical Sessions & Meditative Practices

Chapter 22: Preparing for Practical Classes
Chapter 23: The Value of Experiential Practice
Chapter 24: Guided Meditation – Pillar of Energy (Kumbhaka Pranayama)
Chapter 25: Full Body Yoga Flow for All Levels
Chapter 26: Withdrawal of the Senses (Samavritti Pranayama)
Chapter 27: Cultivating Positive Energy (Viloma Pranayama)
Chapter 28: Transforming Emotions (Kapalbhati Pranayama)
Chapter 29: Mantra Chanting
Chapter 30: Balancing Breath – Nadi Shodhana with Meditation
Chapter 31: Yin Yoga for Hips & Flexibility

Section 5: Preparing for Pranayama Practice

Chapter 32: General Guidelines for Safe Practice
Chapter 33: The Power and Use of Mudras
Chapter 34: Brahma Muhurta – The Sacred Morning Hour
Chapter 35: The Science of Ratios & Breath Counts
Chapter 36: Nasagra Drishti – Nose Tip Gazing for Focus

Section 6: Kumbhaka Pranayama – Breath Retention Practices

Chapter 37: Introduction to Kumbhaka
Chapter 38: Benefits & Contraindications of Breath Retention
Chapter 39: Physiology of Kumbhaka Explained
Chapter 40: Guidelines for Safe Practice of Kumbhaka
Chapter 41: Technique 1 – Internal Retention (Ratio 1:1:1)
Chapter 42: Technique 2 – Internal Retention with Extended Exhalation (Ratio 1:1:2)
Chapter 43: Technique 3 – Internal Retention with Extended Exhalation (Ratio 1:2:2)

Section 7: Nadi Shodhana Pranayama – Alternate Nostril Breathing

Chapter 44: Technique 1 Stage 1 – Introduction (Single-Nostril Breathing, No Ratio)
Chapter 45: Technique 1 Stage 1 – Practice (Single-Nostril Breathing, No Ratio)
Chapter 46: Technique 1 Stage 2 – Introduction (Single-Nostril Breathing, 1:1 Ratio)
Chapter 47: Technique 1 Stage 2 – Practice (Single-Nostril Breathing, 1:1 Ratio)
Chapter 48: Technique 2 Stage 1 – Introduction (Alternate-Nostril Breathing, 1:1 Ratio, No Retention)
Chapter 49: Technique 2 Stage 1 – Practice (Alternate-Nostril Breathing, 1:1 Ratio, No Retention)
Chapter 50: Technique 2 Stage 2 – Introduction (Alternate-Nostril Breathing, 1:2 Ratio, No Retention)
Chapter 51: Technique 2 Stage 2 – Practice (Alternate-Nostril Breathing, 1:2 Ratio, No Retention)
Chapter 52: Technique 3 Stage 1 – Introduction (1:1:1 Breathing with Internal Retention)
Chapter 53: Technique 3 Stage 1 – Practice (1:1:1 Breathing with Internal Retention)
Chapter 54: Technique 3 Stage 2 – Introduction (1:1:2 Breathing with Internal Retention)
Chapter 55: Technique 3 Stage 2 – Practice (1:1:2 Breathing with Internal Retention)
Chapter 56: Technique 3 Stage 3 – Introduction (1:2:2 Breathing with Internal Retention)
Chapter 57: Technique 3 Stage 3 – Practice (1:2:2 Breathing with Internal Retention)
Chapter 58: Technique 3 Stage 4 – Introduction (1:3:2 Breathing with Internal Retention)
Chapter 59: Technique 3 Stage 4 – Practice (1:3:2 Breathing with Internal Retention)
Chapter 60: Technique 3 Stage 5 – Introduction (1:4:2 Breathing with Internal Retention)
Chapter 61: Technique 3 Stage 5 – Practice (1:4:2 Breathing with Internal Retention)
Chapter 62: Technique 4 Stage 1 – Introduction (1:1:1:1 Breathing with Internal & External Retention)
Chapter 63: Technique 4 Stage 2 – Introduction (1:1:2:1 Breathing with Internal & External Retention)
Chapter 64: Technique 4 Stage 2 – Practice (1:1:2:1 Breathing with Internal & External Retention)
Chapter 65: Technique 4 Stage 2 – Practice (1:1:2:1 Breathing with Internal & External Retention)
Chapter 66: Technique 4 Stage 3 – Introduction (1:2:2:1 Breathing with Internal & External Retention)
Chapter 67: Technique 4 Stage 3 – Practice (1:2:2:1 Breathing with Internal & External Retention)
Chapter 68: Technique 4 Stage 4 – Introduction (1:2:2:2 Breathing with Internal & External Retention)
Chapter 69: Technique 4 Stage 4 – Practice (1:2:2:2 Breathing with Internal & External Retention)

Section 8: Samavritti Pranayama – Equal Breathing

Chapter 70: Introduction to Samavritti Pranayama
Chapter 71: Practice of Samavritti Pranayama (Ratio of 1:1:1:1)

Section 9: Bhastrika Pranayama – The Bellows Breath

Chapter 72: Basic Practice – Arms Up & Down
Chapter 73: Variations of Bhastrika Pranayama Explained
Chapter 74: Technique 1 – Slow-Paced Bhastrika Pranayama
Chapter 75: Technique 1 – Medium-Paced Bhastrika Pranayama
Chapter 76: Technique 1 – Fast-Paced Bhastrika Pranayama
Chapter 77: Introduction – Combining Alternate Nostril and Bhastrika Pranayama
Chapter 78: Technique 2 – Slow-Paced Alternate Nostril with Bhastrika Pranayama
Chapter 79: Technique 2 – Medium-Paced Alternate Nostril with Bhastrika Pranayama
Chapter 80: Technique 2 – Fast-Paced Alternate Nostril with Bhastrika Pranayama
Chapter 81: Introduction – Internal Breath Retention with Bhastrika Pranayama
Chapter 82: Technique 3 – Slow Internal Breath Retention with Bhastrika Pranayama
Chapter 83: Technique 3 – Medium Internal Breath Retention with Bhastrika Pranayama
Chapter 84: Technique 3 – Fast Internal Breath Retention with Bhastrika Pranayama
Chapter 85: External Breath Retention in Bhastrika Pranayama
Chapter 86: Technique 4 – Slow External Breath Retention with Bhastrika Pranayama
Chapter 87: Technique 4 – Medium External Breath Retention with Bhastrika Pranayama
Chapter 88: Technique 4 – Fast External Breath Retention with Bhastrika Pranayama

Section 10: Dirga Pranayama – Theory and Practical Classes (Three-Part Yogic Breath)

Chapter 89: Diaphragmatic Breathing Explained
Chapter 90: Thoracic Breathing Explained
Chapter 91: Clavicular Breathing Explained
Chapter 92: Full Yogic Breath – Integration of Three Parts

Section 11: Kapalbhati Pranayama (Skull Shining Breathing Technique) – Theory and Practical Classes

Chapter 93: Technique 1 – Shatkarma (Theory and Practical Application)
Chapter 94: Technique 2 – Introduction to Alternate Nostril Breathing without Retention
Chapter 95: Technique 2 – Guided Practice of Alternate Nostril Breathing without Retention
Chapter 96: Technique 3 – Introduction to Alternate Nostril Breathing with Internal Retention
Chapter 97: Technique 3 – Guided Practice of Alternate Nostril Breathing with Internal Retention
Chapter 98: Technique 4 – Introduction to Alternate Nostril Breathing with Internal & External Breath Retention
Chapter 99: Technique 4 – Practice of Alternate Nostril Breathing with Internal & External Retention

Section 12: Ujjayi Pranayama – The Ocean’s Breath

Chapter 100: The Science of Ujjayi Pranayama
Chapter 101: Introduction to Ujjayi Pranayama
Chapter 102: Benefits & Contraindications of Ujjayi Pranayama
Chapter 103: Technique 1 – Ujjayi Pranayama without Breath Retention
Chapter 104: Technique 2 – Ujjayi Pranayama with Breath Retention (Ratio 1:1:1)

Section 13: Surya Bhedana Pranayama – Right Nostril Breathing

Chapter 105: Technique 1 – Introduction & Practice with Alternate Nostril Method
Chapter 106: Technique 2 – Introduction & Practice with only Right Nostril Breathing
Chapter 107: Technique 2 Stage 1 – Practice of Right Nostril Breathing without Retention
Chapter 108: Technique 2 Stage 2 – Introduction to Only Right Nostril Breathing with Retention
Chapter 109: Technique 2 Stage 2: Practice: Only Right Nostril Breathing with Retention

Section 14: Sheetali Pranayama – Cooling Breath

Chapter 110: Introduction to Sheetali Pranayama
Chapter 111: How to Practice Sheetali Pranayama Step by Step
Chapter 112: Technique 1 – Sheetali Pranayama without Breath Retention
Chapter 113: Technique 2 – Sheetali with Pranayama Breath Retention

Section 15: Sheetkari Pranayama – The Hissing Breath

Chapter 114: Introduction to Sheetkari Pranayama
Chapter 115: How to Practice Sheetkari Pranayama Step by Step
Chapter 116: Technique 1 – Sheetkari Pranayama without Breath Retention
Chapter 117: Technique 2 – Sheetkari Pranayama with Breath Retention

Section 16: Chandra Bhedana Pranayama – Left Nostril Breathing

Chapter 118: Introduction to Chandra Bhedana Pranayama
Chapter 119: Introduction to Left Nostril Breathing Only
Chapter 120: Technique 2 Stage 1 – Practice of Left Nostril without Retention
Chapter 121: Technique 2 Stage 2 – Introduction to Left Nostril with Retention
Chapter 122: Technique 2 Stage 2 – Practice of Left Nostril with Retention

Section 17: Bhramari Pranayama (Humming Bee Breath) – Theory and Practice

Chapter 123: Explanation & Practice of Bhramari Pranayama

Section 18: Kaki Pranayama – The Crow’s Beak Breath

Chapter 124: Introduction to Kaki Pranayama
Chapter 125: Practice of Kaki Pranayama

Section 19: Viloma Pranayama – Reverse & Interrupted Breath

Chapter 126: Introduction to Viloma Pranayama
Chapter 127: Technique 1 of Viloma Pranayama (Interruption of Inhalation)
Chapter 128: Technique 2 of Viloma Pranayama (Interruption of Exhalation)
Chapter 129: Technique 3 of Viloma Pranayama (Interruption of Inhalation & Exhalation)

Section 20: Anatomy & Physiology of Breathing

Chapter 130: The Human Respiratory System
Chapter 131: Lung Volumes & Capacities
Chapter 132: Internal & External Respiration

Section 21: Beyond the Physical Body

Chapter 133: Pancha Koshas – Understanding the Five Layers of Being
Chapter 134: Chakras – Energy Centres Explained
Chapter 135: Prana & Nadis – The Pathways of Life Force
Chapter 136: The Upa Pranas – Five Minor Energies
Chapter 137: The Three Bodies – Gross, Subtle & Causal
Chapter 138: The Five Elements – Body and Universe

Section 22: Common Questions & Clarifications

Chapter 139: How to Remember the Benefits & Contraindications of Each Pranayama
Chapter 140: Which is the Best Pranayama?
Chapter 141: Can Incense Sticks Be Used During Pranayama?
Chapter 142: What Should Be Practiced First – Meditation or Pranayama?

Section 23: Teaching Methodology for Pranayama

Chapter 143: The Art of Sequencing a Yoga Class
Chapter 144: The Transformative Power of Silence
Chapter 145: Voice Modulation & Tonality – Tips for Teachers