Ep #159: Pranayama and Breath as Medicine with Akshay Bhat

Discover the profound connection between breath, energy, and consciousness in this insightful discussion with Akshay Bhatt, a practitioner of yoga and Ayurveda. The conversation explores the transformative practice of pranayama, or breath control, as a gateway to understanding the mind and body on a deeper level. Akshay explains how the practice of elongating the breath, retaining exhalations, and techniques like Brahmari (humming) can calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and unlock profound states of awareness.The speakers delve into the ancient teachings of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Raja Yoga, revealing how breathwork aligns with the pranic body, the subtle energy field that governs vitality and balance. Akshay also shares practical tips for integrating pranayama into daily routines, emphasizing its role in managing emotions, improving focus, and preparing for meditation.The discussion touches on the nuances of energy-based practices, such as Reiki and Pranic Healing, which help expand and balance prana (life force energy). Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on how conscious breathing not only supports physical health but also cultivates emotional resilience, spiritual awareness, and an enhanced sense of inner peace. This episode invites you to transform your daily habits through the power of breath.Episode Chapters00:00:00 - Exploring Pranayama: The Fourth Limb of Yoga00:03:58 - Hatha Yoga: The Foundation for Raja Yoga00:10:23 - Sensing the Subtle Energy Between Palms00:15:16 - Pranic Healing and the Heart's Centrality00:19:48 - The Power of Subtle Body Expansion00:23:04 - The Power of Prana: Exploring the Pranic Body and Breath Practices00:29:16 - Breath Holding and Oxygen Advantage00:35:20 - Pranayama and Meditation Techniques for Relaxation00:42:09 - Chakra Chanting and Meditation00:43:16 - Chakra Activation through Mantra and Breath00:45:43 - Observing Chakra Energies and the Mind00:49:13 - Integrating Pranayama into Daily Life00:52:21 - The Power of Breath in MeditationAkshay’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akshaybhatyoga/---About Going Pro Yoga:At Going Pro Yoga, we help yoga teachers become even better by teaching them new skills and giving them the tools they need to make their yoga classes safe, fun, and special for everyone.**Right now you can try Going Pro Yoga FREE for 7-days and sample: - All Tools Needed to Master Cueing, Sequencing, and Alignment - Video Library of over 75 fully Sequenced Classes, Sequence Chunks, and Flows - FIRST EVER Yoga Cueing System with Over 160 poses and Hundreds of Variations - Wisdom Talks from over 20,000 Hours of Teaching Experience - Anatomy and Injury Prevention as it relates to Yoga.To Learn More, Visit Going Pro Yoga, and⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Start your 7-Day Free Trial⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!For more information about in-person trainings in Bali,⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.elementsofpoweryoga.com/advancedtrainings⁠⁠⁠⁠