Yoga Style: Pranayama

We breathe around 12–20 times per minute, which adds up to 720–1,200 breaths per hour and 17,280–28,800 breaths each day. In yogic philosophy, lifespan is not measured only by the number of days we live, but also by the number of breaths we take. The slower the breath, the more balanced and lasting the life force is believed to be.

Pranayama is the fourth limb of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga and is often described as the extension of breath. Through inhalation, exhalation, and breath retention, known as kumbhaka, this practice works with the pranic body and helps extend prana in the physical and astral body, or aura. It is also known to influence the mind directly, reduce mental fluctuations, and support a calmer, more relaxed state. With regular practice, pranayama may help build resilience, soften the impact of stress, and slow the breath, heart rate, and stress response.

This 50-hour course is part of the Yoga Alliance YACEP program, so the hours can be added to your continuing education record after completion.

Why Choose Us?

We offer a space where happiness can be found through movement, pranayama, and meditation. Our intention is to support your spiritual journey, help you connect with your inner self, and guide you toward greater peace and contentment in daily life.

Kindness, honesty, and community matter more to us than profit
Small groups allow for individual support
Many previous students have felt confident to teach after the training
By choosing us, you support a family business, and the owners are also your teachers
We live yoga, and we believe yoga is for everyone
We respect the culture and origins of yoga
You will learn from a descendant of the Sage Atri bloodline

Program Highlights

Breathing is one of the most important foundations of health. Yet many people have lost the ability to breathe correctly, which can contribute to pulmonary and cardiovascular issues, sleep disorders, and anxiety. In this six-day pranayama course in Germany, you will explore ancient yogic breathing techniques and discover how subtle changes in the way you breathe can make a meaningful difference to your wellbeing.

Breathing & Pranayama Techniques

Breathing awareness
Diaphragmatic breathing
Chest breathing
Collar breathing
Yogic breath
Pranayama variations with kumbhaka
Nadi Shodhana
Surya Bhedi
Chandra bhedi
Bhramari
Bhastrika
Sheetali
Sheetkari
Ujjayi

Pranayama Theory

The theory classes cover the concept of pranayama, different pranayama techniques, and yogic anatomy, including nadis, pancha pranas, pancha koshas, bandhas, mudras, the best sitting postures, the importance of pranayama in yoga practice, as well as benefits and precautions.

Bandhas

You will practice and study Mula Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha, Jalandhara Bandha, and Maha Bandha. Practical guidance will help you understand the correct engagement and release of each lock, and how to apply them effectively during pranayama practice.

Shatkarma

You will also have the opportunity to try shatkarmas such as jalneti, nauli, kapalbhati, and trataka as part of the cleansing practices.

Anatomy and Physiology

The training includes an understanding of how pranayama affects the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems of the physical body.

Teaching Methodology

Where and how to practice
Timing of practice
How to design a pranayama class
Sequencing pranayama techniques
Key aspects of pranayama teaching
How to integrate breathing and pranayama into asana classes

Time Schedule

The schedule may change depending on the location, teacher availability, weather conditions, and the general situation.

Shatkarma: 06:30 to 06:45 am
Asana practice: 06:45 to 07:45 am
Pranayama practice: 07:45 to 09:15 am
Breakfast: 09:15 to 10:15 am
Anatomy & physiology: 10:15 to 11:45 am
Pranayama Theory: 11:45 to 01:30 pm
Lunch: 01:30 to 03:30 pm
Yoga theory: 03:30 to 04:30 pm
Asana practice: 04:30 to 05:30 pm
Pranayama: 05:30 to 06:30 pm
Dinner: 07:00 to 08:00 pm

Accommodation & Course Packages

Direct bookings are especially valued, as they help create the best possible experience. Early bird pricing is available when you reserve your place three months in advance.

Shared Twin Room — Regular Price €1400; Early Bird Offer €1200; save €200; includes 5 nights, breakfast, lunch, dinner, bathroom, study material, certification, and Wi-Fi access
Private Double Room — Regular Price €1500; Early Bird Offer €1300; save €200; includes 5 nights, breakfast, lunch, dinner, bathroom, study material, certification, and Wi-Fi access

Upcoming Dates

26 – 31 May 2026
16 – 21 Aug 2026
06 – 11 Oct 2026
07 – 12 Dec 2026

Meet the Teachers

Yogi Sandeep Atri — Speciality: Arm Balances & Ashtanga Vinyasa; Experience: 10+ Years. “What you eat your body becomes same! What you think your mind becomes same! So eat healthy and think positive!”

Dr. Katharina Austermann — Speciality: Anatomy & Yin Yoga; Experience: 6+ Years. “You are not in control what happens around you, but you are always in control of what happens within you.”

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum age: 18; maximum age: 75. If you are older than 75, a medical certificate is required
Basic English speaking, reading, and writing skills are required
Participants should be open-minded and interested in ancient teachings and the traditional path of yoga
You must be physically and mentally healthy and fit
A medical certificate is required if you are undergoing treatment or have major injuries

FAQs

This training is suitable for all experience levels, including beginners. A 200-hour yoga certificate is not required, and you may join either to deepen your own practice or to become eligible to teach pranayama after successful completion. The average class size is 5 to 15 students, allowing for individualized support. The youngest participant has been 18 and the oldest 60, reflecting a wide and inspiring age range.

The course fee includes study materials, Yoga Alliance certification after successful completion, meals, and the accommodation option you choose. The nearest airports are Cologne (CGN) and Düsseldorf (DUS); from there, you can travel by public transport to Düren Bahnhof and then to Heimbach (Eifel), where pickup is arranged at the train station.

Please bring comfortable, preferably light cotton clothing for practice, white clothing for the opening and closing ceremonies, everyday toiletries, house shoes, warmer clothes if needed, comfortable shoes for walks or hikes, and anything else you may want for a wonderful stay in the Eifel National Park. Coffee is allowed, and there are no restrictions on caffeine. To reserve your place, a $200 deposit is required; this deposit is non-refundable but may be applied to a later training if you need to cancel.

This 50-hour pranayama teacher training is registered with Yoga Alliance and included in the YACEP continuing education program. Upon successful completion, you will receive a Yoga Alliance affiliated certificate.

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