Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh : Yoga School in Rishikesh, India

Traditional 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

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Enliven an authentic yogic experience in Ashram environment and attune your body, mind and spirit with the knowledge and training of Yoga. Get trained by experienced yoga experts, teachers and spiritualists. Earn the status of globally recognized Yoga Instructor with Yoga Teacher Training Certification in India at Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala. Hail to the spiritual town of Rishikesh, the land of holy river Ganges and embrace the yogic experience in the lap of Himalayas.

200 Hr Yoga TTC

Become a globally certified yoga teacher with our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh, India. Rishikesh Yogis is one of the most authentic yoga schools in Rishikesh and is recognized by Yoga Alliance, USA. Upon completion of our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh, you gain in-depth knowledge and understanding in traditional subjects like Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga . At Rishikesh Yogis, we aim to teach yoga in its purest and most traditional form.
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Kundalini Yoga TTC

200 hour Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training program by Rishikesh Yogis, is one of the most immersive and experiential programs currently taught in Rishikesh. The modules developed for our Kundalini Yoga teacher Training intends to deepen one’s awareness, experience and understanding of Kundalini and Kundalini Yoga traditions in progressive fashion
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Spanish Hatha YTTC

Attain peace in your body, mind and spirit with the learning and practice of Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Learn and exercise the inner core to align your mind, body, spirit in a harmonious rhythm. Embark on your journey of self-discovery and enhance your physical, mental, and spiritual being. Get certified in the most ancient and classical forms of yoga. Spread the benefits of yoga philosophy across the world as a yogi and a skilled Hatha yoga teacher.
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Spanish Ashtanga YTTC

Get sculpted and certified with the Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh Learn and practice the most invigorating style of yoga with the Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training. Earn your certification in the most physically challenging and mentally stimulating style of yoga. Practice the art of Ashtanga Yoga to evolve mentally, physically, and spiritually. Spread this dynamic form of yoga all over the globe by becoming an accomplished Ashtanga yoga teacher.
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Scholarship Yoga TTC

Yoga is a universal science that places no bias among its followers. The science can be adopted by anyone, irrespective of age, creed, religion, body type, disorders, etc.
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Upcoming Events

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Renowned for its Yogic Excellence and Authenticity, Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala offers the perfect solace and a highly enlightening experience of Yoga to its participating students.

200 Hour Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training(Spanish & English)

25th February 2020 - 23rd March 2020

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Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga TTC in English

25th February 2020 - 23rd March 2020

200 Hour Hatha Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training Program

30th March 2020 - 26th April 2020

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200 Hours Hatha Vinyasa Yoga (Spanish & English)

30th March 2020 - 26th April 2020

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Hatha Vinyasa Yoga Spanish

30th March 2020 - 26th April 2020

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200 Hour Ayurveda Yoga TTC

30th March 2020 - 26th April 2020

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200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

3rd May 2020 - 30th May 2020

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Hatha Yoga TTC (Spanish)

3rd May 2020 - 30th May 2020

200 Hours Yoga Training Course

16th October 2020 - 12th November 2020

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Yoga and Meditation Retreats in Rishikesh, India

7 and 10 Day Programs

Yoga Retreats at Rishikesh Yogis are an awarding experience. What make these retreats even more exclusive is the option to customize these according to individual yogi’s or group requirements. These yoga retreats are usually spread over a time period of 3days – 10 days. During these yoga vacations, you shall delve deeper into the knowledge of yoga, attain deeper meditation techniques and you shall be introduced to fresh new ideas as well.

10-Day Kriya and Kundalini Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh, India

The 10-day Kriya and Kundalini Yoga Retreat program offered by Rishikesh Yogis is one of the most intensive and insightful programs currently taught in Rishikesh, India. It is a very progressive program consisting of modules to deepen one’s awareness, experience and understanding of Kriya and Kundalini Yoga traditions in systematic fashion.

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10-Day Yoga and Meditation Retreat

Soak in a divine yogic experience with our Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Rishikesh, India. Seek the route to reconnect with the body, mind and spirit by indulging in unique yoga and meditation practices during this wonderful retreat program.

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10-Day Intensive Chakra Sadhana Retreat in India

Sadhana is a focused spiritual endeavor to achieve internal, as well external purification and harmony. We, at Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala, offer Intensive Chakra Sadhana Retreat in the holy town of Rishikesh, India. Truly one of a kind, the retreat is designed to take the participants on a life’s journey of mental and spiritual awakening.

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7-Day Yoga for Trauma and Healing Retreat in India

Learn practices that help trauma survivors re-connect to their bodies in healthy and meaningful ways. Our beautiful ashram setting is the perfect place to spend time in nature and process what you learn. These 7 days will provide you will several tools for processing trauma and equip you to help lead others through a healing journey of mind and body.

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Design Your Own Retreat

Every person and group have unique interests and needs. Let us customize a retreat that is exactly what you need. Use the form below to select the topics and activities that you are most interested in. We will then design a custom schedule for your group.

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Essence of Yoga 10 Day Retreat in Rishikesh, India

Are you looking for a way to feel healthier, less stressed, more in tune with your body, mind and spirit? Have you thinking of where to plan your next international trip? Has the magic of India called your name for some time now?

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Why Rishikesh Yogis

Traditional and Authentic

Renowned for its Yogic Excellence and Authenticity, Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala offers the perfect solace and a highly enlightening experience of Yoga to its participating students.

Learn Yoga from experienced and internationally renowned yoga teachers recognized by Conde Nast Traveler and Spa Finder magazines.
Small batches to ensure maximum individual attention
Dwell in Ashram facility and experience authentic yogic lifestyle.
Best Yoga and Meditation hall.
Organic farm, Fresh yogic food
Complimentary Yoga Bag with Books, Journal and T-Shirt and guided Excursions

Welcome To The Ashram Lifestyle

Our Facilities

Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala is blessed with spacious yoga halls that do not look like conference rooms. We provide cozy and comfortable abode to our students where they get to dwell in Ashram environment for experiencing true yogic lifestyle. The students are offered delectable Yogic food. Meditation practices to calm the soul in a solitary environment and Organic farms are the major highlights.

Food

Prepared by our chefs specializing in Ayurvedic Cooking, relish highly palatable and wholesome yogic food that is freshly sourced from our organic farms.

Excursion

Guided excursions to sites of historical and yogic significance in the town (Rishikesh walks!)

Accommodation

Overlooking the beautiful Himalayas, live the true yogic life at our Ashram. All this, while enjoying the amenities of a minimalist contemporary lifestyle for a comfortable stay. We provide simple, clean shared accommodation at our ashram. On special request single accommodation can be provided at additional cost.

Yoga Hall

The 60 x 25 ft marble floored yoga hall with ruby red stage is an expanse of space available for yoga and meditation practices. The hall is well equipped with bolsters, yoga mats, straps, supports and wooden blocks

Our Blog

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Meditation

by Sushant Pandey 9 Likes

How To Do Candle Flame Trataka and Its Benefits

On following the 8 limbs of yoga, it merges us with the supreme-soul through ‘Samadhi’. But before you attain the samadhi, you must mastery over Dharna (Concentration). In different classical text, there are a number of techniques described which helps in developing the sense of ‘Concentration (Dharna).’ Trataka is one such technique which concentrates the mind by stilling the movement of eyes. What is TRATAKA The term 'Trataka' or 'Tratak' has been taken from yogic language (Sanskrit) which means 'To look' or 'To gaze'. The gaze in Tratak is focused at some pointed object which can absorb the eyes efficiently (In turn, focuses the mind). Initially, the object can be a source of light (candle flame), a black dot on a white wall or an image of self on a mirror. With time, the practice of visualizing the after-image of an 'external object' gets intense. The focus of an 'external object' can be shift internally on 'mind screen' easily. Hence, one can say, Tratak is a technique that lets us look mind (& so on, the soul) through eyes. An intent and relaxed gazing of eyes on an object don't let wander mind in Trataka. Thus, Trataka in hatha yoga is practiced as a frontal mind purification technique & is a part of shatkarmas. In the language of spirituality, an opening of the third eye is considered a doorway to higher consciousness & enlightenment. How do Trataka works Our minds & eyes are inter-related to each other. As in our body, there are five sense organs- eyes, ears, nose, skin & tongue. From these, we can smell, sound, touch, sight or feel anything. Among them, all, visual (sight) is the most powerful. In the case of touch & smell, we have to be near the objects so that we can touch or smell it. However, our eyes can observe the objects or the landscapes that are far away without contact that object. In our body, the eyes contain more than 200 million working parts after the brain. The retina and the optic nerve of our eyes develop a direct outgrowth of our brain. The retina & the brain have similar structures, though it says as the retina is a type of brain that grows in the eyes. It is said that our visions are directly connected to our minds. Our mental states can affect our eye movements. Our brain can also be managed or affected by doing some eye practices. That’s the thing which helps people who has good intelligence to judge the mental state of other people through their eyes. Trataka practice is not only the way to attain stillness of mind, but it’s very powerful & quicker in the feedback also. While practicing Trataka, we focused our attention at the objects or the candle flame through our eyes concentration. This helps us in releasing disorders related to the eyes & the brain. Types of Trataka There are 3 (three) types of Trataka. They are- Antar Trataka (Inner Trataka) Madhya Trataka (Middle Trataka) Bahya Trataka (Outer Trataka) Antar Trataka (Inner Trataka) Antar Trataka is the technique, performed through closed eyes. In this, we have to close our eyes and then focusing on any symbol or point. If we don’t have any symbol or point in mind then we can focus our attention on the middle of our forehead. It is said that in the middle of the forehead, the third eye is present as Lord Shiva has. This 3rd eye is the type of key that helps in the awakening of ‘Ajna Chakra’. ‘Ajna Chakra’, present in the middle of the eyes. Antar Trataka is also known as ‘Dristi Yoga’, ‘Drishti Yoga’, ‘Shambhavi Mudra’, and ‘Bhrukuti-Drishti’. While practicing Antar Trataka, it may feel some pain or heat in our mind in the beginning. But we don’t have to worry about it, as it will normalize gradually. Keep trying to focus on that point. Benefits: Practicing of Antar Trataka can help us to hypnotize any person who is very far from us. It helps us in constructing our confident, intelligence & patience. It also gives us peace by taking away negative thoughts and desires from our minds. Madhya Trataka (Middle Trataka) Madhya Trataka is the technique, performed through open eyes. In this, we have to focus our attention on near objects of any material. We can also practice Madhya Trataka with the candle flame, concentric circles having dots in its middle, black dot in the white wall or vice-versa. We should close our eyes if we feel burning sensation in our eyes & then can start this process (Kriya) again. Keep the object at a distance of 20 to 25 inches at eye level so that there is no pressure or rinsing on our neck. This Trataka should be performed in a dark room that is free from insects and the flow of air. Benefits: Practicing of Madhya Trataka helps us to improve our concentration, memory & mental power. We can get the powers of hypnotic, precaution & spiritual. It also increases our ability to read other’s minds & our working efficiency. Bahya Trataka (Outer Trataka) Bahya Trataka is the technique, which can be performed at any time of the day or night. In this, we have to focus our eyes and attention on any distant object like the sun, the moon & the stars. The people who are having their eyesight week cannot practice Bahya Trataka. As it may cause them mental disorders. Benefits: Practicing of Bahya Trataka helps in getting free of mental disorders. It also improves our foresight & motivational power. How to do Trataka Trataka can be practiced in various ways by focusing our attention on a dot on a leaf, candle flame, darkness, blue sky, photograph, crystal, flower & needle. Trataka on the candle flame is the most effective & popular Trataka. How to do Trataka on the Candle Flame: Put the burning candle on the Trataka stand or any other stand, adjust that stand at a distance so that the flame should be at the eye level. Flame on the height can create pressure or pain on our neck. The flame should not be moving in a draft, it should be still. Sit in any meditation sitting posture such as- ‘Siddhasana, ‘Padmasana’, ‘Vajrasana’, and ‘Sukhasana’, in front of the flame. Open the eyes and start focusing our attention at the flame without blinking. If it feels the heat on our eyes, close the eyes for a while and then start again the process (Kriya). In the beginning, we should perform Trataka only for about 10 to 20 seconds, as the time will increase steadily. It may have difficulties in the beginning but we don’t have to worry, as it will normalize gradually. Practice it again & again. Focusing our attention at the flame, until we’ll not get tears or water from our eyes. After practicing Trataka, we may blink a few times to relieve anxiety. But just be calm. We can repeat this process (Kriya), according to our interests. Or we can practice the same process with the other objects that are mentioned above. Benefits of Trataka: Strengthens our eye muscles: As the blinking of an eye is in our control while we focus our attention at the small objects of any material. It helps us in strengthening our eye muscles. Purifies our eyes: As we exercise it to focus upon a point which helps in improving the internal functions of an eye. This helps in purifying our eyes. Treats our eye disorders: When we gaze at an object such as the candle flame or any other small object. This improves our eye concentration that helps in treating eye disorders. Relieves insomnia: As practicing Trataka gives us peace by taking away negative thoughts & desires from our minds. This helps us in relieving insomnia. Aids in treating depression: As Trataka is also a mind purifying technique, this technique purifies the mind by decreasing negative desires or thoughts. This helps in treating depression. Improves our concentrations: When we practice gazing at any small objects regularly, it increases our consciousness. This improves our concentration power. Calms our anxious mind: As Trataka practice helps us in disconnecting with the noise & distraction from the external world. This is really deep relaxing or calming your anxious mind. Promotes our emotional stability: Concentrating on a single object by practicing Trataka, can promote our emotional stability. Boosts our willpower: When we’ll have the spiritual & mental powers by practicing Trataka. Then we can also boost our willpower. Develops intuition & clairvoyance: As we practice Trataka regularly & consistently is said, it’s a key of awakening ‘Ajna Chakra’. ‘Ajna Chakra’ is also known as the ‘third eye’. This helps in developing intuition & psychic power. Improves our vision & memory: It is said that 50% of our minds keep engaging on ‘what we see’. Trataka is totally based on vision as it is practiced by visualizing the small objects of any material. Improves our consciousness power: When we keep concentrating on gazing an object & to optimize it. It improves our consciousness power. Read More...

Ayurveda

by Sushant Pandey 1 Likes

Ayurveda and Yoga: Two Paths of Merging Body and Mind

Body & Mind are two faculties in a human being that commonly aren’t aware of its own existence & always keep involved in mundane world things. Yoga originated in ancient India to get control over the wandering mind, but at the same time, controlling the mind isn’t easy if your body isn’t well. So, to know the body in a better way, there is the science of Ayurveda. Yoga and Ayurveda are the teachings of great Vedas. While the evidence of yoga is seen in Yajurveda and Ayurveda comes from Rigveda and Atharveda. Ayurveda and Yoga: 2 Sides of A Coin Ayurveda is the science of healing the human body, and Yoga is the practice to connect the body with pure state of mind . Ayurveda tells about the healing of the physical body and yoga is the practice to heal the mental and spiritual body. Hence, Ayurveda is also said to be the “sister” science of yoga. Ayurveda is among the four Upavedas that tells all the characters of a healthy body and mind. Yoga is one of the six schools of Vedic philosophy. In some manner, yoga is the practical representation of principles of all these six and tells the methods of formation of a meditative and spiritual body. What is The Purpose of Ayurvedic and Yogic Practices? In the classic Vedic knowledge, Ayurveda was formed especially for healing purposes. There is no other system except Ayurved that tells about the healing of the body. It was formed before Yoga. Since Ayurveda includes only the healing practices of physical sufferings, therefore Yoga was formed to heal the spiritual and mental sufferings, Kleshas. Primarily, Yoga does not target on healing the physical body. Yoga mainly targets spiritual progress, healing all the mental problems. Yoga mainly takes us on the spiritual path and all the healing effects are like complementary things we get on this path. Join Our 200 Hour Yoga and Ayurveda Course This does not mean that Yoga does not cure physical illness. When Yoga is performed in the direction of Ayurveda and practiced under the Ayurvedic guidelines, it helps to cure physical illness also. B.K.S Iyenger says medicine does not heal us. They only speed up the natural process of our body to heal itself. It is nature that heals, not the drugs. Similarly, Yoga practices also accelerates the natural process of healing, without using any type of drug. It may be slow but it is always effective. Relation Between Yoga & Ayurveda Both Yoga and Ayurveda, are based on the principles of Trigunas (sattva, tamas, and rajas), Tridoshas (Pitta, Kapha, and Vatta) and Panchmahabhutas (fire, air, earth, ether, and water) We can understand the meaning of Yoga with a simple verse of Patanjali Yoga Sutras, which is “yogas-chitta-vritti-nirodhaha”. It means, yoga heals all the suffering of our soul or spirit. This verse clears the aim of Yoga, which is ‘to heal a body from inside’ or ‘to remove all types of sufferings at the mental and spiritual level’. Yoga does so by settling the mind and unites us with our inner self. The verse in Ayurveda “svasmin-dishati-iti-svasthah” which means ‘one who is united to its inner self is healthy’ states that the aim of Ayurveda is also uniting us with our inner self. Both Ayurveda and Yoga have the same aim to heal the body and to make you healthy. One does it at the spiritual level and one at the physical level. Yoga seeks to unite the unleashed and higher self, that is not already developed (spiritual body). Ayurveda heals and unites the parts that are already developed (physical body) Yoga and Ayurveda Together: The Unity of Body, Mind, and Soul For a healthy body, the union of body, mind, and soul is required. This process starts with healing the physical body. Ayurveda stimulates the physical body and starts the process of healing. Ayurveda and yoga both stimulate the mind and unites it with the body. After that, it is the turn for the purification and union of the soul. Yoga stimulates the soul and unites it with body and mind. Thus Ayurveda and Yoga together unites the body, mind, and soul. Both are an inseparable part of each other and complete each other. Ayurveda is a part of yoga. Without Ayurveda, Yoga is nothing more than just a physical exercise, nothing else. Yoga cleans all the channels (nadis) of the body with different asanas and pranayama, but it is impossible to do it without the principles of Ayurveda. On the other hand, Yoga is part of Ayurveda. Yoga is mentioned in Ayurvedic Texts such as Chakra Samhita. The Ayurvedic routine is incomplete without Yoga. Yoga is very important to calm and relax the mind before any ayurvedic activity. Balancing the three ayurvedic doshas is impossible without Yoga. Yoga practices are the practical representation of Ayurveda. Thus, Ayurveda and Yoga complement each other. One who wants to stay healthy and who is trying to unite the mind, body, and soul, have to combine Yoga and Ayurveda together. Read More...

Pranayama

by Sushant Pandey 6 Likes

Types of Pranayama and Their Benefits

In my previous blog The Importance And Benefits Of Pranayama I explained the concept and meaning of pranayama, if you have not read it, I suggest to read it first to understand the nuances. In this part of the blog, I will discuss the techniques and benefits of each type of Pranayama. Pranayama is known as a Hatha Yoga practice to control and expand the vital energy (prana). In traditional texts such as Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gherand Samhita, there are many different types of pranayama and their benefits are immense. Each technique of pranayama is used specifically to bring about a specific change and benefits in the body-mind complex. Broadly speaking all the different pranayama techniques are categorized under four different categories- Pranayama Type and Their Benefits Balancing Pranayama: (Nadi Shodhana) According to the science of Hatha Yoga, the flow of breath in each nostril is intimately connected with various opposite and dual functions such as right and left hemisphere activities, sympathetic and Para sympathetic dominance, action and relaxation in the body. It can be said that we are dominated by cyclic fluctuations and that these fluctuations are reflected in the breath. Most notably in the breath in each nostril. The science of Hatha Yoga, more specifically named as Swara Yoga also observes that the predominance of breath in the right and left nostrils alternate on an average of ninety-minute cycles. Between the changes in dominance, there exists a state of balanced flow which is the period when all systems operate at an optimum level and capacity and the spiritual energy (Atma Shakti awakened). According to Swara Yoga and Hatha Yoga tradition, predominance air flow in one specific nostril signifies the predominant state of one of the specific nadis (energy flow) in the body. For an example predominance of right nostril signifies dominance of Pingala Nadi (Solar energy or vital energy current) whereas predominance of left nostril represents predominance of Ida Nadi or the psychic or mental pranic force. Once these two are in the state of balance and harmony then the third energy force is active which is Sushumna Nadi or uplifting spiritual energy. Literally, Nadi Shodhana means purification of Nadi (energy channels). This is one of the most significant pranayama practices in Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga tradition. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama Technique [caption id="attachment_8937" align="alignleft" width="300"] Nadi Shodhana Pranayama Technique[/caption] To perform Nadi Shodhana pranayama one may sit in any one comfortable position with the spine erect. Then bring right hand in front of the face in Nasagra mudra (hand gesture) with first two fingers resting on at the eyebrow centre and placing the thumb on the right nostril and ring finger on the left to close and open the nostrils. Now to start the first stage of the practice start inhaling from the left nostril with slow, deep and rhythmic breath while keeping the right closed with the thumb. At the end of inhalation close the left nostril and open the right and breathe slowly and deeply. After exhalation through the right nostril now inhale through the right and exhale through the left. This completes one round of the practice. This stage of Nadi Shodhana pranayama is also called alternate nostrils breathing. As this basic stage of the pranayama is mastered then gradually one is graduated to other stages of the technique which incorporates different breathing ratios. Benefits of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama Slow, deep, rhythmic breathing as practiced in Nadi Shodhana has far reaching effects on the entire system. It results in enhancing the vital capacity of our lungs and helps to relax the rhythms of the heart and nervous system. Inhalation is an active process and exhalation is relatively passive in nature. These two stages of breathing are also associated with sympathetic and para-sympathetic systems. During inhalation, the sympathetic system is active whereas during exhalation parasympathetic system is predominant. In Nadi shodhana, one has to be able to control respiration and expiration, which balances out the whole respiratory cycle. From the physiological point of view, Nadi shodhana is the perfect balancing practice. Alternate nostril breathing stimulates the left and right sides of the brain equally and there by the left and right sides of the body. Energetically, it directly balances the two major nadis Ida and Pingala, which play a major role in determining our thinking and behavior, deciding whether we are internalized or externalized. Furthermore, it is stated in the yogic texts that when ida and pingala are balanced and purified. Sushumna Nadi which is responsible for spiritual experience begins to flow. This leads to heightened awareness and spontaneous meditative states. When we follow the ration of 1:2 it imposes a smooth and even rhythm on the normal rhythm of the brain. By using the ratio of 1:2 which means keeping the length of exhalation double that of inhalation helps to provide ample time for brain and heart to relax. It also activates the functions of parasympathetic response in the body. Tranquilizing Pranayama (Ujjayi) Tranquilizing Pranayama (Ujjayi) Technique This process of Ujjayi breathing works on extending the breath with complete comfort, awareness, and relaxation. Ujjayi pranayama involves a very gentle contraction of glottis in the throat while breathing in and out. This gentle contraction of the throat helps to control and to regulate the flow of each inhalation and exhalation. As a result, each breath becomes very smooth, conscious and deep. Benefits of Tranquilizing Pranayama (Ujjayi) Normal respiration is very weak and only uses a very small percentage of the lung capacity. Ujjayi uses the complete respiration capacity & has a very powerful effect. There is proper gaseous exchange happening during the process in the blood. This process of Ujjayi pranayama imposes a conscious control over the process of inspiration and expiration. Otherwise, breath is controlled by unconscious areas of the brain. This conscious control over the breath helps to reset the autonomic functioning of the brain. The smooth and the relaxing rhythm of conscious breath initiated by Ujjayi helps in de-emotionalize the breath. It is one of those pranayama techniques which is highly beneficial for people suffering from anxiety or panic attack. This practice of Ujjayi leaves a profoundly relaxing effect at the psychic level the deeper level of our being. For this reason, Ujjayi is one of the most useful of all the Pranayama practices in Yoga therapy. Practice of Ujjayi also has an effect on Carotid Sinuses in the region of the throat. Carotid sinuses regulate blood pressure in the arteries. These sinuses control blood pressure through feedback mechanisms. Once Ujjayi pranayama is performed is exerts a mild pressure on these sinuses which in turn send a message to the brain to lower the blood pressure. Therefore it is a highly recommended practice for people suffering from high blood pressure, stress and anxiety. Heating Pranayama (Kapalbhati and Bhastrika) There is a number of heating pranayama techniques in Hatha Yoga which activate, vitalize and distribute prana in the body. By nature, this activating group of pranayama techniques are highly vitalizing and energizing. Kapalbhati Pranayama (Frontal brain cleansing pranayama) Kapalbhati Pranayama Technique The technique of Kapalbhati pranayama is performed by reversing the normal breathing cycle. By making inhalation passive and exhalation active. It initiates action by activating the vertical movements of the diaphragm in the body. During the practice, exhalation is forced out of the body by contraction of abdominal muscles and upward movement of the diaphragm followed by subsequent passive inhalation and relaxation of abdominal muscles. Normally Kapalbhati pranayama is performed at the rhythm of each contraction per second. But later on with practice rhythm of the breath can also be increased. Benefits of Kapalbhati Pranayama This dynamic and activation pranayama alters the level of carbon dioxide and other chemicals, acids, and alkalis in the blood. This is an excellent technique to mobilize stagnant air in the lungs and expels high quality of carbon dioxide. Kapalbhati pranayama is also part of six cleansing techniques (shatkarma) in traditional Hatha Yoga. The intention of the pranayama is to cleanse the body, the nervous system and removing accumulated gases that build up in the upper part of the lungs. On the pranic level, the constant abdominal movements in the body activate Samana Vayu which is responsible for the better exchange of energy. This activation of Samana Vayu and upward movement of prana stimulates the higher centers of the brain. On the physical plane constant contraction and relaxation of the abdominal muscles resulting in an improved distribution of blood and other digestive fluids in the abdominal region. Hence helps in improving the functioning of the system. Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellow breath) Bhastrika belongs to the same category of heating or activating pranayama. Effect-wise, Bhastrika pranayama is physically and energetically more intense and demanding than Kapalbhati pranayama. It is called bellows breath because it activates metabolic and pranic fire (Agni) by initiating movements in the abdomen as similar to that of bellows. Bhastrika Pranayama Technique Technically it is quite similar to Kapalbhati pranayama. The only difference is here is that in Bhastrika both inhalation and exhalation are active and forceful whereas in Kapalbhati pranayama the only exhalation is active. In Bhastrika pranayama one requires control over the diaphragm. During this practice, it is very common that one may start feeling dizzy and feel hyperventilated. Therefore to do this pranayama effectively one has to gradually develop control over inhalation and needs to regulate it consciously to avoid dizziness. This entire practice should be performed in a relaxed state of body and mind. Benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama Practice of Bhastrika pranayama fans the digestive fire and massages all the internal organs of the body. During the process, there is an intense activity of the diaphragm and the lungs which result in a better-oxygenated supply of the blood to all the different areas of the body and brain especially. In Bhastrika most of the carbon dioxide is expelled out of the system as a result one is prepared to hold retention of the breath (kumbhaka) for a long period of time. In traditional Hatha and Kundalini Yoga, Bhastrika is often used to prepare one for longer Kumbhaka experiences. Bhastrika is an excellent practice for those who live a very sedentary life. It helps to activate the metabolic fire and purifying all the different Dhatus (7 different bodily constituents according to Ayurveda). According to the Yogic texts and Ayurveda, a formation of the three Doshas known as Vata (air), Pitta (bile) and Kapha (phlegm) can be managed and balanced by the practice of Bhastrika. One of the major causes of diseases according to both Hatha Yoga and Ayurveda is the blocking of Agni (fire). Through Bhastrika pranayama this blocking is removed and Manipura chakra is vitalized. Unblocking pranic flow from Manipura Chakra (solar plexus or Navel chakra) help activating and piecing of the Granthis (psychic knots) and awakening the Brahma Nadi, according to Kundalini Yoga. Cooling Pranayama (Sheetali or Sheetkari) There is a number of pranayama techniques which leave a cooling effect on the body. These cooling pranayamas have effects on the mouth and all the blood vessels located there. There are many blood vessels in the mouth and the tongue, these techniques of cooling pranayama directly cool down the body because blood carries heat in the body. Once mouth and tongue are cooled down then the circulation of cooler blood result in cooling down the rest of the body and especially the brain. Sheetali Pranayama Sheetali Pranayama Technique [caption id="attachment_8938" align="alignleft" width="200"] Sheetali Pranayama[/caption] Literally, Sheetali means cooling. In this technique of Sheetali pranayama breathing take place through the mouth by rolling the tongue from the sides. With the rolling of the tongue, a tube-like structure is created through which one inhales deeply and then at the end of inhalation one closes the mouth and exhales through the nose. This entire process is repeated a number of times with long, slow and deep full yogic breathing (incorporating three stages of breathing- abdominal, chest and clavicular breathing). For a better cooling effect, one should perform it for 10-15 times with a relaxed body, breath, and mind. Sheetkari Pranayama Sheetkari Pranayama Technique [caption id="attachment_8939" align="alignleft" width="200"] Sheetkari Pranayama[/caption] Sheetkari also means cooling breath, it is another variation of the cooling category of pranayamas. It is more convenient for people who cannot roll the tongue from the side. In the practice, lips are opened and teeth are exposed and then a long, slow and deep breath is taken through the mouth and at the end of inhalation lips are closed and exhalation happens through the nose. Once one inhales through the teeth, breath creates a hissing sound and results in cooling effects in the entire mouth region. Like Sheetali pranayama, Sheetkari can also be repeated for 10-15 times. Benefits of Sheetkari Pranayama Through these techniques a control is developed over temperature controlling mechanisms in the brain. These techniques are performed in Yoga Sadhana to cool down the excessive heat generated during the practices. This is excellent practice for those who have excessive Pitta activities. Regarding the benefits of this technique, it has been mentioned that one again control over sleep, lethargy, thirst, and hunger. These effects are possible because of cooling or lowering the body temperature which automatically activates Ida. With Ida activation, there is a natural effect on the mind to get internalized. And with the cooling of the body, there is a tendency to relax deeper and fall asleep. These practices which cool down the physical systems and activate Ida Nadi, are recommended for anger management, excessive anxiety, and insomnia. Rishikesh Yogis Yogshala offers Yoga Alliance accredited Yoga Teacher Training Certification Courses in Rishikesh. At Rishikesh Yogis, we believe yoga is a lifestyle. It is not a technique or a mere practice; it is how one can lead their life towards its betterment. Our yoga retreats and training sessions lead you to immerse yourself into the yogic lifestyle while dwelling in an ashram-style setting, alongside experienced and dedicated yogis. We have Internationally acclaimed award-winning world-class certified yoga trainers. Read More...

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We love to share photos of beautiful Rishikesh from our current students and alumni. At Rishikesh Yogis, we believe yoga is a life-style. It is not a technique or a mere practice; it is how one can lead their life towards its betterment. Our yoga retreats and training sessions lead you to immerse yourself into the yogic lifestyle while dwelling in an ashram style setting, alongside experienced and dedicated yogis.

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