What is Pranayama?

'PRANAYAMA is the link between the mental and physical disciplines. It awakens the dormant powers of the mind and body, leading to a state of inner peace and harmony'.

-Swami Sivananda

* THE ROOTS OF PRANAYAMA *

PRANAYAMA is derived from the Sanskrit words prana (life force) and ayama (extension or control), is an ancient from from yogic practice dating back over 5,000 years.

ROOTED in the traditions of India, it was first codified in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali around 200 BCE, where breath control is described as a vital step toward mastering the mind and achieving inner peace.

FOR MILLENIA, sages and yogis have refined these techniques, passing them down through generations as a sacred tool for health, clarity, and spiritual awakening.

TRADITIONALLY, pranayama was practiced in ashrams and forests, often in solitude, to harmonize the body’s energy systems and prepare for deep meditation.

TODAY, this timeless practice is more relevant than ever, offering a remedy to the stress and disconnection of modern life.

THESE TEACHINGS have been safeguarded for thousands of years. In this course, you’ll tap into this ancient wisdom, adapted to your personal journey.

* WHY PRANAYAMA? *

Pranayama offers profound benefits for your body, mind and spirit. Here’s what you can expect:

FULL BODY REVITALIZATION: Supercharge your energy, increase oxygen intake, revitalize the respiratory system, strengthen immunity, and rejuvenate your organs.

REDUCE MENTAL CHAOS: Slow, intentional breathing lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and quiets overactive thoughts, reducing mental entropy.

MENTAL TRANSFORMATION: Control the breath, control the mind. Reduce stress and anxiety, break obsessive-compulsive thought patterns, heighten awareness, increase confidence and sharpen focus.

PHYSICAL OPTIMIZATION: Enhance circulation, regulate blood pressure, improve sleep, and boost digestion. Experience balance between effort and relaxation.

BREATH MASTERY: Relieve nasal obstruction, correct mouth-breathing habits, deepen meditation, and achieve heart-mind balance. Elevate your ‘State of Being’.

SYSTEM HARMONY: Promote homeostasis, detoxify your blood, reduce inflammation, and elevate metabolism. Harmony = Homeostasis.

BALANCE ENERGY: Practice sessions can either wake you up (e.g., Kapalabhati) or calm you down (e.g., Anuloma Viloma), helping you feel steady and clear, rather than scattered.

IMPROVE FOCUS: By syncing breath with awareness, you train your mind to stay present — less drifting, more order. Control the mind instead of being controlled by the mind.

PHYSICAL CALM: Pranayama activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest mode), easing tension and stabilizing heart rate.

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“If I had only one spiritual practice in daily life, what would it be? I would say, observe your breath."

-Eckhart Tolle

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Pranayama is an experiential-based teaching. It is not a religIon. It could be considered spiritual — or not. All are welcome. It is based on clear objectives and quantifiable results. There are no pre-requirements. If you’re breathing, you qualify. Pranayama is not a magic pill, though. It requires commitment and follow-through.

Here, however, is the magic that you will discover:

❖ CONTROL YOUR BREATH — CONTROL YOUR MIND ❖

Controlling the mind through conscious control of the breath is at the heart of these ancient yogic teachings. A simple practice becomes a positive feedback loop. In certain terms, the body can be seen as an extension of the mind. Pranayama induces physiological changes that simultaneously affect the mind. A particular, conscious, symbiotic relationship is established.

After all, you’re already breathing about 25,000 breaths per day. Why not experience for yourself the transformative power of these simple breathing practices?

Taking conscious control of your breath is the single most effective way to take conscious control of your life.

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“An ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of theory.“

-Swami Vishnudevananda

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STRONG BODY - CLEAR MIND - OPEN HEART - FREE SPIRIT

START HERE

Joseph Salamon

Joseph Salamon is certified as a yoga teacher (TTC) and an advanced yoga teacher (ATTC) He is a an Acharya of the Sivananda Saraswati lineage.

Joseph became a direct disciple of Swami Sitaramananda in 2009. Swami Sitaramananda is a senior Acharya and direct disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda. Under her direction and after four years of monastic life as a renunciate, living practicing and teaching yoga in traditional ashrams around the world, Joseph received the title of Yoga Acharya within his lineage. He has had the opportunity to share classical yoga with thousands of students around the world. Currently, Joseph teaches yoga, specializing in pranayama and mediation from his Northern California mountain sanctuary; Mount Shambala.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

My intention is to make these pranayama breath practices as accessible as possible. In truth, no online platform can fully replicate an in-person teacher/student experience. For most people, traveling to my yoga studio or spending time in a real yoga ashram is impractical.

Technology opens new doors. Today we hold a vision that leverages modern technology making these sacred teachings available to everyone. Through platforms like YouTube and Zoom we can provide effective alternatives. In fact, being able to easily record all class sessions for students to review and utilize is an opportunity that wasn't available until recently. The goal is to use technology, the internet, and social media as tools for positive change.

I've been blessed with the opportunity to learn and study directly under some of the great living masters in the ancient arts of yoga. I put my faith and trust in them and discovered what for me was truly transformational and revealing at the deepest level.

I believe the teachings speak for themselves.

It is my honer and privilege to share these ancient yogic practices that I hold sacred.

-Joseph

BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION

BEGINNER / LEVEL ONE

This is the perfect entry point for those with little or no experience in pranayama. It's also a good review for intermediate students. We start at the beginning, providing context and easy-to-follow instructions.

The instructional videos are designed for relaxed, guided pranayama breath practice. As you progress, we incrementally guide you further into your breaths true potential. The power of these practices lies in their simplicity, requiring only a little patience. Many students experience noticeable results from their very first practice.

INTERMEDIATE / LEVEL TWO

This is for those with an established pranayama breath practice. With a strong foundation, we can now deepen our understanding through direct experience. The intermediate student knows how to consciously control the breath and has experienced its results.

For interested students, we provide an in-depth understanding of both the history and recent scientific discoveries related to these transformative breath practices.

ADVANCED / LEVEL THREE

Advanced level teachings are not available online. They can only be taught directly and under the right circumstances, as certain precautionary measures are required. Generally, it takes a year of consistent practice before considering advanced pranayama techniques. If you are interested in learning advanced pranayama, please feel free to contact us.

INHALE / EXHALE

All of this can seem quite complex when really it’s so simple. You’re already breathing. Follow the breath — it’s your link to life. How many breaths away from experiencing the ancient art of pranayama are you?

I’m happy to try an answer any questions you might have.

Call or text (530) 264-6833

What is Pranayama?

Joseph Salamon

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION

BEGINNER / LEVEL ONE

INTERMEDIATE / LEVEL TWO

ADVANCED / LEVEL THREE

INHALE / EXHALE

Breath and Spirit are One