What is Pranayama?

Roots: Pranayama is a core part of classical yoga, outlined in texts like Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (circa 400 CE) and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (15th century). Pranayama bridges body and mind, preparing you for meditation.

Concept: Breath is seen as a vehicle for prana, the vital energy that flows through subtle channels (nadis) in the body. By controlling the breath, you influence your physical, mental, and emotional states.

❖ Benefits for your State of Being ❖

Reduces Mental Chaos: Slow, intentional breathing lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and quiets overactive thoughts, reducing mental entropy.

Balances 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.

Improves 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

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Joseph Salamon

Beginning in 2012, I had the honor and privilege of living in the ashram of Swami Sitaramananda and studying directly under her guidance. A direct disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda, she is a senior Acharya in the Sivananda lineage. Four years of monastic life with her allowed me to learn, practice, and teach yoga to thousands of students worldwide. In 2016, I received the title of Acharya within the Sivananda lineage.

In 2017, I began teaching independently. Aside from workshops and retreats, I now teach from my home in the mountains of Northern California. With modern technology, I can share these sacred teachings in ways never before possible, offering the long-held secrets of the breath in service of a world where we can all breathe more fully, deeply, and lovingly.

I am a certified yoga teacher (TTC) and an advanced yoga teacher (ATTC). I currently teach classical yoga, specializing in pranayama.

ON A MORE 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 teaching experience. However, for most people, traveling to a yoga studio or spending time in an ashram is impractical.

Technology opens new doors. Platforms like YouTube and Zoom provide effective alternatives. In fact, being able to easily record all class sessions for the student 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 believe the teachings speak for themselves. At Mount Shambala, there are no discounts, sales, or special offers. As we used to say at the ashram, “If the nectar is there, the bees will come."

Trust is everything. If you’re willing to trust in the teachings and my ability to share them, I will do my very best to be worthy of that trust. First, though, I ask that you trust your own intuition. If you feel now is the right time to take the first step, I look forward to our journey together.

-Joe

BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION

Smiling student checks her breath during online pranayama lesson.

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 increase complexity. The power of these practices lies in their simplicity, requiring only a little patience. Many students experience noticeable results from their very first practice.

Alternate-nostril breathing being practiced by a very focused pranayama student.

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.

A classical illustration of an ancient practitioner of pranayama on a mat in a grove.

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.

Incense cone with smoke drifting over a jasmine blossom.

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 MORE PERSONAL NOTE

BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION

BEGINNER / LEVEL ONE

INTERMEDIATE / LEVEL TWO

ADVANCED / LEVEL THREE

INHALE / EXHALE

Breath and Spirit are One