Breath As Medicine: A Yoga Therapy Pranayama Series - by Elizabeth Shuler

COURSE

Breath As Medicine: A Yoga Therapy Pranayama Series

With Elizabeth Shuler

This course invites you into an embodied exploration of Pranayama, the ancient yogic science of breath regulation. Together, we will explore different breathing techniques and their effects on the nervous system, subtle body, emotional landscape, and overall vitality, with particular care for bodies living with Long COVID, chronic illness, and burnout. This is about learning how to work with your body again. Each session will include: Guided healing pranayama practices Education on how specific breath patterns influence physiology, energy, and awareness Space to notice, integrate, and reflect on your lived experience This is not about forcing, pushing limits, or performance-based breathwork. All practices are adaptable and invitational. You are welcome to rest, modify, or simply observe at any time.

GroundedhappyPainmanagementStressYogaPranayamaHappinessRecoveryhealingStressanxietyParentspiritualityMovement

Meet your Teacher

Elizabeth Shuler
Kortrijk, Belgium

Liz Shuler is a seasoned teacher of pranayama, blending deep expertise in breathwork with a robust academic and therapeutic background. As a certified Yoga Therapist and Yoga Teacher, Liz brings a nuanced understanding of pranayama’s physiological and energetic effects. Her PsyD and MSc in counseling grounds her teaching in science, while her Reiki Master certification allows her to integrate subtle energy principles into practice. With experience supporting individuals with chronic illness and Long-COVID (and personal experience of her own), Liz offers a compassionate, informed approach to pranayama that addresses both physical and energetic recovery. Her blend of scientific rigor and spiritual insight makes her uniquely qualified to guide others in harnessing the transformative power of breath.

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6 Days

1 students

No ratings

57 min / day

Health & Happiness

English

Lesson 1

Deep Breathing With Ratios

This is a deceptively simple practice. If you've ever done box breathing, that is a version of this. Inhaling for a specific count, perhaps holding the breath for a specific count, and then exhaling for a specific count. You might also hold at the bottom of the exhale, depending on your practice. This is a calming pranayama and it works primarily in the nervous system and mental body, calming the mind. There are no contraindications, but you should never feel strain or like you are losing your breath.

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Lesson 2

Ujjayi Breath

Today we will be practicing Ujjayi Pranayama, or Victorious Breath. This is the Darth Vadar breath. Imagine you are inhaling and exhaling through the throat. This is a balancing breath that works primarily in the nervous system and mental body, calming the mind and finding presence and interoception, how we understand what our body is telling us.

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Lesson 3

Surya Bhedan

Today, we will be practicing Surya Bhedan or right nostril breathing. Surya means sun, bheda means to pierce/awaken. In the body, the pingala nadi represents the energy of the Sun or vital energy, Surya bhedan, which means to pierce or purify the pingala nadi. It is a simple inhale through the right nostril and exhale through the left. Please avoid if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, epilepsy, ulcer, GERD, respiratory or lung conditions, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, headache, or are menstruating.

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Lesson 4

Cooling Breath

Today we will be practicing Cooling breath, which can be Sheetali or Sitkari breathing. Both of these involve inhaling through the mouth with different tongue and mouth positions. Contraindications: blood pressure, asthma, respiratory disorders, excessive mucous, cold or flu, or chronic constipation. For sitkari, avoid if you have sensitive teeth.

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Lesson 5

Anulom Vilom

Today, we will be practicing Anulom Vilom or alternate nostril breathing. This is a more involved pranayama. One round starts by breathing in through the left nostril, breathing out, and then in from the right nostril, then breathing in through the left. No contraindications.

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Lesson 6

Kapalbhati

Today we will be practicing Kapalbhati or Shining Skull breath. Kapalbhati is a Pranayama practice, but also a yogic cleansing technique. This pranayama needs to be done in a seated position in order to have the abdominal muscles lax enough. Contraindications: heart problems, high blood pressure, lung problems, recent abdominal surgery, stroke, vertigo, or epilepsy during pregnancy.

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