Pranayama And Beyond: A Journey Through The 5 Vayus - by Rachel Zinman

COURSE

Pranayama And Beyond: A Journey Through The 5 Vayus

With Rachel Zinman

What does vitality mean to you? Is energy something you strive to harness, yet you’re not always sure what’s might be depleting you? In this transformative course, we will explore the concept of energy from the perspective of Yoga, with a special focus on the Sanskrit term "prana." Join Rachel as we break open our ideas about energy and learn to cultivate lasting strength and vitality through gentle yet powerful pranayama practices. Feel supported in your understanding the 5 different types of prana, known as "pancha vayus," and how to harness this knowledge to locate, increase, and store prana within your being. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped to recognize when your pranas are depleted and discover simple breathing techniques to optimize the efficiency of your life force. Knowledge empowers us to become our own best healers. Each lesson will begin with a brief talk, followed by a practical breathing practice, allowing you to embody the wisdom of the Pancha Vayus and unlock your full potential for vitality and well-being. Join Rachel on this empowering journey of self-discovery and energy mastery, uncover the boundless reservoirs of prana within, so you can lead a life infused with radiant energy and lasting wellbeing.


Meet your Teacher

Rachel Zinman is a highly experienced yoga teacher, author, and passionate explorer of the subtle realms of yoga and meditation. With an impressive teaching journey spanning over 30 years, Rachel brings a wealth of wisdom and insight to her offerings. Since 2004, she has been sharing her knowledge of subtle anatomy and the art of pranayama on various teacher trainings and in transformative global workshops. Her classes go beyond the physical postures, guiding students on a journey to discover the essence of Prana and its power in transforming our lives. Rachel's approachable and heart-centered teaching style creates a nurturing space for students to explore, expand, and connect with their innate wisdom. In addition to her teaching, Rachel is an accomplished author, having written a captivating book on yoga and ayurveda. She has also been a prolific writer for publications like Australian Yoga Life and Australian Yoga Journal, where her insightful contributions continue to inspire readers and fellow practitioners. With a teaching journey that spans over three decades, Rachel remains a respected figure in the global yoga community, touching the lives of countless students and travellers on the path.

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5 Days

905 students

4.8 stars

12 min / day

Motivation

English


Lesson 1

Breathing Into Vitality: Exploring Prana Vayu

In this lesson, you will learn about the definition of Prana and the difference between breath and prana. You'll practice a simple breath observation technique to tune into the subtle forces that animate our breath. Additionally, you'll be introduced to the five vital forces of prana, starting with Prana Vayu—the force of inhalation and inspiration. Finally, you'll practice Viloma pranayama, a technique to expand your energy. By the end of the lesson, you will have a greater understanding of what balances and imbalances this subtle energy located at the heart of every breath.

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Lesson 2

Discover Apana Vayu: The Downward Flow

In this lesson, we will learn about the force of Prana that moves downward and out. We'll also discover how we can aid this natural process, as well as shed light on where we might hinder our own flow. The session includes a Pranayama practice that fosters calmness through the experience of extending the exhalation, as well as taking time to reflect on our personal breath patterns as they relate to this grounding and detoxifying form of energy.

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Lesson 3

Samana Vayu: Harnessing The Digestive Power

This lesson explores the connection between the brain and our digestive force, as well as how a balanced digestive system brings harmony to the mind and ignites our inner strength. You'll also learn how the forces of prana in inspiration and release create the power to assimilate all our life experiences. Additionally, you'll discover the equalizing breath with a color visualization, which engenders tranquility.

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Lesson 4

Vyana Vayu: Your Energetic Flow

In this lesson, we delve into the realm of Vyana Vayu, the powerful force that drives circulation and energy flow throughout our entire being. Discover how Vyana Vayu is present in every breath and movement, fueling the heart, lungs, muscles, and beyond. Learn how to recognize the signs of imbalance in Vyana Vayu and how it affects our overall well-being. Through a dynamic pranayama practice called the Tibetan Rhythm, we'll explore the art of balancing and harmonizing this vital force, promoting mental clarity, grace, and cohesion in both body and mind.

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Lesson 5

The Dance Of Udana Vayu: Movement, Communication, And Consciousness

In this lesson, we will explore Udana Vayu, the ascending wind that fosters graceful movement, communication, and the freedom of expression through your own voice. Discover the significance of this energetic force in connecting with the space element and the natural flow of subtle energy in your life. Through a breathwork practice followed by a simple Kriya meditation, you'll enhance your awareness of Udana Vayu's role in promoting mental clarity and a sense of cohesion in the body. Experience the uplifting power of this force within you and its ability to guide you through life's journey, allowing your authentic voice to shine forth.

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4.8 (41)

Recent Reviews

ilinca

October 14, 2025

Excellent course. I loved both the explanations and the practices. Thank you 🙏🪷

Wren

September 16, 2025

Thank you for this wonderful course. I found it to be very helpful in my study of Pranayama, and a wonderful accent to a course I am currently taking off of Insight Timer to get a certification as a breath work and pranayama facilitator. Much love and light 💖

Tammy

November 25, 2024

Thank you for this course. It’s excellent. You give such clear explanations of the vayus and the breath. I found I could practice the pranayamas without tension. Which is unusual for me. Thank you. I’m going to do this course again and again and also look at your other offerings. Much gratitude.

Jill

November 16, 2024

Very informative & interesting! Thank you ❤️

Catrin

July 13, 2024

Very good course - thanks ☺️

Chi

February 12, 2024

Very informative & thank you

Ana

November 3, 2023

I looked forward to each class and the calming feeling afterwards. The theory is very well explained and it helps to have a practice after. I will repeat the 5 lessons to learn better all the knowledge Rachel kindly put together for us. I highly recommend everyone to invest time doing this course. Many thanks 🙏🏽

Michael

October 15, 2023

New (for me) aspects of prana and pranic practice. Teaching is clear and welcoming. This course has inspired me to continue exploring in-depth.

Brian

October 1, 2023

Really loved this class would love to do more

Anne

September 30, 2023

Very informative course. Some very interesting ideas and breath work exercises

Yvonne

August 28, 2023

This was a short and interesting course on the Pancha Vayus. Thank you 🙏🏻

Amy

August 26, 2023

Wonderful course. Thank you 🙏

Donna

August 11, 2023

This is a terrific introduction to the principle of inner winds, the Prana Vayu. The explanations are easy to understand, with clear examples representing each Vayu. I really liked Rachel’s tone. I felt at ease, that I was being guided by an experienced yogi and teacher. Many thanks. 🪷

Lalitha

August 6, 2023

I loved the course! I have never left a negative feedback in all my time on Insight timer... But this needs to be said. I didn't like the pace of the course. Everything feels too rushed! It would have been so much better if the amount of information dispensed as theory equalled the amount of time alloted for breathwork practice. I felt too rushed with the fast pace even while practicing breathwork. Otherwise I have learnt quite a lot in this course. I hope my feedback is taken well and is used to improve future courses which I will definitely come back for. Thank you.

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