Specialist Course · Science of Breath

Prana Shakti

The Science of Breath & Vitality

Self-Paced90-Day AccessYoga Alliance YACEP

An advanced Prana & Pranayama training moving from the mechanics of the breath through the eight classical Kumbhakas to the science of Matra, brain waves, and teaching methodology.

Students practicing eye and breath awareness technique
Overview

Structured across three progressive weeks, Pranashakti moves from the biological mechanics of breath — the Bohr Effect, hypercapnia training, the Vagus Nerve — into the eight classical Kumbhakas of the Ashta Sahita Kumbhaka Pranayama, and finally into the science of ratio, brain waves, and how to teach breath safely to others.

This is not a collection of breathing exercises but a systematic study of true Kumbhaka — retention — mastery, grounded equally in classical texts and modern respiratory physiology.

Who This Is For

Is This Course Right for You?

Curriculum

Six Modules Across Three Weeks

From foundational biological breath to Kevala Kumbhaka — a complete arc through the classical Kumbhakas.

Week 1 · Module 1

Foundations & The Biological Breath

  • The 5 Vayus & Nadis — mapping internal energy flow (Ida, Pingala, Sushumna)
  • Shatkarma vs. Pranayama — why we start with Kapalbhati to clear mucus and CO₂ stagnation
  • Respiratory physiology — the diaphragm and the mechanics of negative-pressure breathing
  • The science of the first breath — how the brain signals inhalation based on CO₂ levels
Week 1 · Module 2

The Chemistry of Prana — CO₂ & Oxygen

  • The Bohr Effect — why CO₂ is the key that unlocks oxygen from blood into cells
  • Hypercapnia Training — how breath retention builds CO₂ tolerance, reducing anxiety
  • The Vagus Nerve — how long exhalations shift the body from fight-or-flight to rest-and-repair
  • Bandha Physics — Mula, Jalandhara and Uddiyana as pressure and endocrine tools
Week 2 · Module 3

The Solar & Heating Kumbhakas

  • Surya Bhedana — activating the Pingala (Sun) channel for metabolic heat
  • Ujjayi Kumbhaka — the Victorious Breath, slowing airflow to calm the heart
  • Bhastrika — advanced pumping to oxygenate the blood before long retention
  • Acid-base balance — how Bhastrika and Kapalbhati shift blood pH
Week 2 · Module 4

The Lunar & Subtle Kumbhakas

  • Sitali & Sitkari — the cooling breaths for thermal regulation
  • Bhramari — using vibration to produce nitric oxide, a natural vasodilator
  • Murcha & Plavini — advanced techniques for sensory withdrawal and digestive lightness
Week 3 · Module 5

The Science of Matra (Ratios) & Brain Waves

  • The 1:4:2 ratio — the mathematical precision of prana for deep meditative states
  • Brain wave evolution — how Kumbhaka moves the brain from Beta to Alpha/Theta
  • Pranayama therapy protocols for hypertension, asthma and insomnia
  • Cellular longevity — slow breathing and reduced oxidative stress
Week 3 · Module 6

Teaching Methodology & Kevala Kumbhaka

  • Sequencing mastery — designing a professional 60-minute prana session
  • Safety and contraindications, including managing high blood pressure
  • Kevala Kumbhaka — the science of spontaneous stillness, where the urge to breathe disappears
  • Final practicum — demonstration and teaching evaluation
What's Included

Everything You Need to Learn Deeply

Certification

About Your YACEP Certification

On completion, you receive a certificate for 30 Continuing Education Hours, issued under Science and Stillness's status as a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP).

YACEP hours are recognised by Yoga Alliance worldwide and count directly toward the Continuing Education requirements for maintaining your RYT-200, RYT-500, or other Yoga Alliance credential. If you are not currently registered with Yoga Alliance, the certificate still stands as documented proof of specialised training hours completed under a recognised provider.

Your certificate is issued in your name on record with Yoga Alliance, and includes the course title, total hours, and date of completion.

Your Teacher

Taught by Nisha Ahya

Nisha Ahya is an E-RYT 500 and IAYT-certified yoga therapist and educator, holding an M.Sc. in Yoga & Naturopathy and currently a PhD scholar in the field. She founded Science and Stillness to bring classical yoga education — grounded equally in traditional texts and modern scientific understanding — to sincere students worldwide.

Read more about Nisha's teaching background →

Enrol

Self-Paced, Lifetime-Ready Learning

Study at your own pace with full lesson access for 90 days from the date of enrolment.

FAQs

Common Questions

Do I need prior pranayama experience to join?

A basic personal pranayama practice is helpful, but the course is structured to build from foundational biological breath before introducing the classical Kumbhakas.

Is a certificate provided?

Yes — on successful completion you receive a Yoga Alliance (YACEP) certificate.

Is this course suitable for teaching, or only personal practice?

Both. The final week includes a dedicated module on teaching methodology, sequencing and contraindications, so you can safely bring this work to your own students.

How long do I have to complete the course?

You have 90 days of access from enrolment to move through all six modules at your own pace.

Are there any safety considerations?

Yes — Module 6 covers contraindications in detail, including guidance for students with high blood pressure or other conditions requiring caution with breath retention.