Professional Yoga Instructor Courses: Bhastrika, Ujjayi, and Nadi Shodhana Pranayamas in the System of Classical Hatha Yoga
Bhastrika, Ujjayi, and Nadi Shodhana as the Foundation of Prana, Nervous System, and Consciousness Regulation
You can read more about the Yoga Instructor Course on the course website:
kurspoyoge.com
Course registration:
📞 Phone: +380984777777
(Viber / Telegram / WhatsApp)
Yoga Alliance website:
yogaalliance.com.ua
In classical Hatha Yoga, pranayama occupies a central place in the system of training for practitioners and especially for future yoga instructors.
It is not an auxiliary breathing exercise, but a science of managing life energy (prana) that directly influences physiology, psycho-emotional state, the functioning of the nervous system, and the quality of consciousness.
In professional yoga instructor education, pranayamas are not studied in isolation, but as a holistic system that prepares the body and mind for subtler practices—dharana, dhyana, and meditation.
This article examines three key pranayamas that are mandatory in the classical tradition:
•Bhastrika — activation and purification;
•Ujjayi — stabilization and calming;
•Nadi Shodhana — balance and harmonization of the energy channels.
The Role of Pranayama in Professional Yoga Instructor Training
For a future yoga teacher, it is critically important to understand that pranayama:
•regulates the activity of the autonomic nervous system;
•affects the endocrine and cardiovascular systems;
•purifies the energy channels (nadis);
•develops mental stability and the ability to concentrate;
•serves as a bridge between physical and meditative practice.
A yoga instructor is responsible not only for their own practice, but also for the safe and correct transmission of techniques to students, which is impossible without a deep understanding of mechanisms of action, indications, and contraindications.
Bhastrika — “The Bellows Breath”
Essence of the Practice
The word “Bhastrika” translates from Sanskrit as “blacksmith’s bellows.” The name precisely reflects the essence of the technique: the lungs actively and rhythmically fill and empty with air, creating a powerful flow of prana and internal heat.
Main Objective
Bhastrika activates metabolic processes, strengthens the internal fire (agni), and promotes the burning of:
•physical impurities;
•pranic blockages;
•psycho-emotional tension and neurotic states.
Method of Practice
The practice is performed in a stable seated position with a straight spine.
Special attention is given to:
•the work of the diaphragm and abdomen;
•minimal involvement of the chest;
•correct use of mudras and locks (Antaranga Maha Bandha).
The technique includes:
•active breathing cycles through the left nostril, right nostril, and both nostrils;
•mandatory breath retentions with locks;
•gradual increase in intensity and duration of retentions.
Focus of Attention
On the counting of breaths, rhythm and length of retentions, as well as the internal sensation of heat and energy.
Benefits
Bhastrika:
•strengthens the digestive fire;
•accelerates circulation and metabolism;
•cleanses the lungs and improves gas exchange;
•increases overall vitality;
•powerfully charges the pranic body with energy.
Contraindications
•cardiovascular diseases;
•hernias;
•hypertension;
•pregnancy and menstruation;
•contraindications to performing bandhas.
Ujjayi — “The Victorious Breath”
Essence of the Practice
The term “Ujjayi” translates as “victorious breath.” This pranayama is characterized by a gentle, controlled narrowing of the glottis, creating a distinctive internal sound resembling the sound of ocean waves.
Main Objective
Deep physical and mental relaxation while maintaining awareness and steady attention.
Method of Practice
Ujjayi can be performed:
•in a seated position;
•directly within asanas, especially during static postures.
Key elements:
•minimal tension in the throat;
•smooth, even breathing;
•control of the sound, audible only to the practitioner.
Breathing ratios range from equal phases (1:1) to more complex proportions with retention (1:2:1; 1:4:2, etc.).
Focus of Attention
On vibrations in the throat area and the continuity of the audible breathing flow.
Benefits
Ujjayi:
•reduces stress and anxiety;
•normalizes blood pressure and heart rhythm;
•improves lung ventilation;
•tones the thyroid gland;
•supports nervous system recovery and quality sleep.
Contraindications
•inflammatory conditions of the larynx and lungs;
•significant enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Nadi Shodhana — Purification of the Energy Channels
Essence of the Practice
“Nadi” means energy channels, and “Shodhana” means purification.
Nadi Shodhana is a fundamental technique for balancing prana and purifying the human energy system.
Main Objective
Harmonization of the left and right energy flows and purification of the nadis.
Method of Practice
The practice is performed in a seated position using Nasikagra Mudra and mandatory breath locks.
Key features:
•alternating breathing through the nostrils;
•awareness of coolness on inhalation and warmth on exhalation;
•strict adherence to breathing ratios.
Focus of Attention
On subtle sensations of airflow, symmetry of breathing, and mental steadiness.
Effects of the Practice
Nadi Shodhana:
•stabilizes the nervous system;
•improves concentration;
•prepares the practitioner for meditation;
•balances the psycho-emotional state.
It is not recommended to practice late in the evening due to its pronounced energizing effect.
Pranayama as an Essential Skill for a Yoga Instructor
In professional yoga instructor training, pranayama:
•is studied systematically;
•is mastered with an understanding of physiology and energetics;
•is taught with consideration of students’ individual characteristics.
For this reason, instructor training programs place special emphasis on teaching methodology, not only on personal practice.
Teacher Training and Certification
The Ukrainian Yoga Alliance is the largest non-profit organization responsible for establishing and maintaining yoga teaching standards in Ukraine.
The main areas of activity of the Alliance include:
•uniting the professional yoga community;
•developing and approving qualification requirements;
•official certification of yoga instructors;
•maintaining the Unified Register of Certified Teachers.
The Ukrainian Yoga Alliance is the largest non-profit organization that establishes and maintains yoga teaching standards in Ukraine.
The main areas of activity of the Alliance include:
•uniting the professional yoga community,
•developing and approving qualification requirements,
•official certification of yoga instructors,
•maintaining the Unified Register of Certified Yoga Teachers.
Training Format and Examination
Within online yoga instructor training courses, students of the Yoga Alliance School undergo mandatory practical and theoretical assessment.
Passing Surya Namaskar is part of the examination process.
A video of the exam, conducted within online courses, is available via the link — click to watch.
You can watch a full video overview of the online course by the Head of the Yoga Alliance, Vladimir Bondarenko, on our YouTube channel by following the link.
Training Locations and Tuition Fees
Branches of the Yoga Alliance School have resumed operations in the following cities:
• Kyiv
• Kharkiv
• Dnipro
• Odesa
• Lviv
• Klaipėda (Lithuania)
• Bansko (Bulgaria)
• Athens (Greece)
• Prague (Czech Republic)
• Torrevieja (Spain)
• Vienna (Austria)
• Cascais (Portugal)
These branches offer continuously running offline yoga instructor training courses led by senior instructors of the Alliance.
Tuition fees:
•online course — 15,500 UAH
•offline course — 17,500 UAH
Since August 2022, instructors who successfully pass examinations with distinction receive the right to train future yoga instructors on behalf of the Yoga Alliance and conduct teacher training courses jointly with the Organization.
Such instructors receive the status of Senior Instructor of the Yoga Alliance and earn 50% of the course fee for each student.
For full details, contact us via Viber / Telegram / WhatsApp:
+380984777777
Training Results
After completing the one-month course and successfully passing the exams, you will:
•receive two international Yoga Alliance certificates registered with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine;
•obtain the right to teach yoga in more than 100 countries worldwide;
•master a well-structured class format including kriyas, pranayama, and meditation;
•receive lifetime access to video lessons, an application for learning posture names, and 12 balanced printed lesson plans for the first year of teaching;
•receive the “Gold Standard” methodological guide — a detailed manual on asanas, chakras, mudras, bandhas, and key techniques of classical yoga.
Additional Materials
Contacts and Registration
You can read more about the Yoga Instructor Course on the course website:
Course registration:
📞 Phone: +380984777777
(Viber / Telegram / WhatsApp)
Yoga Alliance website: