The breath is one of the most accessible and powerful tools we have for cultivating awareness, influencing our physiological state, and deepening our connection to ourselves.

Breathwork Foundations is an immersive 16-hour continuing education training that bridges the ancient wisdom of pranayama with modern respiratory science, nervous system physiology, and contemporary breathwork practices.

Rooted in traditional yogic teachings and informed by current scientific understanding, this training explores the relationship between breath, body, mind, and consciousness. Students will develop a deeper understanding of how breathing patterns influence our physical, mental, and emotional experiences while learning practical techniques they can incorporate into their personal practice or professional work.

Through guided experiences, discussion, hands-on practice, and teaching exercises, participants will explore more than 15 breathing techniques, ranging from foundational breath awareness and calming practices to energizing methods and structured breath sequences.

The training emphasizes safe, intentional, and accessible instruction while honoring both the traditional roots of pranayama and the evolving science of breathwork.

Whether you’re a yoga teacher looking to expand your teaching, a wellness professional interested in integrating breathing practices into your work, or someone seeking a deeper personal understanding of the breath, this training provides a practical foundation for continued exploration.

The training runs from:

Apr 24 - Apr 25, 2027

See schedule below Sign up

What you'll learn in this yoga teacher training

1. Foundations of Breathwork and Pranayama

Explore the history and philosophy of pranayama, the concept of prana, the Pancha Vayus, and the role of breath in traditional yogic practices. Understand how classical teachings connect with contemporary approaches to breathwork.

2. Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology

Develop an understanding of the diaphragm, respiratory mechanics, oxygen and carbon dioxide balance, breathing patterns, and the relationship between respiration and the autonomic nervous system.

3. More Than 15 Breathing Techniques

Learn and experience foundational and contemporary techniques, including:
Dirga Pranayama (Three-Part Breath)

Sama Vritti (Equal Breathing)
Passive Breath Awareness
Extended Exhale Breathing
Box Breathing
Physiological Sigh
Sarpini Viloma
Ratio Breathing
Ujjayi Pranayama
Kapalabhati
Bhastrika
Nadi Shodhana
Chandra Bhedana
Breath of Ice
Pyramid Breath

Students will explore the purpose, application, modifications, and safety considerations associated with each practice.

4. Breathwork and Nervous System Regulation

Examine how different breathing patterns interact with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and how intentional breathing can support relaxation, attention, emotional awareness, and self-regulation.

5. Breathwork Sequencing and Facilitation

Learn how to structure intentional breathing sequences for individual practice, yoga classes, and wellness settings. Explore effective verbal cueing, pacing, musical integration, transitions, and grounding.

6. Safety, Ethics, and Trauma-Informed Practice

Understand contraindications, appropriate modifications, informed consent, professional boundaries, and the importance of offering choice and autonomy throughout a breathwork experience.

7. Practical Application and Integration

Develop the confidence to guide appropriate foundational breathing techniques through supervised practice, peer facilitation, feedback, and personal exploration.

Who Is This Training Designed For?

Breathwork Foundations is open to individuals interested in understanding the breath more deeply, both personally and professionally, including: • Yoga Teachers and Yoga Practitioners Teachers looking to expand their understanding of pranayama, introduce intentional breathwork into classes, or build confidence guiding breathing practices. Dedicated practitioners looking to deepen their personal practice are also welcome. • Therapists, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals Licensed professionals interested in breath awareness, nervous system physiology, and complementary self-regulation practices that may be incorporated into their work within their training, licensure, and scope of practice. • Personal Trainers, Fitness Professionals, and Movement Educators Professionals interested in respiratory mechanics, breath awareness during movement, recovery practices, and the relationship between breathing and physical performance. • Meditation Teachers, Coaches, and Wellness Practitioners Professionals looking to expand their tools for mindfulness, relaxation, guided experiences, and intentional mind-body awareness. • Anyone Interested in Personal Growth Individuals drawn to breathwork, meditation, yoga philosophy, nervous system awareness, and exploring breath as a pathway to greater presence and self-understanding. No prior yoga teacher certification or professional breathwork experience is required.

Prerequisites and Materials

No previous breathwork training or yoga certification is required. Participants should be comfortable engaging in gentle breathing exercises, self-reflection, and group learning.

What to Bring

• Yoga mat and any preferred meditation props • Notebook and pen • Water and comfortable clothing • An open mind and willingness to explore A comprehensive training manual will be provided. Some practices involve increased respiratory intensity or breath retention. Modifications and alternatives will be offered, and participants are encouraged to communicate any relevant health concerns before participating.

Your guide on this yoga training

Brian A.

Brian Amos is the founder of Valhalla Yoga and Wellness, a practice devoted to nervous system regulation, breathwork, and deep inner transformation. His work blends strength, movement, and breath with spiritual depth, offering grounded tools that create real change in the body and mind.He began his yoga journey in 2009 while serving abroad in a warzone for the U.S. Air Force, where yoga and bre...

Brian Amos is the founder of Valhalla Yoga and Wellness, a practice devoted to nervous system regulation, breathwork, and deep inner transformation. His work blends strength, movement, and breath with spiritual depth, offering grounded tools that create real change in the body and mind.
He began his yoga journey in 2009 while serving abroad in a warzone for the U.S. Air Force, where yoga and breath became a lifeline through post traumatic stress. What started as survival became purpose. Over time, he developed a powerful, multi disciplined approach rooted in Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha, Kundalini, and advanced pranayama, merging ancient wisdom with modern science.
Brian has studied with leaders in breath and nervous system science, including authors Dr Stephen Porges (The Polyvagal Theory) and Patrick McKeown (The Oxygen Advantage) also training in Wim Hof and taking inspiration from Swami Rama (The Path of Fire and Light).
In 2022, he trained in person with Sadhguru, and in 2024 was initiated into the Kriya Yoga lineage made famous by Paramahamsa Yogananda. His teaching carries both discipline and depth, guiding others back to the breath as a direct path to clarity, resilience, and something far greater within.