The following is a recorded audio and visual version of Patrick McKeown’s talk that was given specifically for Yoga Teachers and Yoga Therapists.
Feel free to download the recordings and keep them to help you with your continued studies.
A few people got in touch with me post-event to ask more about my question to Patrick regarding the use and benefits of fast breathing and pranayama practices such as:
1. Tummo breathing (Tibetan Yoga)
2. Wim Hof breathing (Wim Hof research)
3. Breath of Fire (Kundalini Yoga)
4. Kapalabhati (Hatha Yoga)
5. Bhastrika Pranayama (Hatha Yoga)
I sent Patrick the article on fast versus slow breathing for anxiety and depression prior to the talk to make sure he was in agreement with the following research. He was!
I believe that we need to try and find what works for the individual based on their state and the science and listen to their feedback about what works for them.
I also believe if we are “toggling the nervous system” with about ten minutes of fast breathing per day (maximum) and then like he said, follow it with slow breathing, we get the benefits of both worlds.
I hope this research helps you and clarifies that both fast and slow have their benefits, but that ultimately to understand the true yogic state, the slow breathing would be the place to rest and practice for both health and transcendental benefits.
I’m sure there is more research in the field to come. Exciting times!
Warm wishes,
Celia Roberts
If you would like to contact Celia to learn more about the meditation teacher training journey, please do visit our Meditation Teacher Training Page or find us on Facebook or Instagram or contact Celia directly.