Most yoga teachers are taught that chest opening is the key to better pranayama, but what if that’s actually the last thing to focus on?

In this solo episode, I share the five areas of asana practice that matter most when preparing the body for pranayama. We explore lung anatomy, spinal mobility, nervous system regulation, hip flexor tension, diaphragm function, and why true breath expansion comes from working with the whole body, not just the chest. If you want your pranayama practice to feel more effortless and effective, this episode offers a practical framework you can start applying right away.

Episode Highlights:

• Common pranayama preparation myths
• Body as the container of prana
• Side and back body breathing
• Lung anatomy and breath capacity
• Spinal mobility for pranayama
• False expansion through chest opening
• Nervous system regulation through breath
• Front body dominance and stress
• Hip flexors and diaphragm function
• Lower abdomen freedom for breathing
• Chest opening as a result
• Intelligent asana preparation framework
• Breath literacy in practice
• Actionable pranayama preparation steps

Pranayam Teacher Training 2026

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