Breath as Medicine: Yogic Breathing Practices for Resilient Aging and Bone Health

Session One: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Session Two: Thursday, March 5, 2025
Recorded Yoga Practice Video

As yoga practitioners and teachers, we understand that breath (prana) is the essence of life. In this therapeutic yoga course, renowned yoga teacher Doug Keller explores why yogic breathing practices become increasingly crucial as we age, offering a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern science to support healthy aging.

The Aging Respiratory System: A Critical Understanding

Research shows that by age 65, our lung capacity can decrease by up to 40%, significantly impacting overall vitality. Dyspnea (shortness of breath) affects approximately 30% of adults over 65, leading to reduced physical activity and a cascade of health challenges. This decline isn’t inevitable – through conscious breathing practices, we can maintain and even improve respiratory function.

Is Your Breathing Patterns Putting You at Increased Risk of Osteoporosis?

Recent research has revealed a fascinating connection between breathing patterns and bone health. 

Breathing influences bone health primarily through its impact on oxygen levels in the body, where inadequate oxygen (hypoxia) due to respiratory issues can lead to decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures; essentially, poor lung function can negatively affect bone health by disrupting the normal bone remodeling process and promoting bone loss, particularly in individuals with chronic respiratory diseases like COPD.

Proper breathing mechanics stimulate bone formation through mechanical stress and improved oxygenation. 

For those concerned about osteoporosis, optimal breathing patterns support the body’s natural bone-building processes. Deep diaphragmatic breathing, a cornerstone of yoga practice, has been shown to improve bone density in the spine and hip regions through gentle mechanical loading.

In this course, Doug Keller will share how different yogic breathing techniques can help you preserve the muscle strength necessary to retain full and healthy diaphragmatic breathing patterns,

Learn How to Harness The Power of Nitric Oxide

Learn how deep yogic breathing can help you harness the power of nitric oxide, a substance naturally produced by the body, which plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure, supporting the immune system, promoting healthy bone metabolism and maintaining healthy lung function.

Learn how certain types of pranayama can be particularly helpful in naturally stimulating nitric oxide production in the body. 

What You Will Learn

Through practical sessions and theoretical understanding, join Doug to explore:

Anatomical Understanding

  • The aging respiratory system
  • Relationship between posture, breath, and bone health
  • Role of the diaphragm in maintaining vital capacity
  • Connection between breath patterns and autonomic nervous system function

Pranayama for Longevity

  • Advanced techniques for increasing vital capacity
  • Specific practices for nitric oxide production
  • Breath retention practices (kumbhaka) adapted for aging practitioners
  • Integration of bandhas (energy locks) for respiratory strength

Practical Applications

  • Creating age-appropriate breathing sequences
  • Adapting traditional pranayama for different ability levels
  • Using props and modifications to support optimal breathing
  • Developing home practice routines

Teaching Methodology

  • Special considerations for teaching older students
  • Contraindications and safety guidelines
  • Assessment tools for breathing capacity
  • Integration of breathing practices into asana sequences

This course is ideal for:

  • Experienced yoga practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of breath work
  • Yoga teachers working with aging populations
  • Anyone interested in the therapeutic applications of pranayama
  • Practitioners concerned about maintaining respiratory and bone health

 

Session One: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Session Two: Thursday, March 5, 2025
Recorded Yoga Practice Video

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Doug Keller’s background reflects a lifelong commitment to studying, imbibing and sharing the vast field of knowledge and practice known as yoga. He spent a total of 14 years doing service, practicing, and teaching yoga. 

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