We breathe roughly twenty thousand times a day, and most of us do it without any awareness at all. Breathwork classes at Sal Yoga start from a simple idea: when we change how we breathe, we change the state of the nervous system, our energy levels, and the quality of our thoughts. This is not an add on to yoga, it is its foundation.
Why breath matters so much
In yogic tradition, breath is called prana, the life force that connects body and mind. Controlled breathing, known as pranayama, is an ancient science of managing that energy through specific techniques of inhalation, exhalation, and breath retention. From a scientific standpoint, how we breathe directly affects the nervous system: slow, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic system and calms the body, while fast, shallow breathing keeps the body in a state of alertness and stress.
Techniques taught
| Technique | Effect |
|---|---|
| Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) | Balances the nervous system, calms the mind |
| Ujjayi breath | Builds internal heat and focus during practice |
| Deep belly breathing | Reduces stress, encourages relaxation |
Each technique is taught gradually, with enough time to feel the difference in the body before moving on to the next level.
Who benefits most from this practice
Breathwork is especially useful for people dealing daily with anxiety, work related stress, or insomnia, but it is just as valuable for athletes who want better breath control under exertion, or for anyone who simply feels like they are "running out of air" in daily life, both figuratively and literally.
One session, several layers of change
A session usually begins with a brief observation of your current breathing pattern, before a technique is introduced. The exercise is followed by silence, a space where the difference can actually be felt. Many students describe that moment as the first time all day they truly stopped.
Why practice breathwork with Sal Yoga
Tanja Nikolic, a certified yoga teacher (E-RYT 500), leads these sessions at the studio in the heart of Pula, at Argonautska ul. 28, with a particular focus on pranayama as part of a wider yoga practice, not an isolated technique.
Questions we get asked often
Do I need prior yoga experience?
No, breathwork can be learned completely independently of any experience with poses.
Can I practice these techniques on my own at home?
Yes, the goal is for you to learn them well enough that they become part of your daily life.
I feel dizzy during the exercises, is that normal?
Mild dizziness sometimes occurs with new techniques, but if it is pronounced, the intensity and pace are always adjusted.
How quickly do results show?
Some effects, like calmness, are felt immediately, while deeper changes in breathing patterns build over weeks of regular practice.
Is this suitable for people with respiratory issues?
Caution and a prior conversation are needed, the program is adapted to each situation individually.
Where do the sessions take place?
Sessions take place at the Sal Yoga studio at Argonautska ul. 28, 52100 Pula.
If you are ready to change your relationship with something you do twenty thousand times a day, check our schedule or contact us and let's arrange your first session.
