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Pranayama for Health Conditions

With Melinda Atkins, M.Ed., M.S., C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, and Adam Flores, LMT, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, YACEP

                                                                                                                           

2027 Training Dates                                                    

  • Friday, February 26, 2027; 6pm-9pm (Eastern Time)
  • Saturday, February 27, 2027: 11am–7pm (Eastern Time)
  • Sunday, February 28, 2027: 11 am–7pm (Eastern Time)
  • Sunday, March 7, 2027: Protocol Review, 11am-1 pm (Eastern Time)

Discover the Therapeutic Power of Breath

Explore the ancient science of pranayama and its therapeutic applications in supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Join Melinda Atkins and Adam Flores for an immersive, evidence-informed training that integrates traditional yogic teachings with contemporary understanding of respiratory physiology, nervous system regulation, and the relationship between breath and health.

Through guided practices, experiential learning, and practical applications, participants will develop the knowledge and skills to assess breathing patterns, adapt pranayama techniques, and design individualized protocols for a variety of health conditions.

100% Live Online via Zoom: Participate from the comfort of your home while engaging in interactive instruction, guided practice, and meaningful group discussions.

Continuing Education: This course is designated as an Approved Professional Development (APD) offering by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), providing 33 continuing education credits.

Course Content & Learning Objectives

This training explores the therapeutic applications of pranayama, integrating traditional yogic teachings with contemporary understanding of breathing physiology, mental health, and individualized yoga therapy.

Participants will explore:

  • Foundations of Pranayama: The history, philosophy, and development of pranayama, including traditional concepts of prana (vital energy) and nadis (energetic channels).

  • Breath and the Human Body: The physiological, psychological, and energetic dimensions of breathing, including its relationship to the respiratory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems.

  • Breath and Mental Health: The relationship between breathing patterns, nervous system regulation, cognitive functioning, neuroplasticity, and emotional well-being.

  • Breathing Assessment: Observing and assessing individual breathing patterns and considering their relationship to specific health conditions.

  • Therapeutic Pranayama Techniques: Exploring, practicing, and adapting breathing techniques to support individuals with diverse physical and mental health needs.

  • Individualized Protocol Development: Designing appropriate pranayama protocols based on client assessments, health conditions, and therapeutic goals.

  • Clinical Integration and Practical Application: Applying pranayama through guided practice, experiential learning, and small-group discussions to develop skills for therapeutic settings.

Practical Application: Participants will develop individualized pranayama protocols and participate in a scheduled protocol review to support the integration of course concepts into their personal and professional practice.

What Students Are Saying

“I feel well-prepared to practice the techniques and eventually offer to my clients.”
— D. H.

“I would highly recommend this training as it is authentic, experiential, thorough and rich in history based on classical teachings. I believe every yoga teacher needs this training as a foundational practice as it makes teachers move deeper into being practitioners.”
— L. M.

“Thank you, AUM hOMe Shala, for hosting such a magnificent learning experience!”
— D. S.

“I really appreciated the practice it gave me in experiencing and leading the material taught. It paired really nicely with the background context given in the meditation course.”
— T. H.

“World class! So fortunate to have someone who not only has a lifetime of experience teaching but who is also really devoted to his own practice.”
— A. F.

2027 Tuition & Registration

Early-Bird Rate Available through January 15, 2027

  • 4-Day, 33-Hour Certification: $575 Early Bird | $625 Regular

Regular tuition applies after January 15, 2027.

Cancellation Policy

  • 21 days or more before the program: Full tuition refund, minus a $100 nonrefundable processing fee and an additional $200 course materials fee if the online curriculum has been accessed.

  • 8–20 days before the program: Refund of 50% of tuition, minus the $100 nonrefundable processing fee and an additional $200 course materials fee if the online curriculum has been accessed.

  • 7 days or fewer before the program: No refunds.

All fees are in USD. Refund deductions will not exceed the tuition paid.

About Your Instructors

Melinda Atkins, M.Ed., M.S., C-IAYT, E-RYT 500

Melinda Atkins is the founder and director of AUM hOMe Shala, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and IAYT-accredited yoga therapy school. With more than 40,000 teaching hours, she brings extensive experience in yoga therapy, education, and community-based wellness programs.

A graduate of Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and Loyola Marymount University’s Yoga Therapy program, Melinda was among the first yoga therapists in Florida certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). She currently serves on the IAYT Accreditation Committee.

Her work includes developing therapeutic yoga programs for adults and children, including specialized offerings for autism, ADHD, emotional regulation, Parkinson’s disease, and other neuromotor conditions. A contributing author to Yoga Therapy Foundations, Tools, and Practice, Melinda continues to develop and seek grant funding for accessible, community-based yoga therapy programs.

Adam Flores, LMT, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, YACEP

Adam Flores is a licensed massage therapist, certified yoga therapist, holistic health counselor, herbalist, and owner of Down to Earth Yoga and Wellness in Port St. Lucie, Florida. With more than 20 years of yoga experience, he specializes in therapeutic yoga, massage therapy, and holistic wellness, with advanced training in neurodegenerative conditions and mental health.

Adam has extensive experience working with underserved populations, including LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, individuals in addiction recovery, and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Through his work with the Inner Truth Project, he develops holistic wellness programs that support healing and recovery.

As a faculty member at AUM hOMe Shala, Adam teaches yoga therapy for Parkinson’s disease through grant-funded programs, co-facilitates professional trainings in respiratory health, cardiovascular health, and Ayurveda, and mentors yoga therapy students. He also leads a weekly online, donation-based Pranayama class, integrating traditional breathing practices with contemporary therapeutic applications.

4-Day 33-Hour Certification (early bird through January 15, 2027)
$575.00 USD
Pranayama for Health Conditions
Price: 575.00 USD