Location
Dr. Struyckenstraat 165
Breda, Noord-Brabant 4812
Netherlands
Stress Relief through Yoga and Ayurveda
The vagus nerve constitutes the neural pathway (enteric nervous system) which is the fastest and most direct communication route between the gut and the brain. This enteric nervous system monitors digestion and sends nutrients, chemicals, and microbial metabolites to the central nervous system.
Stress responses we encounter in our daily life lead to inflammation by turning off the vagus nerve, further leading to intestinal permeability, loss of beneficial gut bacteria, yeast buildup, loss of beneficial hormones (such as Vitamin D), loss of immune resilience, and susceptibility to autoimmune conditions.
For thousands of years, the traditions of Yoga and Ayurveda have preserved practical methods of stimulating the vagus nerve thus preventing the premature onset of stress response, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, and supporting the healthy functioning of the gut microbiome and of the manovāha srotas—the subtle channels through which the mentally guided emotional energy flow. Today, modern science has begun to recognize the role of the vagus nerve in many of these same processes of relief from stress, rejuvenation, and resilience.
In this experiential workshop, learn traditional Yoga and Ayurveda practices that have been transmitted through the Himalayan Yoga lineages to keep afar the premature and untimely use of stress response. Through guided pranayama breathing, postural flexions, and learning how to use cold water, you will explore how simple vagus nerve stimulation practices assist in preventing the onset of unnecessary stress response.
Stress Relief through Yoga and Ayurveda
The vagus nerve constitutes the neural pathway (enteric nervous system) which is the fastest and most direct communication route between the gut and the brain. This enteric nervous system monitors digestion and sends nutrients, chemicals, and microbial metabolites to the central nervous system.
Stress responses we encounter in our daily life lead to inflammation by turning off the vagus nerve, further leading to intestinal permeability, loss of beneficial gut bacteria, yeast buildup, loss of beneficial hormones (such as Vitamin D), loss of immune resilience, and susceptibility to autoimmune conditions.
For thousands of years, the traditions of Yoga and Ayurveda have preserved practical methods of stimulating the vagus nerve thus preventing the premature onset of stress response, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, and supporting the healthy functioning of the gut microbiome and of the manovāha srotas—the subtle channels through which the mentally guided emotional energy flow. Today, modern science has begun to recognize the role of the vagus nerve in many of these same processes of relief from stress, rejuvenation, and resilience.
In this experiential workshop, learn traditional Yoga and Ayurveda practices that have been transmitted through the Himalayan Yoga lineages to keep afar the premature and untimely use of stress response. Through guided pranayama breathing, postural flexions, and learning how to use cold water, you will explore how simple vagus nerve stimulation practices assist in preventing the onset of unnecessary stress response.
Workshop Date & Time
- Sunday, 6th December 2026
- 9:30 am - 3:00 pm (lunch included)
In this workshop, you will learn:
- Contraction of Palatoglossus muscle by positioning of your tongue, and learning a simpler version of Khecari-mudra to activate the vagus nerve (not possible for those with cleft palate).
- Bhrāmari pranayama breathing technique to stimulate the vagus nerve.
- Yogic exercises for stretching the Superficial Back Line fascia that connect the bottom of the feet with the eyebrow bridge wrapping around the back of the head.
- Yogic deep Ujjāyī breathing technique feeling the breath down to the pelvic floor with ease, using the partial closure of the glottis for activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Learn to contract the muscles of larynx next to the vocal cords through the voluntary impulse of the vagus nerve.
- Ayurvedic diet pointers to keep the vagus nerve communication along the gut-brain axis in an optimal manner.
- Himalayan Yoga dinacaryā morning cold water or soma-energization routine to stimulate the vagus nerve.
Continuing Education
This course is available for 3.5 hours of Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credit through the Subject Matter Expert pathway. Upon request, we will provide a certificate of completion for your submission to Yoga Alliance.
Included with Your Registration
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Hands-on Instruction: 3.5 hours of direct guidance and practical tips
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Resources: Reading Handouts and Digital Library of breathwork practices for 3 months (copies of slides are not available)
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Vegetarian lunch: Ayurvedic meal served after the conclusion of the class at 2:00pm
About Your Adept Teacher
His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda is a Himalayan siddha monk, who hails from unbroken lineages of the combined heritage of rishi sages and nath meditation adepts. He has directly learnt the Himalayan Kriyayoga meditation system from Tryambaknāth, (popularly known as Mahavatar Babaji) who is a deathless Himalayan siddha who has since relocated to Dhruvaloka during October 2015, after staying about 2000 years on earth.
Currently, His Holiness is developing Sambhala Online University based on the teachings from Jñanā-gañja, a siddha enclave located in Tibet, east of Limpiadhura Pass bordering India.
He is among the very few adepts outside of India who has been awarded the degree of DLitt et Phil (Mahāmahopādhyāya) by the erstwhile President of the Association of Indian Universities and by the Sanskrit scholars of Calcutta, India. The degree was conferred in recognition of his meditative interpretation, scholarly analysis, and ability to articulate the philosophical nuances of Sanskrit literature.
Reading Material Before Workshop
Prior understanding of basic principles of breathing will be helpful.
- Read an article by His Holiness on deep core breathing
- Practice and learn more about Ujjayi breathing with this six-part video series
- Read an article about Himalayan Ujjayi Pranayama
What to Bring
Bring a refillable water container. Chairs and meditation cushions will be provided, so please do not bring any cushions. You do not need a yoga mat for this workshop, so there is no need to bring one.
Food Guidelines (Before Workshop)
Avoid mucous generating (mucogenic) foods (dairy, fried foods, processed foods) 24 hours prior to the workshop. Avoid eating at least 2 hours before the Workshop and make yourself feel light and agile. Supper that you may have the day before the workshop should be very light. Please hydrate copiously leading up to this Workshop. There will be a short break at around 11:45pm. A vegetarian boxed lunch will be served after the conclusion of the classes at around 2:00pm.
Medical Considerations
The following conditions are not suitable for Ujjayi breathing (prāṇāyāma) practice: (a) high blood pressure; (b) severely deviated septum; (c) shortness of breath; (d) habitual breathing through the mouth during night-time; (e) heavily clogged or severely inflamed sinuses; (f) pregnancy; and (g) migraine headaches. Practicing with any type of headache or a racing heartbeat is contraindicated. The minimum age of practice for this particular set of practices is 13 years old. If you have any of these conditions, please consult with your personal physician before practicing using the free videos. If you are experiencing severe migraines or any other digestive discomfort just before the Workshop, you may abstain from attending and you will get a full refund for medical reasons.
Community Safety Guidelines
- Please stay home if you are experiencing a fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue or any other flu-like or symptoms.
- The Nonprofit will issue a full refund of your registration fee if you must cancel attendance due to illness.
- Please follow basic infection prevention and control practices by regularly washing hands with soap and water or with essential oil (such as lavender oil), and by covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your inner elbow.
Teen Attendance
Teenagers under the age of 18 years may attend if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. We do not recommend this Workshop for anyone under the age of 13. Please write to us if you have a particular inquiry.
Cancellation Policy
Registration Cancellation
In order to receive a refund, please notify Self Enquiry Life Fellowship’s main office either by email at quest@hansavedas.org or by phone at 909-543-6003. No refunds or credits toward registration amount will be offered if you cancel within 7 days of the start date of the event, if you do not show up, or if you leave an event early for any reason.
Registration Amount Refunds
Full refunds are available if your cancellation request is received at least 15 days prior to the workshop or retreat check-in date. A 75% refund of registration fees is available if your cancellation is received between 8 and 14 days prior to the retreat or workshop check-in date. Please check the description to see if your event has a special cancellation policy. No refunds or credits toward registration amount will be offered if you cancel within 7 days of the start date of the event, if you do not show up, or if you leave an event early for any reason.
Cancellation by the Organizer
Self Enquiry Life Fellowship reserves the right to cancel any event at any time. In the instance an event is cancelled, registrants will be notified and offered the option of receiving a refund or credit toward a future event. While Self Enquiry Life Fellowship never anticipates cancelling an event, due to unforeseeable circumstances some events may be canceled. Self Enquiry Life Fellowship does not refund travel related expenses, including airline tickets, in the case of event cancellation. Therefore Self Enquiry Life Fellowship advises all participants to refrain from purchasing non-refundable airline tickets.
Location
Dr. Struyckenstraat 165
Breda, Noord-Brabant 4812
Netherlands