Prana itself is energy—a Life Force that penetrates every atom of our being and the environment we reside in. By becoming more in tune with the energy within and around us, we can enliven the body, quiet the mind, and expand our consciousness.
Pranic energy has a primary source in the sun and is directly responsible for our vitality and well-being. It provides life and light to all of existence. We can also personally receive Prana from the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Our natural environment provides the life energy that sustains us.
The Prana Vayus describe the directions in which energy moves through the body.
Prana = Life force of the energetic body
Vayu = That which flows (wind)
The prana vayus are part of the air element. They connect and balance the activities of our physical body, the koshas (layers/ sheaths surrounding the soul), and the functions of the mind.
When the vayus are in balance, the body and mind can function at full potential, and we can live life in a natural, harmonious rhythm.
There are 5 main movements and functions of prana with prana and apana being the most influential.
Feeling out of balance?
Try this breath and mudra practice to increase presence, stabilise and engage with the subtle elements of Prana and Apana.
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Prana Vayu (expanding/receiving)
Prana Vayu brings energy and moves the energy upwards. I like to describe it as the master vayu as it controls the other 4 main vayus. It occupies the Vishuddhi (throat) and Anahata (heart chakras). It is the channel in which:
- we receive and expand with the breath
- the breath and body move
- is responsible for the digestion of impressions and ideas
- energises all of the koshas
- occupies the lungs, our respiratory and circulatory system
- Is the center of life energy
- energy is drawn from our environment, like drawing energy from nature
When in balance, life can be experienced through a positive lens; there is a sense of balance and ease with all that life presents us without the need or want to change anything.
On a subtle level, the qualities of the heart and throat are powerful and in flow, coming through as courage, love, nurturing, speaking your truth, and standing in your power. It holds the intelligence of the soul, which is said to reside in the heart.
Prana vayu works alongside Agni (fire) and, with it, gives energy to the mind and senses.
When out of balance, life can feel depleted and overwhelming, the breath experience is shallow, and the ability to empathise and have good insight is reduced.
Apana Vayu (grounding/ability to release)
Apana governs the movement of energy downwards and creates movement in the digestive and reproductive systems between the naval and perineum.
Apana Vayu:
- releases the air and toxins from the body
- releases toxins via the digestive system
- offers a sense of grounding when in balance
- dispels negativity
- nourishes new life in the womb and pushes it out when it is time for birth
When in balance, life can be experienced in a grounded and stable state, and energy flows more easily. Toxic thoughts and impressions are eliminated more easily, and toxins are dispelled from the body.
On a subtle level, it brings energy down through the koshas. The Svadhisthana (sacral chakra) and Muladhara (root) chakras are in the range of apana. The kundalini force lies on the outside edge of Apana, which assists in awakening the kundalini from the coiled position, ascending energy upward towards the crown.
When out of balance, the human condition can feel ungrounded and feel the weight of heaviness in the head. This can often result in depressive symptoms and stagnant energy in the body.
Apana draws the energy down to Muladhara (root) chakra, which is associated with the earth (Prithvi) element where we interact with the world.
Under Prana, the energy is drawn up to Sahasrara, which is associated with ether (Akasha), the subtlest of the elements where we experience our highest nature.
In an integrated yoga practice the movement of prana and apana move towards each other and meet samana vayu. At this point, agni arises, the inner and the outer are brought together, and Kundalini starts to awaken. Kriya, pranayama, asana, and bandha practice all help to unite these two opposing values.
Samana Vayu (catalyst/absorption)
Samana operates between prana and apana and between the naval and the diaphragm. It is a balancer and equalizer of the two opposing forces of prana and apana.
It transforms and absorbs energy via the digestion of food and mental digestion. Samana Vayu
- activates and maintains the digestive organs and their functions
- is responsible for metabolism
- is associated with digestive fire
- Is responsible for Manipura (solar) chakra
On a subtle level, it maintains a balance between the koshas. Just as samana helps digest food, it is also responsible for digesting information and mental impressions.
When out of balance, you can feel a sense of disharmony, an overactive mind, and a limited capacity to absorb or digest information.
Udana vayu (Action, stability, clarity)
Udana operates in the extremities, neck, and head. It's responsible for all the sensory organs (eyes, nose, mouth, ears, skin) and organs of action, including the hands, feet, and speech. It governs the coordination of the limbs and directs the brain activity that governs movement.
Udana Vayu:
- works alongside Prana on the breath, food, and drink consumption
- Governs all functions of the throat and mouth
- Operates as an energy pathway/conduit between the heart and the brain
- Is responsible for keeping us upright
When in balance, you may be full of aspiration and enthusiasm, show effort in all activities life presents, and experience mental growth.
On a subtle level, Udana Vayu helps with mental clarity and clear speech. Its space of influence begins from the region of Vishuddhi (throat) chakra and spreads through Anja (third eye), Bindu, and Sahasrara (crown) chakras. It brings energy up the koshas from gross to subtle. Udana's activities become very quiet and slow during meditation.
When imbalanced, you may experience breathing difficulties, low physical and mental energy, and difficulty expressing thoughts clearly through speech.
Vyana Vayu (the integrator and reserver of energy)
Vyana is throughout the whole body and is the reservoir of energy. It helps all the other Vayus when they need help. It has been described as the “second wind” we often talk about when a new wave of energy appears following a tiring period.
Vyana Vayu:
- Co-ordinates the reflexes
- Causes the flow of energetic reactions like sweating when nervous or goosebumps when excited
- Acts as a reservoir of energy that allows all the other Vayus to function when depleted.
On a subtle level, Vyana works in circulation with all koshas and is the vehicle of consciousness through the body.
When imbalanced, you may experience a lack of coordination, an inability to reach out to the community, and an erratic mind.
The 5 Prana Vayus can be harmonised and balanced by practicing yoga asana, pranayama, kriya, and meditation.
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