The Power of Prana
Prana is everywhere. It is the life force or vital energy that exists in all living things. With each breath we take, we bring this life force energy into the body. As we influence the flow of prana in our bodies through our breath, we can influence the state of our minds and the health of our bodies.
In yoga, pranayama is the “extension or expansion of the dimension of prana”. It is the act of conscious breathing where the breath is the bridge between the body and the mind. Pranayama techniques can therefore bring clarity to the mind and balance to the body through the awareness of the breath.
When there is not enough prana within the body, we can feel stuck and lack motivation and drive and we may experience physical illness in the body. When prana is flowing easily and is contained within the body then we can feel balanced and in good health.
In yoga philosophy, there are five areas of the body that prana moves to, known as Prana Vayus. They are:
1. Udana vayu – sits around the head and neck area and controls our senses and communication. It relates to the throat chakra (vishuddha) and the element of ether and assists in responding to the outside world.
2. Prana vayu – sits around the chest area and is associated with the heart and organs of respiration. It relates to the heart chakra (anahata) and the element of air and is where prana is drawn inside the body.
3. Samana vayu – sits between the heart and navel around the stomach region and is responsible for digestion and assimilation of food, nutrients, emotions, and experiences. It relates to the solar plexus chakra (manipura) and the element of fire and is where our inner fire (agni) sits.
4. Apana vayu – located in the lower abdomen region and is key to the elimination of waste and toxins from the body. It relates to the base chakra (muladhara) and the element of earth. It is the force that expels prana from the body and if this does not flow easily it can cause feelings of sluggishness.
5. Vyana vayu – this circles the whole energetic body and regulates and controls all movement and coordinates the other prana vayus. It governs the passage of prana through the muscles, joints, veins, and the circulatory system. It relates to the sacral chakra (svadisthana) and the element of water and helps us to feel integrated.
It is important that all five prana vayus are in balance and flowing through the body. When one area of the body is lacking or in excess of prana it will lead to an imbalance in the body and mind.
Lifestyle choices such as how we eat, sleep and work will all affect the flow of prana in the body, as well as our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions.
Through the practice of pranayama, we can balance the flow of life force energy, reduce toxins and impurities, and reach a place of homeostasis in the body and mind.